On Tuesday 30 March, at our weekly 7am, Zoom gathering, Gail Bouw welcomed our Guest Speakers, Jim and Marjorie Dawson, leaders in our Club and Co-Chairs of the District 7090 Rotary HIP Committee. 
Marjorie and Jim led us through an interesting trivia game related to Canada and our indigenous peoples and then gave us a very interesting and thought-provoking presentation on the background related to the need for, and current status of, HIP; Rotary's response to the cause of the First People's.
More details concerning Rotary's initiative, Jim & Marjorie's work as well as a selection of slides from their presentation may be found by going to the "Read more ..." tab as given below.
Following a number of questions which established our keen interest in the ongoing work, our President, Steve Malo thanked the Dawson's for their most useful, and needed, work in this cause. We certainly wish them well.
Honouring Indigenous People was created by Rotarians in Southern Ontario in partnership and consultation with a number of indigenous people. We are honouring indigenous people by supporting their educational efforts and encouraging all Canadians to be aware of indigenous issues, history and culture.
Presentation: Honouring Indigenous People: Understanding the past to move forward together
For at least 16,000 years Indigenous people have lived on the North American continent. When colonizers came from Europe, Indigenous people worked with them to share their knowledge of how to survive in harmony with creation. There were many misunderstandings between the peoples and trust was lost. Honouring Indigenous People (HIP) is working to build awareness and healthy relationships.
Jim and Marjorie have been working with three communities - Six Nations, Mississaugas of Credit and Pikangikum First Nation ( a fly-in community in Northern Ontario) They have utilized a District Grant with the Mississaugas of Credit to enhance the outdoor education program at LS King School and are learning the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) language. They have worked with the school and others in Pikangikum on many projects over 8 years to help build their outdoor education program and provide instruments for the music programs and prizes for their annual Battle of the Bands competition.
Pictured at Pikangikum EBS school with Evacuation commander Jonathan Gregg and then Chief Amanda Sainnawapduring the fire evacuation of the reserve.
Presentation: Selection of Slides:
