In 2014, a small group of Rotarians from several southern Ontario Rotary clubs sat in the basement of a building in Oshawa talking about creating a country wide organization to work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples. We have gone from planning on the back of an envelope to establishing HIP’s multi-year plan.

While we continue to listen and learn, we also reflect, adjust and build on our successes. We have taken huge steps forward including increasing our board to 20 members selected from communities stretching from coast-to-coast. Bringing some of Canada’s brightest minds and biggest hearts together has resulted in an updated vision and mission. 

As Indigenous and Non-Indigenous partners, we are committed to working together. While we have refined our focus with an emphasis on relationship building, we will continue our education and awareness activities including supporting the next generation of leaders and changing knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. 

HIP growth means increasing Indigenous and Non-Indigenous participation. We encourage and support relationship building between Rotary clubs and Indigenous communities. As we discover shared purposes, values and how to better support one another, we will be building a better country.