from The Rotary Club of Halifax North West
Welcome to the monthly newsletter from the Rotary Club of Halifax Northwest, where we share the club’s news with the community we serve. This issue is about Rotary’s Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP) project.
In 2014, a dedicated group of individuals from various Southern Ontario communities gathered in the basement of an Oshawa building to discuss the creation of a nationwide organization that would collaborate with Indigenous Peoples. From those initial discussions, HIP was born.
HIP’s vision is that “all Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Peoples work together, interconnected and interdependent, for the benefit of future generations”. HIP is a grassroots approach to truth and reconciliation. It is based on fostering partnerships between non-indigenous and indigenous peoples through joint efforts at relationship building, creating a learning and sharing environment about indigenous cultures, and working together on projects of mutual interest and benefit.
National Youth to Youth (Y2Y) Program
Picture this: youth from every corner of Canada coming together to learn, grow, and make a difference. But this isn’t just any learning experience—this is the Y2Y Program, where young people immerse themselves in the rich teachings of Indigenous cultures and take bold steps to protect our planet.
Imagine sitting around a campfire, listening to the wisdom of Indigenous Elders, or immersing yourself in hands-on, traditional Indigenous land-based teachings, passed down through generations. This experience isn’t just about learning the past; it’s about building a sustainable future rooted in respect, connection, and action.
The HIP National Youth to Youth (Y2Y) program aims to foster reconciliation, environmental stewardship, and cultural understanding among Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth across Canada. Through shared experiences, outdoor activities, and leadership development, the program empowers youth to become advocates for social change, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of Indigenous traditions. By bridging cultural divides and promoting dialogue, Y2Y equips the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to work collaboratively toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
The annual Y2Y conference this year was held in Nova Scotia. Members of our club (Halifax Northwest) and the Dartmouth East club were involved in welcoming the participants at the Halifax Airport and getting them safely onto transportation to Acadia University in Wolfville, the site of this year’s Y-2-Y conference. The excitement in the youth and the adults we met was palpable. We are honoured and proud to have supported this life-changing experience for our future leaders!
Our Rotary Club of Halifax Northwest welcomes everyone to explore community service with us! We pride ourselves on being diverse and inclusive – and we’re friendly! We currently meet virtually or in person every Tuesday from 1145 to 1 pm. at Station Six Restaurant, 247 Herring Cove Rd. in Spryfield. For more information contact Roger Chiasson at rogerchiasson305@gmail.com or call 782 234 9408.
