Rotary Diversity-Gram: First Nations Day

Posted by Theresa Mudge

One of the accomplishments of Rotary is to engage 1.2 million men and women, in 168 countries, into a common path of service. Rotary teaches us to appreciate the many cultures and spiritual traditions we encounter.

First Nations Day, June 21, 2007

First Nations Day or "National Aboriginal Day" is a day for Canadians to celebrate the cultures of Canada's First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. In Native American cultures, this time is traditionally a sacred time marking the summer equinox and the coming of new growth. This day is marked by celebrations and pow-wows across the country, ranging from sunrise ceremonies to golf tournaments. The United Church of Canada has asked non-native churches to recognize this day as a traditional sacred time for the First Nations. The United Church has also called on non-native congregations to honour this date as a time to consider building "right relationships" with native communities, including a respect for the traditional languages, values and ways of life of native peoples. The situation of native-Americans in the US bears many similarities to that of the Canadian aboriginal peoples and Rotarians in both countries may be mindful of our native peoples at this time. Additional information about First Nations Day can be found on the District website at: www.rotarydistrict6290.org