Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc says it has designated a location along the Thompson River where some “human and archeological” bones were found last September as a sacred site.

It says the undisclosed site has also been registered as an archaeological site protected under the BC Heritage Conservation Act.

In a statement, Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir says analysis has “confirmed that the human remains were of Indigenous descent with an estimated burial date of 1670 Before Present (BP).

“Here at Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc we will always uphold our inherent jurisdiction, TteS heritage, cultural laws, and Secwépemc values,” Casimir said. “We take our responsibility in the highest regard and appreciate the collaborative efforts by all.”

Added Kamloops Deputy Mayor for July Nancy Bepple, “The City of Kamloops upholds the Letter of Understanding signed between us that respects the formalization of a cultural heritage protocol that we follow. We appreciate the work of our technical teams and Council values the process.”

In September, Kamloops RCMP said the bones were embedded in the clay bank near the water’s edge when it was discovered along the riverbank by a passerby.

“We encourage the public to always report potential remains to the nearest RCMP detachment and Tk’emlúps,” the statement added.

To report artifacts other than remains, or for more information concerning archaeological sites, check the City of Kamloops Archaeological Sites Bulletin or contact the B.C. Archaeology Branch.

More to come