Mike kicked off our meeting by inviting Gary to sing O’ Canada to a full house and Peter read the invocation.
Our guests this morning included:
Tasha F Evans who spoke with us once before, will be our presenter this morning and introduced by Patty
Karen Rockwell who attended her final meeting as a guest and inducted this morning by Mike
Yolanda Broderick joined us also and was introduced by George
Heather Oleskiw attended her third meeting this month and was introduced by Trudy
Ryan Edgington was introduced by Gene Vickers as a guest and works for RBC Wealth Management. Ryan is active in the community and has worked with the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation, the United Way and for the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-Up.
Married with two children, Ryan is an avid outdoorsman. He kayaks regularly and has run competitively in several half-marathons and obstacle races.
No upcoming Birthdays to celebrate however it is Ian’s 4th Anniversary with our club
Mike presented his Rotarian making a Difference pin to a well deserved
Ann Hulbert for her work on Rotary activities including the Rib Fest
Mike/Yvonne updated on the tree planting last weekend where 75 trees were planted by 15-20 Rotarians from the Tri-City Clubs and was completed in an hour
Yvonne asked for volunteers for this years Eagle Ridge Manor decorating party on November 18th
Mike also on November 18th will attend with his wife the annual Rotary Foundation Dinner sporting his Black Tie ( and hopefully more)
Gayle reminded everyone about the Innervisions lunch on December 12th and encouraging all of us to bring and mug and new warm socks for the 25 gentlemen that are housed in the PoCo residence. She reminded us of their assistance in setting up and taking down the Rib Fest tables and chairs.
Cleone also implored us to give blood in November and advise her once completed as she keeps a record of our clubs longstanding donations
Peter updated on this years Christmas/Holiday Train which because on a Sunday, December 17th is expected to be better attended than usual and will double hot chocolate supplies. Need extra volunteers. Funds are donated to Share each year. Cleone is looking for face painters and cookie decorators.
50/50 ticket was drawn and the winning ticket was Dan Dunlop’s, however settled for his toonie back as the pot continues to grow.
Peter also opened up the Rotary store today as Christmas is coming.
Yvonne was our Sergeant at Arms this week for the first time and did an admirable job of engaging the team. Well done Yvonne!!
This was the final week for Terry’s team until January for set-up and take down. He would like to thank his team members for all their support.
Mike inducted Karen Rockwell and noted that Karen was born and raised in BC.
She has volunteered with our club on projects of ours, has worked at ICBC in the past, been a previous city counsellor, is a Grand Parent and even recently completed the El Comino del San Diageo
She received a standing ovation and warm embrace from the entire club. Welcome Karen !!!
Patty introduced Our speaker Tasha this week from the Coast Salish Nation who provided an engaging discussion around their history and lands.
Tasha who is Coast Salish and shares genetic heritage of Welsh, Polish and Jewish. She advised that in history the Coast Salish ritual is to dunk themselves in water every morning to release negative energy and thank the lands creator.
She reminded and informed us of the 1763 Treaty of Niagara where 2,000 Chiefs met over a year where the spirit and agreement was to enshrine Peace, Friendship and freedom among all peoples and nations of this land. It was celebrated at that time..
Tasha also recommended that we and all community groups start all meetings off by acknowledging that we are on the original Coast Salish core territory and acknowledge its natural beauty. She mentioned that original villages were located not far from the Noon’s Creek hatchery and the Flavelle Mill site.
Our inlet was very important sources of food that included fish and especially clams which were harvested by other bands including the Musquam and Coquitlam who also had seasonal camps on its shores.
Trading of food and crafts were also held on these lands.
Tasha acknowledged two very important people to the Coast Salish. Gabriel George and his uncle Chief Dan George who needs no introduction. Gabriel who is lesser known is a hero to the Coast Salish. And has been instrumental in re-establishing the languages and history of aboriginal culture which includes 150 of Canada’s 240 languages.
On a sad note Tasha mentioned that the infamous Indian Act all but destroyed the Treat of Niagara and attempted to abolish all languages and history by placing their peoples on tiny reserves.
In closing sadly Chief Dan George who spoke before 32,000 people on Canada’s 100th Birthday with optimism has had a dream unfulfilled on our 150th Birthday where conditions are largely unchanged and still deplorable in many communities.
Tasha did acknowledge that our clubs invite and support of her Nations projects is a step forward in community relations and support.
Thanks Tasha for todays enlightenment and was provided the Golden Spike presented by Gayle.