WATCH: Tk’emlúps honours Le Estcwicwé’y

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

TK’EMLUPS — Hundreds of community members are gathered at the Tk’emlúps powwow arbour today (May 23) to reflect on one-year since the band announced that unmarked graves of Le Estcwicwéy̓ (The Missing Children) were detected at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

Dignitaries from around the country, including Governor General Mary Simon, were in attendance for this morning’s opening remarks. While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to be at the arbour prior to the end of the public memorial event this evening.

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir addressing the crowd from the Tk’emlups arbour. (Image Credit: Adam Donnelly / CFJC Today)

Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir opened the day with a reflection on the past year, and what the band is currently working on. Including consultations with its legal team, and ensuring further ground-penetrating radar work is conducted in a way that blends science with cultural practices, and acknowledgment that there are several communities within Secwepemc’ulew that had children attend the Kamloops Indian Residential School.

TteS Language & Culture Department Manager Ted Gottfriedson also provided an in-depth presentation summarizing the events that took place before, and after the announcement was made to the world.

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Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, dancing, drumming, and musical entertainment is scheduled, along with an appearance from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

See below for the full schedule of the day’s events.