Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc, the City of Kamloops, and the Kamloops Museum and Archives will host an unveiling of the revitalized Memorial to Sir Wilfrid Laurier Plaque on Thursday, May 22, 2025, along the 100 block of Victoria Street.
The public plaque unveiling ceremony will take place from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm and is open to all members of the community. This special occasion will include an opening prayer by a Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc Elder, followed by the ceremony and light refreshments. Some seating will be available.
This unveiling ceremony commemorates the historic meeting of a delegation of Chiefs representing the Secwépemc, Syilx, and Nlaka'pamux Nations with Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier on August 25, 1910, in Kamloops. The Chiefs presented the Prime Minister with a powerful document outlining the history of their urgent grievances against the Governments of British Columbia and Canada. They asserted their sovereignty and petitioned the Government of Canada to do justice by confirming their land title, and rights.
A part of a larger historic political movement, the memorial also tells the story of the settler and Indigenous relations that resulted in the loss of the Indigenous Peoples’ homelands and livelihoods. This plaque and the joint ceremony are steps in ongoing reconciliation between the City of Kamloops and Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc that promise a better future for all in the region.
"Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc places great importance on our government-to-government relationship with the City of Kamloops. The joint unveiling of the Memorial to Sir Wilfrid Laurier plaque represents a significant and symbolic milestone and one that reflects our shared commitment to advancing the vision set forth by our ancestors in 1910. We take pride in the progress we have made together, remain steadfast in our aspirations for the future, and extend our sincere appreciation to all who are present to bear witness to this historic occasion,” said Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir.
“The City of Kamloops is honoured and proud to collaborate with Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc and the Secwépemc Nation within Secwepemcúĺecw to bring awareness and understanding of the monumental event that took place here in Kamloops,” said Stephen Karpuk, Deputy Mayor, City of Kamloops. “As part of our commitment to sharing the “truth” of Truth and Reconciliation, the City of Kamloops will continue to support the public sharing of local Indigenous history and continue to collaborate and enhance the relationship with Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc. We are honoured to share in this moment in time together with care and gratitude,” added Karpuk.
The Memorial to Sir Wilfrid Laurier plaque features a QR code that links directly to photos and comprehensive information about the history of this event.
For more information about the memorial, please visit Tkemlups.ca/1910-laurier-memorial or pick up a Downtown Kamloops Heritage Walking Tour guide from the Kamloops Museum and Archives.
All are invited to attend this event, as people gather to share in the knowledge and stories of this significant moment from our shared history.
