Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir will be officially appointed to the Order of British Columbia this evening.

She will be one of 13 British Columbians to receive the order in a ceremony at Government House in Victoria, joining former Attorney General of Canada Jody Wilson-Raybould, and soccer star Christine Sinclair among others.

Casimir became a nationally-recognized figure in 2021 when she led her community through the discovery of what is believed to be more than 200 unmarked graves on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

“Kúkpi7 Casimir brought the horrifying story of Le Estcwicwéý to the world. She was able to use the local, national and international media attention it received to help educate the public about the real history of the colonial impacts of the residential school system. This story brought a collective, nationwide grieving to Canada, as people who previously knew little about residential schools now stood side by side with TteS in shock and horror,” the BC Government said, in its biography of Casimir.

“This was the start of a mass education process and a renewed commitment to learning about the effects of residential schools and the racism faced by Indigenous Peoples.”

Casimir also represented B.C. as a delegate to the Vatican to discuss the church’s role in Canada’s residential school system – a visit that culminated in an apology from the Pope and a Papal trip to Canada.

Speaking with RadioNL just before the award ceremony in Victoria on Thursday, Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir says she is honour to be a recipient of this award from the province.

“I’m truly humbled. I know that I’ve truly been pressed into that spotlight, with everything throughout the pandemic to the to 215 unmarked graves and to where we are today.”

While Casimir says the past couple of years have been a journey, she says she is always striving to make her community proud.

“It was a huge responsibility to be a leader for my community, but most importantly, to be able to communicate in a way that is going to uphold the integrity and the respect of our residential school survivors and, and the true history of our people that have been impacted from the residential school system,” she said.

Additionally, Kukpi7 says she will continue to build stronger relationships between all levels to continue educating towards a better understanding.

“All I want to do is make my community proud, honoring the integrity and the importance of relationships to be able to further advance and be a part of a future that’s going to be positive for future generations.”

Former Tk’emlúps Chief, Manny Jules, was named to the Order of British Columbia back in 2009.

“I’m very proud of him and all the work that he’s done for all of us right across Turtle Island,” said Casimir.

Mildred Gottfriedson, who was also a band member, was the first First Nations person to be named a member of the Order of Canada back in 1977.

“She has done so much for the Women’s Association of Canada, and of course, changing the legislature for women’s rights, Bill C-31, for those that were just coming back to unity,” added Casimir.

In a statement, Tk’emlups te Secwepemc says Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir extends her deep appreciation for all those who nominated her for this prestigious recognition as well as those who made the final selection.

“She is honoured to be the second TteS member to receive this highest provincial honour,” it said in the statement.

“She endeavors are to make her people proud, build positive relationships, and she vows to continue carrying the truths of our elders and survivors on this journey redefining a true collective history of those impacted by Indian Residential Schools, and those who did not make it home.”

-With Files from Abby Zieverink