Summer greetings. Here is the latest news about HIP activities;
National Y2Y Program for 2026
Plans are now underway for the fourth annual HIP Y2Y program at the Six Nations Grand River Territory near Brantford Ontario from March 22 to 28, 2026. I will be reaching out to 7070 Clubs, teachers, indigenous leaders, parents and students; encouraging applications, seeking opportunities for students to speak at your clubs and asking for funding. This immersive program creates space for dialogue, cultural exchange, and land-based learning guided by Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and educators. It empowers young leaders to carry forward reconciliation in their schools, communities, and future careers.
Key Dates:
Applications Open: September 1, 2025
Applications Close: December 15, 2025
Program Dates: Online Feb 2026: In-person March 22–28, 2026 at Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario
Invite a student to speak at your club!!
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Other news
In partnership with District 5370 Rotary Indigenous Committee and the Speaker Series, HIP is honoured to host Dr. Niigaan Sinclair — renowned Anishinaabe scholar, writer, and public intellectual — as the featured speaker for an upcoming session on September 25, 2025. Dr. Sinclair will lead a compelling and timely discussion on Truth and Reconciliation, exploring the ongoing journey of healing and justice between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. This is an opportunity for Rotarians and community members to deepen understanding, strengthen relationships, and commit to meaningful action.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Time (4:00 PM PT | 5:00 PM MT | 6:00 PM CT | 8:00 PM AT | 8:30 PM NT)
Location: Online via Zoom
Admission: Free with registration
Registration & More Info: Walking Together – CanadaHelps
Jim Louttit from the Toronto Sunrise Club will be the new Chair of HIP. Jim is a Past District 7070 Governor and active in many District and other Rotary initiatives. Jim is from Martin Falls FN in Northern Ontario and has been on the HIP Board for many years. Jim replaces Chis Snyder who has led HIP from its start back in 2014. District 7070 and its leaders remain at the center of the HIP momentum.
The Rotary International Conference in Calgary gave a high profile to indigenous concerns with a focus on Indigenous culture and fostering collaboration between Rotarians and Indigenous communities. The opening featured Indigenous hoop dancing, and the convention highlighted the importance of working with Indigenous populations. HIP hosted two popular booths.
The Zone 28-32 Conference in Winnipeg on Sep 19 -22 will feature a “Better Together: Building Bridges Between Rotary and Indigenous Peoples” session organized by HIP and including a Blanket ceremony and breakout sessions on September 19 and 20.
HIP is organizing an afternoon breakout session for the District Conference at the Fern Resort on Oct 25. We will introduce the five District 7070 students who participated in the 2025 Y2Y program in Nova Scotia and hear their experience. Everyone will join in smudging, drumming and a sacred fire ceremony.
We continue meetings and collaboration with local Clubs including recently support with the RCs of Picton, Campbellford and Toronto.
HIP partnerships in the District are always expanding with new contacts. Two examples here include Harmony Movement and the Wandering Spirit School (Toronto Indigenous Youth Group) and others.
I will follow up, in early September, with more information on the 2026 National Program and other HIP activities and the Oct 25 District 7070 Conference.
Bill Empey
Honouring Indigenous People, District Coordinator, Rotary District 7070
https://honouringindigenouspeo
Indigenous Partnership Working Group, Rotary Club of Toronto
https://www.rotarytoronto.com/
(416) 482-4880