Steven Point, chancellor of the University of British Columbia and the 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia will lead the curriculum. He served as Chief of the Skowkale First Nation and Tribal Chair of the Stó:lō Nation. Our program will include activities, workshops, and interactive sessions that encourage participants to embrace diversity, build relationships, and deepen their understanding of Indigenous history, heritage, and traditions.
Many Clubs in District 7070 supported the March 2023 event and have hosted the enthusiastic high school students who participated. Here are some of their comments:
We all worked in unity and brought our ideas together and we all realized we’re not so different.” ~ Derek Monias (Indigenous)
“Through the hands-on learning, you take away more through the culture than you would anywhere else and it is things like this that help me come back home to be a better ally.” ~ Ethan Basil (Non-Indigenous)
Our youth participants represent indigenous communities, ancestral heritage, genders, sexual orientations, and individuals with disabilities, and they represent each province and territory.
The program is a life changing event that gives a voice to youth, builds friendships and draws together 25 indigenous and 25non indigenous outstanding youth from across Canada. The program is completely free of charge. Success requires financial support from major national partners. Our goal is to secure $130,000+ out of the total $350,000 budget from Rotary. These funds will cover venue rental, travel and accommodations, meals and catering, event materials, speakers, equipment and technology, marketing and promotion, staff, insurance, security, entertainment and activities, registration fees, workshop supplies, and accessibility. This translates to approximately $2,600 per youth participant.
I have detailed material available to support this request including applications, letters for parents, teachers, school boards. Please consider presenting all this at a Club meeting and offering your support.
Bill Empey
HIP District Coordinator, District 7070
(416) 482-4880
www.HonouringIndigenousPeoples.com
SEE: https://honouringindigenouspeoples.com/youth-to-youth-engagement/
Here is a letter from John Currie, Executive Director of HIP:
This year, 2023, the extraordinary feat of uniting 18 Rotary districts to collaborate on making the first-of-its-kind youth-to-youth event a reality cannot be overstated. This remarkable synergy of effort, dedication, and shared vision is a testament to the immense power of collective action. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to our hosts Turtle Lodge and District 5550, whose unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in coordinating local logistics played an indispensable role in bringing this event to life. Together, we've demonstrated the immense impact that can be achieved when we come together as a collective force, driven by a common goal – empowering youth, fostering understanding, and creating lasting change. I am calling on your support again as we prepare for the 2nd annual Youth to Youth event being held in March 2024.
Y2Y is not just a program; it's a transformative experience that bridges Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, immersing them in the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture while fostering connections among a diverse group of young people from all corners of Canada. Together, they embark on a profound journey of cultural exchange, learning about Indigenous traditions, and delving into the deep well of Indigenous history and heritage.
This extraordinary event will be taking place from March 24th to March 30th at Zajac Ranch in Mission, British Columbia. Through a dynamic mix of activities, interactive workshops, and engaging sessions, youth participants will be encouraged to embrace diversity, build meaningful relationships, and gain a deeper appreciation for Indigenous perspectives and contributions. This experience serves as a catalyst for personal growth, intercultural learning, and the forging of lasting connections.
Here are some essential details:
- Completely Free: The Y2Y program covers all expenses, including travel to and from the event, accommodations, meals, and museum admissions.
- Limited Spots: We are selecting only 50 youth participants, with a balanced representation of 25 Indigenous and 25 non-Indigenous individuals, all aged between 15 and 17.
- Inclusive: Y2Y welcomes Indigenous, self-identified Indigenous, and non-Indigenous youth from diverse backgrounds, including all genders and those with disabilities, who share a passion for being agents of positive change and are currently enrolled in Grades 9 to 11.
Y2Y provides a unique opportunity for young voices to resonate, enabling them to be heard, cultivate indispensable leadership skills, forge bonds with kindred spirits, and enact tangible change. For Indigenous youth, this program stands as a platform for the celebration and sharing of their vibrant culture with a wider audience. Simultaneously, for non-Indigenous students, Y2Y offers an exceptional chance to learn from Indigenous elders and peers, delving into the depths of Indigenous history and culture, thereby fostering enriched understanding and a more inclusive society.
Y2Y aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, including:
- Call #63: 'Building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.'
- Call #66: Providing multi-year reconciliation programs for youth.
Youth will also learn the time-honored, land-based teachings that have sustained Indigenous cultures for generations. Through these teachings, young individuals gain a profound understanding of their relationship with the land, learning how to be not just caretakers but also reverent stewards of the Earth. These invaluable lessons impart the wisdom of sustainable resource management, fostering a deep respect for nature, and the skills to ensure the land thrives for generations to come. Ultimately, this education empowers youth to embrace their role as responsible and compassionate guardians of the environment, paving the way for a more sustainable and harmonious future.
HIP (Honouring Indigenous Peoples) is an organization that took root nearly a decade ago, driven by dedicated Rotarians from across the nation. Our core mission is to bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada with a primary focus on relationship building. Through these connections, we aim to support the next generation of leaders while fostering positive change in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
We kindly request your assistance in reaching out to solicit donations from Rotary Clubs and other organizations. Furthermore, we ask for your support in encouraging eligible youth to apply to this life-changing program. Your selections need to be submitted prior to December 1st. Please share the social media post:
Last year, thanks to the generous contributions of Rotary Clubs, we received $38,500 in donations. This year, by December 30th, we need to raise $359,000 to make this program happen.
You can make a donation by visiting our website here or by sending cheques:
ATTENTION: Gyuszi Berki
HIP (Honouring Indigenous Peoples)
#402 - 40 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto,
ON, M4P 3A2
Your support plays a pivotal role in making Y2Y a success and creating a brighter future for Canadian youth. Additional links include:
Link to Youth Online info:
Download the 2024 Y2Y presentation from:
Link to HIP Blog post:
For more information on the Y2Y Truth and Reconciliation Experience, please visit our website or contact us via email at info@hipally.com.
Together, as committed partners, we can make a significant difference in the lives of youth and contribute to the vital process of truth and reconciliation in Canada. Thank you for your dedication and support.
Thank you again for all of your support.
Yours in Rotary
John Currie
HIP Executive Director
Past-President of the Rotary Club of Pickering