Tk’emlúps, Archdiocese take historic step towards reconciliation

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) took an “unprecedented and historic” step towards reconciliation with the Catholic Church this week.

On Easter Sunday, TteS signed a “Sacred Covenant” with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver and Roman Catholic Diocese of Kamloops.

The signing was announced last week by TteS Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir and Archbishop J. Michael Miller.

“The Sacred Covenant, signed on Easter Sunday, reflects our mutual acknowledgment of past wrongs, particularly the Catholic Church's role in the Residential School System, and a shared commitment to truth, reconciliation, and the future,” says the release from TteS,

“It clarifies the "Doctrine of Discovery” by affirming the dignity and rights of First Nations peoples, repudiating past injustices.”

According to a release issued by TteS shortly after the signing, the covenant is meant to outline what the First Nation calls “practical commitments.”

That includes honouring and memorializing residential school students, facilitating access to historical records, and retaining scientific expertise to support the Nation's efforts in uncovering the truth and promoting healing, the release says.

That refers to Tk’emlúps investigation into unmarked graves discovered near the property of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, which began in 2021.

“This Easter Sunday was a testament of allyship,” Casimir said.

“The Archdiocese of Vancouver and the Diocese of Kamloops have made it clear that they are embarking on this new journey of truth, justice, and healing with us.”

In his address, Archbishop Miller described the significance of the covenant not as a transaction, but as a relational and spiritual commitment to walk together on a path towards healing and understanding, the release from TteS says.

Miller also shared a message from Pope Francis in which he showed his support for the covenant.

Kúkpi7 Casimir had to attend the event virtually as she recovered from a broken leg, however, she also issued a statement in the release where she thanked the large group of Northern Secwepemc Elders who traveled from Canim Lake, Esketemc, Canoe Creek, and Williams Lake First Nations who travelled to Kamloops for Sunday mass.

Northwest Territories Regional Chief Gerald Antoine, Williams Lake First Nation Kúkpi7 Willie Sellars, Upper Nicola Band chief Dan Manuel, Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Frank Caputo, Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar and Kamloops city councillor Bill Sarai were also in attendance.