Special Guests:                        Jennifer Jones, Incoming President of RI                                                   

                                                Chris Snyder, Honouring Indigenous People (HIP)

                                                Many Rotarians from clubs from across Canada

                                                including past District Governors, Presidents, etc.

                                                Interested community members from across      

                                                Canada

 

Members In attendance:           Judy Nairn, Bob Kieswetter, Mac Graham, Ian   Robertson, John Rose, Graham Gardiner, Karin Voisin, Andrew Williams, Cathy Brothers, Dave Forwell, Alex Pavlov

 

Jennifer Jones addressed the approximately 90 attendees, congratulating the Kitchener Rotary Club on its 100^thAnniversary, and welcomed all members and guests to this special presentation.  She highlighted how Rotarians working together can affect significant change for the betterment of mankind citing Rotary’s work in eradicating Polio around the world as a prime example.   She encouraged Rotarians to continue to support the fight against this dreaded disease. 

 

Rt. Hon. Paul Martin was then introduced and explained how he and his family foundation, “The Martin Family Initiative” work together with First Nations, Inuit and Metis Nation People to support education, health, and overall well-being for children, youth and adults.  Their belief is that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, and his family foundation strives to provide the tools necessary to achieve this end. 

 

There are three main programs that the MFI foundation support:

 

Early Childhood – 0-5 years.  Through working with experienced mothers in the communities to mentor less experienced mothers provide the best early environment for their children, the goal is to create children that are ready to learn.  

­­­Literacy – The goal is that by the end of Grade 3 First Nations, Inuit and Metis Nation children are equipped with the reading and writing skills they need to have continued school success.

 

Entrepreneurship and Mentoring – This program supports indigenous students in highschool to be introduced to the world of business through mentorship opportunities and resources that reflect their diverse lived experiences.

Mr. Martin is passionate that through these initiatives, Canada will become a stronger nation, and become a leader in social innovation with indigenous populations around the world.  He has witnessed the overwhelming desire of indigenous youth to achieve success, and has seen first hand the positive results of these programs.

   

Mr. Martin believes there is a natural partnership with Rotarians to help him achieve these goals as we look to our future of service in our country.    His hope is that Rotary will take on this focus to help him spread the effectiveness of his work throughout Canada.

 

The entire presentation, questions and comments that followed provided much inspiration, insight and education in the area of indigenous advancement.  

 

 

The session was recorded for future viewing.