‘So many people are standing alongside us’: Tk’emlups hosts healing circle after apparent white nationalist gathering

“So many people are standing alongside us, and that gratitude is extended to everyone right across this nation,” Casimir said. “Everyone across Turtle Island have been reaching out to members, from council to all of you. But to everyone supporting and relaying messages that they stand in solidarity for our Elders, our survivors, but also the impacts of the residential school.”

Tk’emlups Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir. (Image Credit: Kent Simmonds/CFJC Today)

Kamloops Deputy Mayor Kelly Hall said the city stands in unity with Tkemlúps, adding there’s no room for hate, racism or residential school denialism in the region.

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“What we saw [Sunday] was despicable,” Hall said. “As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we learn from those who have cared for this valley in time immemorial. We stand against those who deny your history and our history. We condemn all acts of racism, denialism and hate.”

(Image Credit: Kent Simmonds/CFJC Today)

(Image Credit: Kent Simmons/CFJC Today)

(Image Credit: Kent Simmonds/CFJC Today)

Upper Nicola Band Chief Dan Manuel called the actions of the masked individuals Sunday deplorable and troubling. He said the Okanagan Nation Alliance will be taking initiatives to call on their men to be ready to respond if a similar incident transpires.

“If it happens in our communities… if it happens on the street. Where our men are present, we want them to be prepared to defend our people… our relatives,” Manuel said. “That’s a strong statement that will be coming from the Okanagan Nation. We will not tolerate intimidation or violence directed at any of our relatives or any Indian people across this country. We will be prepared to stand and defend our people. That’s our law.”

Upper Nicola Band Chief Dan Manuel. (Image Credit: Kent Simmonds/CFJC Today)

A separate flash mob is scheduled to take place at Chief Louis Crossing along the Yellowhead Highway on the Tk’emlups reserve on Tuesday (Sept. 29) from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Organizers say it’s a peaceful event, and all allies, dancers, drummers and singers are invited.

(Image Credit: Facebook/4 Generations Creations)

Elsewhere, the City of Kamloops and Tk’emlups are co-hosting an event for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday (Sept. 30) at the Powwow Arbour. Tk’emlups says the day will feature cultural programming and demonstrations, live performances, Indigenous artisans and food vendors, community resources, family activities and opportunities to learn and connect.

There are resources available for those suffering trauma because of the legacy of residential schools.

– with files from Kent Simmonds/CFJC Today

by Aaron Schulze

‘So many people are standing alongside us’: Tk’emlups hosts healing circle after apparent white nationalist gathering

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