STATEMENT – TteS Kukwpi7 Rosanne Casimir calls for resignation of MLA

November 18, 2025

Tk ̓ emlúps te Secwépemc Members, and all those who read this:

As Kukwpi7, I want to inform you that I moved a resolution at the BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) calling for the resignation of MLA Dallas Brodie for violating the BC Legislature’s Respectful Workplace Guidelines and the 2024–2028 Reconciliation Action Plans Call for Accountability.

Dallas Brodie’s harmful actions not only include the promotion and utilization of public funds to create and distribute residential school denialist sentiments and anti-Indigenous rhetoric publicly and within the Legislature. Her repeated expressions of denialism and acts of racism and discrimination are not isolated incidents; they reflect a continued pattern of colonial violence and disregard for the truth and lived experiences of Survivors.

Recently, Brodie posted on social media: “The number of confirmed child burials at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School site is zero. Zero.”

This rhetoric is harmful and misleading. Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs Grand Chief Stewart Phillip called these comments “racist denialist rhetoric” and reminded the public that there is ample physical, archival, and testimonial evidence of atrocities committed at residential schools. Even Opposition Leader John Rustad acknowledged: “Just about every residential school in the country has a cemetery, has children who passed at a residential school who have been buried there, so that’s just the facts.”

Dallas Brodie also adds to this harm, by adding false narratives that are circulating that we at Tk emlúps te Secwépemc are trying to “take over Kamloops and residents’ homes.” These claims misrepresent a legal Aboriginal title case filed in 2015 by the Stk ̓ emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation (SSN), which seeks

RECOGNITION of Secwépemc rights and not eviction of homeowners.

I have recently shared a letter to membership that “The SSN Title Claim reaffirms our responsibilities. It is not about taking land away from others but about asserting our rightful role as caretakers and decision makers within our own territory. The goal is to restore balance, advance recognition of Secwépemc jurisdiction, and strengthen collaboration with all those who share our lands and communities.”

I also want to note that the resolution I moved is grounded in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, including:

#43: Implement UNDRIP as the framework for reconciliation.

#57: Educate public servants on Indigenous history and residential schools.

#75: Work with Indigenous communities to identify and commemorate burial sites of children who died in residential schools.

This is a call for accountability to stem the very real harm of individuals who promote or excuse racist and denialist views to remain in positions of power. They are determined to undermine public trust, reconciliation, and threaten the safety of Indigenous peoples.

Calling for Brodie’s resignation is about upholding the standards of integrity and respect that must define public service. True reconciliation requires meaningful action, and that includes standing up against racism wherever it appears and specifically within political institutions. I express deep gratitude to the City of Kamloops, its businesses, and its residents who continue to lead by example and stand firmly for the principle that Hatred is Not Welcome Here.

Tk ̓ emlúps te Secwépemc will continue to lead with truth, dignity, and respect for Survivors and for the memory of Le Estcwicwéý ̓ , the Missing Children. Upholding their dignity is a responsibility that must be shared by all Canadians. This is a call out to stand in solidarity, rejecting hatred in all its forms and working together toward a future anchored in respect, healing, and truth.

Yours truly,
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc
Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir (Chief)
On behalf of Council