The 2026 Honouring Indigenous Peoples National Youth to Youth 2026 program welcomed four very special students from District 7070. The event was held at the Six Nations of the Grand River FN at the end of March. Fifty non-indigenous and indigenous students from communities across Canada, shared direct experiences and made new friends. Now it is time to focus on Honouring Indigenous Peoples National Youth to Youth 2027 program… Please Read more….
Introducing our District 7070 youth, who are growing their leadership skills, speaking at Rotary lunches and delighting members with their enthusiasm and insights at the 2026 HIP Y2Y program.........
Abby Lefler in Grade 11 at the Bishop Strachan School.
In her presentation at the Scarborough Rotary Club in May, Abby spoke about how Y2Y "taught us about maturity as less talking and more listening, learning from discomfort and appreciating authenticity."
Sage Hodder a Grade 11 student at the Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts.
In addition to his continuing support for the Y2Y program, Sage is starting a new initiative to Provide cultural digital safety education for Indigenous youth, grounded in identity, sovereignty, and community. In his words "We live in a world that often tries to divide us through a manufactured, colonial lens. In such a society — in all societies — we ought to be unified by love and our shared journey."
Balam Imox from The Wandering Spirit School in Toronto.
Balam brings a unique international perspective to Y2Y as he was raised in the indigenous community in Guatemala and Colombia where he learned from elders. He returned to Toronto in 2024. The Wandering Spirit School recognized his leadership and awarded him the "Grandfather Teaching Award for Wisdom".
Ellana Stamatiou is in Grade 11 at Crestwood School,
Ellana is an activist with a focus on history and social justice. She is known for her empathy, curiosity and skill as a successful, competitive dancer. Ellana has been accepted into the 2026 SHAD Canada program for leadership and innovation. She also interviews WW2 Veterans and holocaust survivors, documenting their stories for the next generation.
Local media coverage captures highlights;
It is time now to focus on Y2Y 2027, set for Alberta next April. The program will follow the Y2Y format. In 2026 this included;
- cultural competence training,
- presentation and leadership skills,
- elder teachings on wampum belts. residential schools,
- storytelling,
- medicines,
- Lacrosse,
- cornhusk masks,
- speaking Haudenosaunee,
- Indigenous Decision Making
HIP needs your help. Rotary in general, and our District in particular, provides leadership and momentum guiding Truth and Reconciliation. Y2Y is now a proven concept that will continue in Alberta. HIP wants to add depth and breadth to the network of alumni students (250 strong), Rotarians, teachers, schools and many other community and indigenous groups. We are considering a publication to better describe our work and a bursary program for Y2Y alumni who need financial assistance for education and community work.
Last year Rotary contributed more than half of the Y2Y budget and our clubs led the way. We need your donations for 2027.
I hope that you saw the HIP Y2Y program celebrated on the May "Unite for Peace" ZOOM event featuring Rotary Peacebuilders around the World. Look for us at the "Unite for Love" District Conference in October.
Honouring Indigenous People, District Coordinator, Rotary District 7070
https://
Indigenous Partnership Committee, Rotary Club of Toronto
https://www.rotarytoronto.com/
(416) 482-4880