Opening Plenary: 215—A year later—Kúkpi7/Chief Rosanne Casimir

Opening Plenary 215—A year later

August 23, 2022 8:15 p.m.–9:30 p.m.

Kúkpi7/Chief Rosanne Casimir

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc/Kamloops

Rosanne Casimir is a strong Secwépemc Woman leading by example, and is the 13th elected Kukpi7/Chief for Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc. Rosanne upholds her own integrity, and lives by the words of: “Know your Passion, Visualize your Plan, Collect your Resources, and be Determined to Succeed!” She balances her life by serving her community as Kúkpi7/Chief, and by sharing with quality time with her family and taking time for recreation. She believes that personal wellness will lead to community wellness, and, in order to be a good leader, one must possess sufficient communication skills to communicate with all others in a positive and respectful manner, focusing on the fact that we are all equal and all have value. Prior to being elected Chief, Rosanne Casimir was elected for three terms as Councillor for Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, volunteered two years as Thompson Rivers University Foundation Board Member, and received the 2001 International Year of Volunteers Certificate from Canada Revenue Agency as a Canadian Volunteer from Jean Chretien, Prime Minister of Canada. She has received three Business Excellence and First Nation’s Women in Business Awards as a Wrap Artist and Female Entrepreneur of the former WrapZone, and was the Fashion Speaks Model for TteS 2017, Families of Sisters in Spirit, MMIW.

Rosanne Casimir’s work in Matrimonial Real Property (MRP) is best put in her own words:

I have been a frequent speaker across the Nation sharing how we raised awareness of the

Matrimonial Real Property…legislation within the community and our experience creating the law.

We were also positioned to provide comment on the need for legislative amendments and ongoing supports for us and for other First Nations across the Nation. BC Faculty of Law also invited me to present our story and gain a better understanding of the MRP Law. I was truly honoured to assist by sharing and creating greater awareness and appreciation of how we take ownership of our own laws as opposed to those that are imposed and incorporating our Secwepemc Laws and values.

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