UPDATE - 2026 National Y2Y Program - And More News from Honouring Indigenous Peoples

Posted by Bill Empey, Chair, Rotary District 7070 HIP Committee

I am delighted to provide details for the 2026 National Youth to Youth Y2Y event — here in southern Ontario! Your Club can support Y2Y by encouraging applications and reaching out to schools, students, parents and other community groups. HIP can support you — for example invite a student from the 2025 Y2Y program to present at your club. Please see the attached poster. Donations are always welcome. I will follow-up to answer any questions.

Y2Y is a transformative program that immerses Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth between the ages of 15 and 17 in Indigenous culture; fostering connections with young people from across Canada. They engage in cultural exchanges, learn about Indigenous traditions, and deepen their understanding of Indigenous history and heritage. Through activities, workshops, and interactive sessions, youth embrace diversity, build relationships, and develop an appreciation for Indigenous perspectives and contributions. This experience builds personal growth, intercultural learning, and fosters lasting connections.

... Please Read more.....

Who is eligible?

Indigenous, self-identified Indigenous and Non-Indigenous youth (male, female, LGBTQ2S & disabled) interested in being an agent for change and currently enrolled in Grades 9 to 11. Applicants for the 2026 HIP Reconciliation experience must be between the ages of 15 and 17 as of March 1, 2026, meaning they are born on or between March 1, 2009, and March 1, 2011.

How much does it cost?

This event is free for those who are selected and includes travel to and from the event, accommodations, food and museum admission. Only 50 youth will be chosen from across Canada.

How do students apply?

Students apply online by no later than Dec. 15, 2025. Applications are reviewed by the HIP National Y2Y Committee. Participants will be selected and notified by Jan. 15, 2026. REGISTER TODAY.

What can students expect?

This video from the 2025 HIP National Truth and Reconciliation Experience provides an excellent overview of the kinds of activities youth will participate in and what they will personally gain from this experience.

Where can I find more information?

Please visit our website or contact us via email at info@hipally.com or your local Rotary district coordinator.

Bill Empey

Honouring Indigenous People, District Coordinator, Rotary District 7070

https://honouringindigenouspeoples.com/

Indigenous Partnership Committee, Rotary Club of Toronto

https://www.rotarytoronto.com/

(416) 482-4880

empey@prismeconomics.com

OTHER HIP NEWS:

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 featured 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 Rotary Clubs 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.