The City of Kamloops and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc have been named recipients of the 2nd annual British Columbia Reconciliation Award.

The award recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations that demonstrate leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s report.

It comes less than a month after Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian and Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir accepted a national Collaboration Award of Excellence from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators.

That award too recognized both communities for building relationships towards reconciliation.

Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir says the relationship they have built with the city fosters meaningful connections that have benefitted both organizations.

“We are honoured to be recognized for charting this path together and hope to be an inspiration to other communities with similar potential for collaboration.”

In a release the city says it has been working with Tk’emlúps for over a decade, to build on collaborative initiatives, including protocol, communication, and celebrations through shared service agreements, including fire protection, transit, and sanitary sewer management.

“This partnership has grown through a transparent process committed to acknowledging and celebrating Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc culture, values, and history,” said the city in a release.

After the announcement of the 215 suspected unmarked graves discovered at the former residential school, Mayor Ken Christian says the past year has been an important reminder that the city’s relationship with Tk’emlúps is “one of ongoing reconciliation.”

“Because of the enhanced level of trust between our two governments, we’ve been able to face the past together and acknowledge that we may still make mistakes, but we are also looking to the future and can see opportunity and hope in a collaborative path forward. We are honoured by the recognition we have received in this work and are encouraged to continue growing together.”

A formal ceremony to present the BC Reconciliation Award is being planned for the fall.