Kukwpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir is a respected Indigenous leader, diplomat, and advocate for community-driven governance, environmental stewardship, and intergovernmental collaboration. She has served multiple terms as Kukwpi7 of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, leading with integrity, clarity, and a deep commitment to Secwépemc laws, values, and responsibilities.
She is widely recognized across Canada and internationally for her leadership following the identification of unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. As the elected leader and spokesperson at the time, Kukwpi7 Casimir guided one of the most significant and emotional national conversations in recent history, bringing truth forward with compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to honouring the children and supporting Survivors and their families.
In her role overseeing Public Relations and External Affairs, she continues to strengthen relationships with all levels of government, industry, and community partners. She is known for her principled, solutions-focused approach and for advancing opportunities that support sustainable development, community well-being, and the recognition of Indigenous rights and title.
Kukwpi7 Casimir remains dedicated to uplifting her community and ensuring that Secwépemc voices are meaningfully included in regional and national decision-making. She also respectfully acknowledges the traditional territories of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. This land is part of Treaty 13 and continues to be home to many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. As a Secwépemc leader, she honours the original peoples of this territory and expresses her deep gratitude for the opportunity to gather, share knowledge, and continue the important work of dialogue and relationship-building.
