We hosted the  joint meeting with the Railway City Rotary Club on Wednesday evening at CASO.

The first in a series of meetings addressing DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) this meeting welcomed HIP (Honouring Indigenous Peoples) District 6330 Co-Ordinator Clay Melnike and Carlyn Johnston of ISWO (Indigenous Sports and Wellness Ontario).

 

Carlyn opened the presentation with a land acknowledgement as a member of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. She competed as a swimmer in the North American Indigenous Games and has become a coach for the Team Ontario 
Canoe/Kayak Team at Games in Regina and Toronto.  The next games will be held in Halifax in 2023.  

 

Carlyn is the manager of ISWO Regional Development and Standing Bear Youth Program, a leadership program which caters to each nation's unique strengths and interests.

 

Clay presented information regarding the origins of HIP and its association with Rotary.  Reconciliation and education are two of the goals of the organization.  He also works as Senior Manager responsible for programs and northern development for ISWO.  Sport is an important part of Indigenous life and ISWO brings opportunities to youth to participate by providing equipment and programs.  Clay is a member of the Rotary Club of Thornbury-Clarksburg.

 

Members enjoyed bag lunches and coffee and lemonade at the first event where proof of vaccination was required.  It proved painless and bodes well for future events.

 

Next week's meeting at The Wayside will be our last opportunity to gather before the Rotary Discovery Tour.  Planning for the event will be finalized at that time.