Introduction
Ron Somerville chaired the meeting in the absence of President Mark (for the first time since 1995). We began the meeting with the ringing of the Rotary bell and with toasts to King and Country and Rotary International. This was followed by a group recitation of the 4-way Test.
Ron at the Podium
Guest Speaker Chris Patriquin is the owner of Simply Pure Water, the Board Chair of the St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce and an advocate for indigenous rights. He is in the process of writing his memoirs which he plans to entitle "The Indian in the Room". He was born and raised in St. Thomas and always did well in school. He didn't realize he was "different" until it was pointed out to him. As a 3rd generation Residential School survivor, he has witnessed and endured generational trauma in the form of alcohol and drug abuse, suicide, and violence. Chris noted that Indigenous people make up 30% of the prison population. Chris is a member of the Oneida Nations on the Thames; the Oneida are one of 3 First Nations communities in the area, STILL without access to clean water. Water from the Thames feeds their wells. Here is a link to a discussion in open parliament where our MP, Karen Vecchio discusses the very issue and quotes here friend, Chris Patriquin: Chris is passionate about bringing awareness and change and believes that the Indian Act needs to be scrapped. He feels that it was designed from the beginning to not be conducive for nations to work together. Chris Patriquin with Club Member Malcolm Rust 
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