Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and TRU sign Knucwetwécw Agreement
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and Thompson Rivers University (TRU) signed a new partnership agreement on Tuesday, April 28, formalizing a relationship grounded in mutual recognition and a shared commitment to work together in areas of education, research and community priorities.
The Knucwetwécw Agreement, titled Me7 Elkstwécw-kt (We will work together), recognizes Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc as the First House for TRU’s Kamloops campus and affirms the importance of working together in a good and respectful way.
“This Agreement reflects our shared responsibility to walk together in a good way, while creating meaningful opportunities for students, families and our community. Through this Knucwetwécw Agreement, Me7 Elkstwécw-kt (We will work together), we are strengthening a relationship built on respect, accountability and the learning that happens when we work side by side,” said Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc.
Guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and related federal and provincial legislation, the Agreement outlines shared commitments connected to education, language, research, and Indigenous-led priorities. It also sets expectations for culturally safe practices and ethical research.
“We are grateful for the leadership of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and for the opportunity to deepen our work together in ways that honour Secwépemc culture, now and for those yet to come,” said Dr. Airini, TRU president and vice-chancellor. “As set out in Envision TRU, our strategic direction, we are committed to giving exceptional consideration to Secwépemc world views, and the Knucwetwécw Agreement reflects that commitment through how we work together in education, research and community life.”
An implementation plan will guide how the Agreement is put into action, with primary roles for the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Education Department and TRU Indigenous Education. The plan includes joint monitoring and regular leadership meetings to support accountability and ongoing dialogue.
The Knucwetwécw Agreement replaces earlier agreements between Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and TRU and sets a renewed foundation for working together in ways that respect Secwépemc sovereignty, knowledge systems and ways of life.
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