To the Rotary District 7070 Family,
July is a season of gathering.
Across Canada, families reconnect, communities celebrate, and people spend more time outdoors enjoying the lakes, forests, parks, and open spaces that help define who we are as a country. There is something restorative about being outside. Nature has a remarkable ability to slow us down, quiet the noise, and remind us that we are part of something larger than ourselves. Whether it is sitting around a campfire, walking a forest trail, paddling a river, or simply sharing a conversation under an open sky, these moments often create space for reflection, healing, and connection…….
Truth and Reconciliation often begins in much the same way, not through policy or politics, but through relationships.
Real change happens when people take the time to listen to one another, learn from one another, and build trust. It happens when we move beyond assumptions and stereotypes and choose curiosity over judgment. It happens when communities come together with a shared commitment to creating a stronger future for the next generation.
The path forward is not found in division. It is found in understanding.
Canada's future will be shaped not by those who shout the loudest, but by those willing to build bridges, create opportunities, and bring people together. Reconciliation is not an Indigenous issue or a non-Indigenous issue, it is a Canadian opportunity. It is an opportunity to create stronger communities, healthier relationships, and a more united country.
At HIP, that remains our mission.
Every gathering, every conversation, every school presentation, every Youth-to-Youth event, and every partnership is designed to create the conditions for people to learn from one another and build lasting relationships. We continue to be inspired by the youth, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, volunteers, educators, Rotary members, and community leaders who are helping move this work forward across the country.
Looking ahead, HIP will also be launching its first annual magazine this fall. We are incredibly excited about this new publication, which will feature inspiring stories, youth voices, Indigenous perspectives, program highlights, partner profiles, and reflections from our journey. It will serve as both a celebration of the work being done across Canada and a resource for those who want to learn more about reconciliation in action.
While HIP has developed a strong and repeatable model that continues to demonstrate meaningful impact, our greatest challenge remains funding. We are committed to keeping our programs free for youth because we believe financial barriers should never prevent a young person from participating, learning, or building relationships that can shape their future.
If you are able to help through a donation, sponsorship, grant opportunity, or introduction to an organization that shares our values and vision, we would be grateful to hear from you. Every contribution helps us expand opportunities for youth and continue building bridges across communities.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Together, through relationships, understanding, and action, we can help build the Canada we all want to see, one where every young person has the opportunity to learn, belong, lead, and thrive.
Wishing you and your family a safe, meaningful, and restorative summer.
Real change happens when people take the time to listen to one another, learn from one another, and build trust. It happens when we move beyond assumptions and stereotypes and choose curiosity over judgment. It happens when communities come together with a shared commitment to creating a stronger future for the next generation.
The path forward is not found in division. It is found in understanding.
Canada's future will be shaped not by those who shout the loudest, but by those willing to build bridges, create opportunities, and bring people together. Reconciliation is not an Indigenous issue or a non-Indigenous issue, it is a Canadian opportunity. It is an opportunity to create stronger communities, healthier relationships, and a more united country.
At HIP, that remains our mission.
Every gathering, every conversation, every school presentation, every Youth-to-Youth event, and every partnership is designed to create the conditions for people to learn from one another and build lasting relationships. We continue to be inspired by the youth, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, volunteers, educators, Rotary members, and community leaders who are helping move this work forward across the country.
Looking ahead, HIP will also be launching its first annual magazine this fall. We are incredibly excited about this new publication, which will feature inspiring stories, youth voices, Indigenous perspectives, program highlights, partner profiles, and reflections from our journey. It will serve as both a celebration of the work being done across Canada and a resource for those who want to learn more about reconciliation in action.
While HIP has developed a strong and repeatable model that continues to demonstrate meaningful impact, our greatest challenge remains funding. We are committed to keeping our programs free for youth because we believe financial barriers should never prevent a young person from participating, learning, or building relationships that can shape their future.
If you are able to help through a donation, sponsorship, grant opportunity, or introduction to an organization that shares our values and vision, we would be grateful to hear from you. Every contribution helps us expand opportunities for youth and continue building bridges across communities.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Together, through relationships, understanding, and action, we can help build the Canada we all want to see, one where every young person has the opportunity to learn, belong, lead, and thrive.
Wishing you and your family a safe, meaningful, and restorative summer.
Miigwetch.
John Currie
Executive Director, HIP (Honouring Indigenous Peoples)