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On Jun 4th, our guest speaker was John Lomax, chair of district 7080 committee called CIRCLE - Community Indigenous Resource Committee for Learning and Education.
John updated us on District initiatives with Indigenous peoples – and projects like ONEXONE a breakfast program in Mine Centre school, northern Ontario. John noted that Indigenous peoples are strong and do not need charity but do need honour from us. Colonialism is the root of the current situation and we need to change attitudes. John and his wife adopted 2 native children some years ago; the son has connected with his birth mother and culture. He is now married with 3 children; has a Masters degree in social work and is a leader in bringing ceremony into work and children.
Lots of this culture are mad at our first Prime Minister for laws leading to residential schools. The current Truth and Reconciliation Committee used the 4 way test and values that are the foundation of Rotary as a basis for their recommendations. The report is out; it contains 94 recommendations, mostly for governments. The CIRCLE program details what we can do and how we can enlarge our knowledge of Indigenous issues and collaborate. Programs include ONEXONE breakfasts; BHENY for hearing and education in the north; scholarships at University of Sudbury; hockey equipment for the north; Siemens is donating used laptops to schools; cultural exchange of high school students by Rotaract clubs. HIP (Honouring Indigenous Peoples) program supports indigenous peoples in all forms, promoting awareness and understanding of culture, history, issues to Rotarians and others. The board of this group is 50/50 Rotarians and Indigenous people.
How can we help? See websites, go to a powwow, name a champion in your club to read websites and report, honour traditional territories. Refer to website under District 7080, Committees for the CIRCLE program.