An attendee (red sweater) shouts at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (Image Credit: CFJC Today)
Le Estcwicwéy̓

Kukpi7 Casimir denounces behaviour of attendees who disrupted Monday’s memorial at Tk’emlups

May 26, 2022 | 11:34 AM

Support services are in place for residential school survivors and their families here.

TK’EMLUPS — The chief of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is chiding those who disrupted a memorial ceremony Monday (May 23) by shouting at invited guests.

Hundreds attended the ceremony at the Kamloopa Powwow grounds Monday to commemorate the anniversary of the confirmation of the finding of Le Estcwicwe´y (The Missing) in unmarked graves near the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

Among the invited guests was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. During Trudeau’s remarks, a few attendees interrupted him by shouting, “You’re not welcome” and booing. Organizers responded by telling those who were shouting to be quiet.

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir says those who disrupted the memorial disrespected the year of mourning that is customary in Secwépemc cultural tradition.

“It is for that reason, that I was extremely disappointed that attendees of the Memorial were shouting rude remarks and insulting the organizers and guests that had been invited to our community to join us in honouring, upholding, and respecting Le Estcwicwe´y,” said Casimir in a news release. “Our cultural protocols are sacred and have been in place for thousands of years. These values are based in natural law and cannot be unwritten nor changed by any person or group of people. They dictate that we always hold guests in high regard.”

“The behaviour of a few, disrespected the honour of the day and the Elders, survivors and children that were present. We do not condone the disruptive behaviour.”

Casimir goes on to say the events of the day may have been triggering for some, but that is why cultural and mental health supports were made available.

She says anyone attending future events who acts in a similar fashion will be asked to leave.

Casimir thanks those who attended and supported Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, saying the support was greatly appreciated.