The National Youth to Youth Program
HIP (Honouring Indigenous People) has completed the second National Youth to Youth program. Fifty indigenous and non-indigenous high school students, from all across Canada, have returned from a life- changing week in British Columbia. Over four wonderful days on the traditional lands of the Stó:lō First Nation, they learned local history, culture and lifestyles from prominent elders including Stephen Point, past Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and Tribal Chair of the Stó:lō Nation and Phyllis Webstad, creator of Orange Shirt day. The final day was in the Squamish Cultural Center and Stawamas Chief Mountain near Whistler.
The participants describe their delight as they made new friends, learned first-hand the experience of the elders and enjoyed hands-on opportunities for weaving, dancing and drumming. Returning, they feel a new sense of empowerment and talk about their roles as future leaders. Listen to their excitement on this wonderful video; https://youtu.be/az5i0E-xtHM .
The Y2Y Program creates impacts that spread out from the youth as they bring home their messages about new friends, sharing, truth and reconciliation, stewardship of the environment, and the interrelated nature of our world. The HIP 2024 Impact Report is attached.
HIP’s attention now focuses on the National Y2Y program in 2025………..
In early May I reported the success of HIP’s (Honouring Indigenous People) second National Youth to Youth program. A highlight at the event was a presentation by Phyllis Webstad the creator of Orange Shirt day. HIP was delighted to receive a strong endorsement by the Orange Shirt Society. And we are delighted to announce that Phyllis will join us for the 2025 national program. Next year students from District 7070 will experience a life-changing week in Nova Scotia. Over five wonderful days at Acadia University and on the traditional lands of the Annapolis First Nation, they will learn local history, culture and lifestyles from prominent elders. See how participants, this year, describe their delight as they made new friends, learned first-hand the experience of the elders and enjoyed hands-on opportunities for weaving, dancing and drumming. Returning, they feel a new sense of empowerment and talk about their roles as future leaders. Listen to their excitement on this wonderful video; https://youtu.be/az5i0E-xtHM . The Y2Y Program creates impacts that spread from the youth to their community as they bring home messages about new friends, sharing, truth and reconciliation, stewardship of the environment, and the interrelated nature of our world.
HIP’s attention now focuses on the National Y2Y program in 2025………..
Here are the key details;
Applications open September 16, close December 20. Application forms will be available on https://honouringindigenouspeoples.com/youth-to-youth/
The program;
will run from April 27 to May 3, 2025 at Acadia University, Wolfville Nova Scotia, on the traditional lands of the Mi’kmaq people.
will be led by indigenous elders and knowledge keepers, including Phyliss Webstad, the creator of Orange Shirt Day and an inspiration at the 2024 Y2YN
Is completely free covering all expenses, travel, accommodations and meals.
Has limited spots: 50 youth participants, 25 Indigenous and 25 non-Indigenous, aged between 15 and 17
Inclusive: Y2Y welcomes youth, in Grades 9 to 11, all genders and those with disabilities
January 15th & 16th, Youth notified of acceptance into the program.
Bill Empey
Honouring Indigenous People, District Coordinator, Rotary District 7070
https://
Indigenous Partnership Working Group, Rotary Club of Toronto
https://www.rotarytoronto.com/
(416) 482-4880