From May 15 to 17, 2026, over 150 Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, and community leaders journeyed to the stunning Yukon Territory for Unite in Whitehorse, the Rotary District 5370 Conference. Hosted at the welcoming Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre on the banks of the Yukon River, the event brought the theme "Teamwork makes the dream work" to life.
Led by District Governor Ramesh Ferris and the organizing team, the three-day conference challenged attendees to rethink accessibility, deepen global and local partnerships, advance the global fight to eradicate polio, and embrace peace in practice.
Here are the powerful takeaways, inspiring stories, and moments of radical connection that defined our time under the midnight sun.
Friday, May 15 | Belonging by Design
Opening Ceremony: A Gathering of Leaders
The conference kicked off with immense reverence and energy on Friday afternoon. The proceedings began with a powerful and grounding opening prayer led by Jerry Soltani and John Sam, setting a respectful and unified tone for the days ahead.
Angélique Bernard, Former Commissioner of the Yukon, then took the stage for the formal introduction of the distinguished dignitaries in attendance. The conference was honored to receive warm greetings and welcomes from an incredible lineup of local, territorial, and international leaders:
- Adeline Webber, Commissioner of Yukon (and Honorary Patron of the conference)
- Ruth Massie, Chief of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council
- Math’ieya Alatini, Grand Chief of the Yukon Council of First Nations
- Kirk Cameron, City of Whitehorse Mayor
- Josée Belisle, Vice-President of the Association franco-yukonnaise, who delivered a French greeting on behalf of the territory's francophone community
- Aziz Memon, serving as Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo’s Representative
- Aziz is also a Trustee of the Rotary Foundation, the Chair of the Pakistan National PolioPlus Committee, and a member of the International PolioPlus Committee, underscoring the massive global weight of the conference's core objectives.
What followed was a breathtaking performance by the Dakhká Khwáan Dancers. This national award-winning Inland Tlingit dance group brought immense honor and tradition to the stage, grounding the weekend in the vibrant history of the land. Through the thunderous resonance of their moose-hide drums, powerful singing, and stunning traditional regalia, their performance was a beautiful, living reminder of cultural preservation and the power of artistic integrity, leaving the room completely mesmerized and deeply connected to the Yukon’s heritage.
Now with the room officially welcomed by indigenous, territorial, and global leadership, the stepping stones of service were set, and the first official sessions began.
Belonging by Design: Redefining Accessibility and Embracing the ACBE Framework
The conference opened with a profound shift in perspective. District 5370 anchored its approach to community and membership in ACBE: Accessibility, Culture, Belonging, and Engagement. Friday’s hammered home exactly what these pillars look like in action.
Canadian Paralympic icon, the “Man in Motion”, and activist Rick Hansen captivated the room. He challenged our terminology, declaring: "My wheelchair is not a sign of disability, but my chariot of mobility."
He urged attendees never to let the fear of failure stop them from pursuing a massive goal—reminding us to always "take the first step."
With 1.3 billion people globally living with disabilities—1 in 4 Canadians!—Hansen emphasized that accessibility training must become standard practice so we can construct spaces that welcome everyone from the beginning.
In a deeply moving reflection, Hansen reminded us that we do not need to "be cured" to feel whole. True inclusion values everyone exactly as they are.
Following his address, the Belonging by Design Panel explored how these concepts directly shape the everyday Rotary member experience, setting a welcoming and intentional tone for the rest of the weekend.
"Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner": A District Conference Classic
Friday evening broke down barriers and sparked instant friendships through the widely popular Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner event. Attendees were broken into smaller groups and sent out across Whitehorse to experience the city's vibrant local culinary scene.
Each group was guided and hosted by a local Whitehorse club member, introducing visitors to hidden gems and local favorites. These dinner gatherings provided the perfect casual backdrop for Rotarians from across the District to swap stories, share laughter, and build the fellowship that Rotary is known for.
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