The 2026 Honouring Indigenous Peoples National Youth -2-Youth program for 2026 is in the books and again, a tremendous success., as 50 youth, from across Canada, participated. Drawing from schools, Rotary and indigenous communities across the GTA and southeastern Ontario, HIP (Honouring Indigenous Peoples) has gathered four outstanding high school students to represent their communities and Rotary District 7070:
Abigail Lefler, Grade 11 Bishop Strachan School
Oxib (Balam) Imox, Grade 11, Kapapamahchakwew - Wandering Spirit School
Darren (Sage) Hodder, Grade 10, Wexford Collegiate School of the Arts
Ellena Stamatiou, Grade 11, Crestwood School
The program addressed the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report regarding youth. Here youth find their voice and a chance to meet and participate with indigenous traditions; learning history and life skills first hand and face to face. Please Read more for all of the details.....
The program began in February and March, with Five Pre-event, Online Learning programs covering introductions, cultural competency, human rights training and media and presentation skills.
From March 22 to 28, The Six Nations of the Grand River FN hosted the students for intensive emersion in indigenous culture and traditions. This included teachings and time with elders including Diane Longboat from the Six Nations, Phyllis Webstad, leader of the Orange Shirt Society and elders from the Missaugas of the Credit FN. Activities included story telling, playing lacrosse, medicine walks, Haudenosaunee dance and language, time under the stars, making shakers and learning about wampum belts and cornhusk masks. Through all this, deep new friendships were formed through life changing experience.
Elder Diane Longboat, from the Six Nations of the Grand River, founder of the Soul of the Mother and President of the Institute for the Study of Spirit led the program. Diane presented at the District 7070 Learning Tuesday event in January and taught us about Wampum. This was a highlight for one Y2Y session. The Two Row Wampum (Kaswentha), shown above, documents a 1613 agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Dutch, symbolizing peaceful, parallel coexistence, mutual respect, and non-interference. Represented by two purple rows on a white beaded belt, it signifies a canoe and a ship traveling the "river of life" together, maintaining independent laws and cultures. This captures the wisdom featured at the Y2Y program.
If you have questions or want to learn more about how HIP can work with local schools, Rotary Clubs and their communities please call or email.
Bill Empey
Honouring Indigenous People, District Coordinator, Rotary District 7070
https://
Indigenous Partnership Committee, Rotary Club of Toronto
https://www.rotarytoronto.com/
(416) 482-4880
First the essentials;
What can students expect?
This 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.
Program highlights include;
Pre-event on line learning to introduce the program, get to know each other, in-depth teachings about history and culture, learn advocacy and presentation skills
Program will include elder teachings and in person time, storytelling, making horn rattles, learning to speak Haudenosaunee, understanding wampum belts and indigenous decision making, playing lacrosse and dancing,
Y2Y is a transformative program that immerses Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth between the ages of 15 and 17 in Indigenous culture while fostering connections with a diverse group of young people from across Canada. They engage in meaningful cultural exchanges, learn about Indigenous traditions, and deepen their understanding of Indigenous history and heritage.
Through activities, workshops, and interactive sessions, youth are encouraged to embrace diversity, build relationships, and develop a greater appreciation for Indigenous perspectives and contributions. This experience serves as a catalyst for personal growth, intercultural learning, and fostering lasting connections.
What is Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP)?
An organization started ten years ago by Rotarians nationwide that brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians with an emphasis on relationship building, to support the next generation of leaders and changing knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. Today, HIP is an independent national charity with a board that is comprised of 50% Indigenous and 50% non-Indigenous, and is gender balanced and geographically dispersed from coast-to-coast.
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.
Here are some photos :
