President Jayna Amadasun called Regina Eastview members and visitors to order at 12:05 p.m., extending a warm welcome to the 23 people present at the Delta and the five Rotarians who joined via ZOOM. Allen Hillsden led the singing of O’ Canada, followed by Peter Peters, who gave an invocation of thanks. President Jayna then shared our Land Acknowledgement statements, reminding us that we are all Treaty People. This was followed by a moment of silence to reflect on the tragedy being endured by the people of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, following the school shooting in their community.
Today was a 2-Presentation meeting and following dinner Peter Neufeldt was invited to speak about his membership in, and commitment to serving Rotary through the Rotary Action Group for Peace (RGFP). This is an appropriate focus because February is Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month in Rotary.
In this comments Peter drew attention to the similarities between Rotary's focus and that of the Olympics, specifically in achieving our targeted goals for the benefit of our respective communities. Working for Peace is not easy according to Peter. However, the impact of Rotary’s commitment to Peace can be felt around the world. Rotary is a medal contender in the Olympics for Peace. Rotary's efforts in this regard has changed lives. Our emphasis through a spirit of kindness ripples through everything Rotary undertakes. We were reminded that peace is not merely the absence of war, and it is here that RAGFP focuses on Positive Peace.
Worldwide there are 1.4 million Rotarians and Rotoactors in more than 200 countries and geographic regions, all committed to making meaningful contributions locally, within their communities, and beyond. Peter concluded by suggesting that Peace lies within each of us and is re-enforced in this Rotary room, where it becomes a beacon of hope for us and the people we serve.
Jeanne Alexander moved the meeting to Presentation 2, by introducing Don Young, Executive Director of Regina’s Cathedral Village Arts and Music Festival. Don Young was a youthful transplant from Scotland, who came to Canada where, through education and career building opportunities in the Radio Broadcasting business, has become a proud grandfather, Canadian, traveller, writer, a noted and gifted Radio Program Producer who now calls Regina home.
The Festival has a 55-year record of success. The 2025 Festival attracted 50,000 people into the Cathedral area, turning the community into a bustling place of music, food and welcomed vendors. The $200,000.00 Festival Budget where they do not charge anyone and do not pay anyone except performers. Vendors pay $200 for their spot and food trucks pay $1,000 for this opportunity and no one questions the cost. Over time, government and city grants have decreased to $30,000 annually, with the remaining resources provided through donations. At this point they still need to raise up to $60,000.00 for this year’s Festival scheduled for May 18 to May 23, 2026. There will be 60-plus different events held during this week. For instance, last year the YWCA hosted a Ribbon Skirt Making event, which fostered engagement and demonstrated commitment to deepening cultural understanding regarding the significance of these skirts within Indigenous communities. There was also an introduction to drumming and chanting which expands the community’s interest in the pathway to reconciliation.
The Festival is volunteer driven and has now connected with the Regina Open Door society, which attracts and models reconciliation and community vibrancy. Don mentioned that the Festival plans to connect with a growing variety of focus areas and will be shaped by them.
Don Young thank you for your presentation and for creating enthusiasm in Regina’s unique highlights.
