‘It establishes ownership and pride in our community’; Tk’emlups te Secwépemc opens first local market
KAMLOOPS — Thursday (Nov. 16) marked the grand opening celebration of the Sweláps Market — the first local market created by the community and for the community.
The opening of a grocery store on-reserve has been a goal of the Tk’emlups comprehensive community plan and is supported by band members.
“We see this as a very special, unique market within the grocery store industry. It’s community owned by the band, and it takes a lot of pride in bringing in art and culture, but also food sovereignty, opportunities and initiatives. That’s going to be meeting the diverse needs of so many people,” explained Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir.