Tk’emlúps te Secwepmc gets ready for election on Saturday

Casimir says it was undeniably the most challenging years as chief. She says the confirmation of 215 unmarked graves were revealed on Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc land — and dealing with the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic — has strengthened her ability to lead.

“You have to step up to be able to give people hope. You also have to be stepping up to give them compassion and understanding. And also stepping up to support selective and how we can do that moving forward,” said Casimir.

Longtime band councillor Jeanette Jules says it’s her time to be chief. She says she will offer more communication and ensure that the band’s governance law is brought forward.

“We should be defining who our citizens are and ensuring that our membership is brought forward and passed on to our future generations, because they’re the ones that are going to inherit what we do today,” Jules.

Jules says she hopes to create a ‘healing centre’ for residential school survivors.

“So that we can start addressing the drug and alcohol and mental health issues that are facing our communities today,” Jules.

Also running is Chad Gottfriedson, who was once a band councillor. As chief, he says he is focused on the future.

“How we do that is through development. The other reason I decided to throw my hat in is looking after our membership through our elders, our youth,” said Gottfriedson.

Gottfriedson says he will have a different approach to the role because of his ability to socialize.

“I work with elders, the youth, and lots of business people. I think my technique would be different, very different than my other two candidates,” he said.

Band members will vote here at Moccason Square Gardens on Saturday (Nov. 13) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc will have its next chief right after the ballots are counted.

by Amandalina Letterio

Tk’emlúps te Secwepmc gets ready for election on Saturday

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