Author

Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Aaron Hemens is a photographer, journalist and visitor in unceded syilx territory. He is Filipino on his mom’s side, and has both French and British roots on his dad’s. As a settler, he is committed to learning and unlearning in his role as Okanagan Storyteller, and to accurately and respectfully tell stories of Indigenous peoples throughout the region. Aaron’s work is supported in part with funding from the Local Journalism Initiative in partnership with The Discourse and APTN.

Aaron's Latest Articles

Anti-TMX land defenders’ appeal dismissed, court finds judge ‘did not err’ in trial

By Aaron Hemens ● News ● July 29, 2025

The province’s highest court has denied a retrial for three people who opposed the pipeline’s development in Secwépemcúl’ecw.

Inquest jury urges RCMP to review detention policies after Secwe̓pemc man died in custody

By Cara McKenna & Aaron Hemens ● News ● August 8, 2024

Province has already said it has ‘no plans’ for a sobering centre in Kamloops, one of several recommendations to make the system safer five years after Randy Lampreau lost his life.

Native Courtworker position in Kamloops left vacant, future of role uncertain

By Aaron Hemens ● Secwépemc ● July 30, 2024

With speculations around funding and restructuring, sources say Indigenous people in the criminal justice system are left without on-site support.

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc signs ‘sacred covenant’ with the Catholic Church, marking ‘new journey of truth’

By Aaron Hemens ● Secwépemc ● April 9, 2024

The new agreement not only acknowledges ‘past wrongs’ but outlines ‘practical commitments’ around continued investigation at KIRS, according to a statement.

Secwépemc leaders form industry response group rooted in Indigenous law

By Aaron Hemens ● Secwépemc ● October 31, 2023

TMX being granted federal approval to trench through the sacred Pípsell corridor was ‘a turning point in Canada,’ says newly-formed Unceded Law Response Group.

Regulator approves TMX plan to trench through ‘extremely sacred’ Secwépemc site

By Aaron Hemens ● News ● October 10, 2023

Knowledge-keeper says pipeline’s blockage in Pípsell amounts to the land pushing back, while company’s lawyer argues for ‘no prioritizing of Indigenous interests.’