Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc and the City of Kamloops have been recognized for demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to furthering reconciliation.

The 2021 and 2022 BC Reconciliation Award ceremony was held Thursday night in Victoria.

It was the first ever such ceremony, which was done in partnership between the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and the BC Achievement Foundation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Kukpi7 Roseanne Casimir says Canadians are taking more time to listen and learn which is key to paving a better path forward.

“It’s moving through that historic and moral reckoning,” said Casimir.  “Canadian citizens are talking about the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, reconciliation and learning true collective history. Truth-telling is finally happening and is moving forward.”

Casimir also acknowledged former Mayor Ken Christian, saying he is a “true friend” that never forced the idea of being inclusive, suggesting he had an understanding that the two communities need to work together for the betterment of each other.

“Looking at ways to find common things to support the importance of advancing and supporting the growth, but also to look at ways to support the importance of understanding and acknowledging and including who we are as First Nations.”

Ken Christian did not attend the event in Victoria.

The City of Kamloops was represented by rotating Deputy Mayor for January, Dale Bass.

–With files from Jeff Andreas