Fifty indigenous and non-indigenous students gathered with Mi’kmaq FN elders at Acadia University in Nova Scotia for the third annual Youth to Youth (Y2Y) program. Youth came from Rotary Districts across Canada to experience Truth and Reconciliation first-hand. Activities across five days build friendships and experience with Mi’kmaq history and culture. Youth describe their time as “life-changing” and joined a new network of friends.
Phyllis Webstad, the creator of Orange Shirt Day across Canada, started the week with a deeply personal account of her experience in a residential school. Phyllis joined the students for two days; answering their many questions and sharing all aspects of her journey........
Elder Albert Marshall spoke about the Mi’kmaq teaching of “Two Eyed Seeing”. Youth could see Two Eyed Seeing in action as they visited hemlock forests. Outdoor activity and shared experiences included;
· Story telling at the sacred fire
· Making regalia for dancing
· Guided hikes through hemlock forests
· Working with park rangers and Mi’kmaq healers to treat infected trees
· Playing lacrosse
· Learning about and tasting native healing plant remedies
· Drum making
Imagine fifty happy teenagers playing their new drums together! See the attached photo. HIP and the Y2Y program started in District 7070. Our District is a leading funder and supporter of the 2025 program and members will have a chance to meet the five District 7070 students at meetings this fall. Invite a student to visit your club.
Bill Empey
Honouring Indigenous People, District Coordinator, Rotary District 7070
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Co-Chair, Indigenous Partnership Working Group, Rotary Club of Toronto
https://www.rotarytoronto.com/
(416) 482-4880