Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir is visiting Pope Francis on Mar. 28 (Image Credit: Global News)

By Chad Klassen

PAPAL VISIT

Tk’emlups te Secwepemc prepares for visit with Pope Francis

Mar 11, 2022 | 11:03 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Chief of Tk’emlups te Secwepemc is preparing for a trip to the Vatican City to meet with Pope Francis.

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir leaves in two weeks for the Mar. 28 meeting. On Thursday night, Casimir was part of a meeting with other band members, who put forth their ideas on what should be discussed with Pope Francis.

Most importantly, elders and residential survivors want a meaningful apology from the Pope. They have been calling for an apology for years, but especially following the confirmation of 215 unmarked graves last May.

“What does that look like? That meaningful apology is to truly hear from our intergenerational survivors and to hear what they experienced, what they’ve been through, and for him to make that meaningful apology,” said Casimir.

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During the Mar. 28 meeting, which will be live-streamed from the Vatican, Kukpi7 Casimir will have one-on-one time with Pope Francis for 10 minutes, and during the meeting she will also formally extend an invite for him to visit the Kamloops Residential School.

“We know he’s going to be making that visit here in Canada this year, and we’re asking that he at least visit quite a few of the areas where unmarked graves have been identified,” she said.

by Chad Klassen

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Tk’emlups te Secwepemc prepares for visit with Pope Francis

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