The District 7070 Conference on Oct 24, 25 and 26 was a huge success and HIP raised our flag in the House of Friendship and at an afternoon event that featured elder teachings, drumming, dancing around a fire and three HIP Y2Y youth and their stories about the 2025 program. The focus, as always is on youth and hands on experiences.
HIP at the District 7070 Conference; left to right - Jim Loutitt, Lauren Brown, Bill Empey, Etienne Luviana, Sam du Plessis, John Currie
I am reaching out with an update on HIP and our 2026 Y2Y program. The deadline for applications for the 2026 program is December 15. Please Read more for all of the details.....
First the essentials;
How can your Club help?
First, support a student with donations to cover the costs. Second, by helping HIP identify parents, students, teachers and others to encourage applications. Third by inviting HIP Y2Y students who have participated in past Y2Y programs to speak at your club. Have a look at this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Who is eligible?
Indigenous, self-identified Indigenous and Non-Indigenous youth (male, female, LGBTQ2S & disabled) 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.
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,
Budget details include;
Program costs will total over $300,000 covering; transportation, supplies, meals, accommodation and learning tours
A Rotary Global Grant for $50,000 will cover general expenses and a government grant of $123,500 will cover travel.
Rotary Clubs in 18 Districts across Canada are being asked contribute $150,000 for the 2026 programs. In 2025 clubs across Canada contributed $110,000; with District 7070 leading the way with contributions of $47,000.
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
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.
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 2025 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.
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.
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Your child has been invited to apply for an opportunity to participate in the Youth-to-Youth Truth and Reconciliation Experience (Y2Y) hosted by Honouring Indigenous Peoples.
Y2Y is a transformative program that immerses Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in Indigenous culture while fostering connections with a diverse group of young people from across Canada. Together they engage in meaningful cultural exchanges, learn about Indigenous traditions, and deepen their understanding of Indigenous history and heritage.
This year’s event will be held March 22 – 28, 2026 at Six Nations of the Grand River in Ontario. Through activities, workshops, and interactive sessions, youth will be 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.
The program is entirely free and includes travel to and from the event, accommodations, food and museum admission. Only 50 youth (25 Indigenous, 25 non-Indigenous) ages 15-17 will be chosen from across Canada.
Y2Y is open to Indigenous, self-identified Indigenous and Non-Indigenous youth (male, female, 2SLGBTQ+ and those with disabilities) interested in being an agent for change and currently enrolled in Grades 9 to 11.
For Indigenous students, Y2Y provides an opportunity to celebrate and share their culture with others. For non-Indigenous students, Y2Y offers a chance to learn about Indigenous history and culture from Indigenous elders and peers.
This program is aimed at addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, including:
#63: 'Building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.'
#66: Providing multi-year reconciliation programs for youth.
HIP is an organization started almost ten years ago by Rotarians nationwide that brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada with an emphasis on relationship building, to support the next generation of leaders and changing knowledge, attitudes and behaviours.
For more information on the Y2Y Truth and Reconciliation Experience, please visit our website or contact us via email at info@hipally.com.
Sincerely,
John Currie
Executive Director, HIP