My name is Emma-Leigh Johnston. I am a first-year Health Sciences student at Trent University, a member of the Wolf Clan from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. I have the privilege of serving as the Earth Captain for the Whitby location of Walk With The Earth 2026. Walk With The Earth is a youth-led national initiative focused on Truth and Reconciliation, youth voice, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. The event raises funds for Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP) and their Youth to Youth (Y2Y) program — an immersive land-based learning experience that brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth from across Canada. I had the privilege of participating in the Y2Y program in 2025 in Nova Scotia. That experience deeply impacted me. I learned from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders, strengthened my connection to culture and land, and built lifelong friendships with youth from across Turtle Island. It is incredibly meaningful to now help create opportunities for other youth to participate in the same transformative experience.
The Whitby Walk With The Earth event will take place on April 18, 2026 along the Whitby waterfront .......
The Whitby Walk With The Earth event will take place on April 18, 2026 along the Whitby waterfront. The day will include:
• 10:00 AM – Check-in
• 11:00 AM – Opening Circle
• 11:30 AM – 2.5 km accessible walk & 5 km route option
• Closing reflections and community connection
Participants can register or learn more about the event here: https://
Event updates and community highlights can also be found on Instagram at @walkwiththeearthgta.
Emma will be emceeing the event and helping coordinate community outreach, sponsorship, and volunteer engagement. If there is interest in learning more about the initiative, she would be happy to virtually present or connect about the initiative to share additional details about the impact of the Y2Y program and ways your club members can get involved, schedule permitting.
This event is about youth leadership, reconciliation, and walking together for the next seven generations. Rotary’s long-standing commitment to service and community makes this partnership especially meaningful.
NOTE FROM DISTRICT 7070 GOVERNOR NIECY DILLON-TYROVOLAS TO EVERYONE IN DISTRICT 7070:
Calling all Rotarians in District 7070..
HIP (Honouring Indigenous Peoples - HIP) has created a National Youth Network with over 250 alumnae who are coming together on April 18th to Walk with the Earth.
John Andras will be walking with them in Whitby (the GTA location). If you wish to support these amazing youth, information is as follows. Walk With The Earth - HIP (Honouring Indigenous Peoples).
John will be joining members of the Rotary Club of Campbellford... hopefully members of The Rotary Club of Toronto and other Rotary Clubs will join DG Niecy Dillon-Tyrovolas in Whitby!
Proceeds will go toward expanding Y2Y programming. This could be the genesis of a scholarship fund for Y2Y youth. Because we select participants on merit, not ability to pay, many youth alumnae following Y2Y struggle to afford post secondary education and training.
Our youth have asked if we can work toward creating a scholarship program to assist our youth to fulfill their potential. Let's all get out and support the Walk With The Earth!!!
We ask that your register TODAY. ( https://honouringindigenouspeoples.com/walk-with-the-earth/ ) Please go to the site and register ahead of the walk. It really helps to determine how many T-shirts to order and other logistics on site.