Honoring Indigenous People - News for December 2018

Check the HIP website to see full project descriptions and updates. We hope you or your club can support any of the projects mentioned as follows. We need much more financial support. Please join in. Not only will you help the project become reality and assist with the educational needs but you will learn a lot as well. We are also reviewing several new initiatives. When approved, we will be providing a brief outline with a link to the project. All of the projects below have been approved by our project committee and have the full support of the Indigenous community.

Blog (Rotary HIP - Blog) - As always, there have been many news and events recently that have been added to our blog.

Resources - Films & Documentaries (Rotary HIP - Films & Documentaries) - If you have recently viewed a good film or documentary or read a book not on our list with an indigenous theme or message, please email Julie Dunaiskis (julie@eccgroup.ca) and Janet McLeod (jmm@nexicom.net) to add to our list.

HIP Membership & Donations - We would like you, your club and friends to become members. You do not need to be a Rotarian to join. You can join today by selecting (Rotary HIP - Become a Member) on the HIP website.

IMPORTANT MEMBERSHIP UPDATE - For some years HIP has had a one time payment of $100 for a lifetime membership. The purpose of this was to encourage people to join, obtain a sense of involvement and to raise some funds to pay for administration. We now have an estimated 175 clubs involved in educational and awareness activities. Our vision is for all 721 clubs across Canada to be involved and develop a relationship with an indigenous community. To accomplish this requires additional funding. Consequently effective Jan 1, HIP is discontinuing its lifelong membership and creating an annual “Ally” fee. Current members, and those who join prior to the end of the year, will automatically become “Founding Allies” with a lifelong Ally status. HIP will still honour the $100 lifetime Ally membership up to December 31st, 2018.  To become a member, or for more information regarding becoming an ally, please contact Julie at julie@eccgroup.ca or visit www.RotaryHip.com. This is an exciting time and we hope you will join us in working collaboratively with Indigenous peoples and enable sustainable solutions. Together we can lead change in our own Country.

Charitable donations are accepted online through our website (Rotary HIP - Make a Donation) and the donor will receive a tax receipt immediately. You may designate funds to a specific project or to general projects focusing on education. Thank you for your continued support of our projects, in particular, we have had a terrific response to our ask for support for the transportation costs for shipments to the fly-in communities. If you are able to help with this or other initiatives, a tax receipt will be issued. You can also send in a cheque payable to HIP and post-marked to c/o ECC Group, 100 Simcoe St., Suite 110, Toronto, ON M5H 3G2.

Message from HIP Chair, Chris Snyder

THE URBAN CONNECTION - Visit Your Local Friendship Centre

Did you know, according to the 2011 census, 56% (1 million) of Canada’s Indigenous peoples live in urban centres? With approximately 90000, Winnipeg has the largest population of people who identify themselves as Indigenous. Edmonton is the next largest with 65000 and then Vancouver with more than 55000. The truth of the matter is, every community across Canada has Indigenous residents.

Smaller communities, such as Kenora, Dryden, Cochrane and Timmins, have a smaller percentage of identified Indigenous residents, however, a larger Indigenous to non-Indigenous population ratio. These communities are also hubs supporting surrounding First Nation communities. With common geographic concerns, such as healthcare, education and transportation, one would naturally expect everyone in these communities to be working together. Unfortunately, too often, people let their differences and misconceptions keep them apart rather than allow their commonalities and shared interests to unite them.
As we have witnessed in the television show “First Contact,” many non-indigenous people have never talked to an Indigenous person. Most communities have a Native Friendship Centre whose primary purpose is to foster and promote innovative education and awareness strategies for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. These are not-for-profit corporations which are mandated to serve the needs of Indigenous people requiring culturally-sensitive and culturally-appropriate services in urban communities. There are 118 Friendship Centres across the country. Check to see where the closest centre is to you (nafcgen@nafc.ca). These are great places to learn about Indigenous peoples and begin new friendships.

As you build and engage in a meaningful and equitable relationship with Friendship Centre’s and Indigenous Peoples, be sure to ask how best you can support them. It cannot be stressed enough that opportunities to help must be identified and prioritized by Indigenous peoples themselves. Any attempt by a Non-Indigenous person to impose what they “think” Indigenous people need is harmful and will be seen as a continuation of colonialism. Kenn Richard, an HIP director, former CEO of Native Child and Family services in Toronto, is the co-sponsor of a major report on Indigenous peoples in Toronto. Most major communities publish their own report. These reports highlight the current state of Indigenous people in specific communities and identify areas where more support is needed. These reports, in conjunction with ongoing dialogue with Indigenous peoples, are key to sustainable success.

Many HIP Allies have already established relationships in their communities and are partnering with Indigenous People in a variety of ways. If you have questions about becoming involved, please contact us. We also encourage those who are already taking action to share their stories with us..

Migwetch (Thank You),

Chris Snyder

Chair, HIP

snyder@eccgroup.ca      416-364-0181 Ext. 2501           905-990-1735

Rotary Club of Toronto

HIP LAUNCHES ALLY PROGRAM

Since 2016, HIP has experienced significant growth. To aid in the delivery of its operational and strategic goals, HIP’s Board of Directors, after consultation with members, has reviewed its membership fee in parallel with budgeting for the 2019 financial year. As of January 1st, 2019, “Lifetime” memberships will no longer be offered. All current lifetime members will be transitioned into a “Founding Ally” and retain lifetime privileges.

As of January 2019, Individuals, Rotary Clubs and other groups can become a HIP Ally by submitting the accompanying application. The 2019 annual fees are as below:

Type                                                                      Annual Fee

Indigenous Organizations (helpers)                         Free

Individual                                                                  $150

Rotary Club with less than 75 members                  $250

Rotary Club with greater than 75 members             $500

Other Service Clubs                                                 $500

Schools                                                                     $250

Partners & Corporations                                           $500

This change will ensure HIP is able to develop and sustain its programs, services and resources. HIP plans to expand its range of awareness programs as well as the ways and means through which knowledge and expertise can be easily exchanged amongst HIP Allies.

Impact starts with our members — people like you who envision a Canada where people unite and take action to create lasting change!

Join the 175+ Rotary Clubs already working collaboratively with Indigenous peoples to address education challenges and enable sustainable solutions thereby building strong nations where all prosper. Together we can lead change in our own Country.

Joining HIP provides:

• Credible recognition as an Ally to Indigenous Peoples
• Participation in a nation-wide movement
• Access to a like-minded community to discuss your specific needs & develop creative ways to meet them
• The opportunity to connect with other leaders who are changing Canada
• Awareness of, and participation in, reconciliation activities happening across Canada
• Access to resources (Education, speakers, projects, promotional material, presentations, newsletters, books, indigenous and non-indigenous people, how to materials, etc.)
• Discounts and special offers (10% discount with Goodminds.com, etc.)

Additional benefits for individuals:

• Personal invitations to participate and attend Indigenous events and activities
• Opportunity to network, build new friendships and expand leadership and professional skills
• The good you do comes back to you