This Rotor can also be found on the FRONT PAGE OF OUR WEBSITE,
on the right side (where it used to be).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
November - Rotary Foundation Month;
Next Monday, Nov. 6th, Regina Eastview will join the hosting RC of Regina at the Delta Hotel for the 12 noon in-person meeting;
Nov. 7 – 7:00 P.M. – International Service Projects Committee ZOOM Meeting;
Nov. 9 - 5:15 Club Director ZOOM Meeting - all Members welcome - advise President Al and he will provide you with an invitation;
Dec. 5 - Forenoon - Christmas Ham packing and delivery Day;
Dec. 7 - Rotary Clubs Christmas Celebration at the Italian Club;
The R.C. of Regina Eastview Bylaws 2023 have been posted on the Eastview website. You will find them in the Member Area under Organization / Documents.Many thanks to Jeff Barber for his efforts in finalizing the document and posting it online;
Please check out this important organizational document - if you have questions call Gail and or Jeff who have given leadership to this effort.
At 12:05 President Al Hoeft called the ZOOMed gathering of 21 to attention, welcoming all and identifying the Guests and Visitors. He gave a brief overview of significant happenings in the sports world and reminded us all of land we occupy and the role we each and collectively play in our Truth & Reconciliation journey.
Gail Bradley was invited to introduce Guest Speaker PDG Dan Doherty and this is some of what we learned.
Dan Doherty is past President of Calgary West Rotary, where he has been an active member for over 40 years. Dan was the District Chair for the District New Generations in Action Committee. He has a passion for advocating for and empowering youth, especially those without a voice. Having been engaged with students at Tsuu T'ina High School, as well as the Aboriginal program at the Boys and Girls Club, he is currently acting as the Reconciliation Lead for Rotary Zones 28/32 and was recently appointed to the Indigenous Gathering Place Society board of Directors. Dan was the District 5360 Governor for 2018/2019 and is currently a Zone 28 Assistant Rotary Coordinator Mentor. Dan regularly presents and facilitates presentations on membership and diversity issues. Dan and his wife Marlene, have recently been appointed as Learning Facilitators at the Rotary International Assembly. The Doherty family consists of 4 incredible kids and even better 3 grandchildren. They have a dog Molly who loves to be everyone’s friend.
Dan Doherty introduced us to himself and his topic with this observation: I am grateful to live, work, play and have built my life in the Tsuut’ina Nation ; the traditional territory of the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy; the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Wesley Nations ; and the home of Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3.
I acknowledge the teachings and generosity that this land has given me and my family.
With this statement before us, Dan drew attention to how Rotary's statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in fact speaks to the very things our land acknowledgement says we will do. The words we use makes this commitment. We need to educate ourselves not only about our Indigenous neighbours but our own bias, learnings, understandings and having safe conversations with these neighbours and overcoming barriers that get in the way. Educate ourselves, maybe even searching out an Indigenous mentor. We must allow ourselves to take some safe steps. This means we need to develop a mindset to learn indigenous ways. Dan suggested we "inspire transformative change for reconciliation and equity that are sincere, authentic and absolutely being offered for the right reasons".
Dan challenged us to learn "to understand" (not dismiss) the indigenous protocols like the land acknowledgement, smudging, reference to and the importance of tobacco. We need to listen to the words, but Dan reminded us that we must also be sensitive to what is "not being said". Sitting in circles is critical, there is no edge, and we all see one another. Ask questions - challenge ideas not people - we each take responsibility for moving forward. "It is not our responsibility to change someone’s mind - it is to open a door". Get used to silence and listen - it does not need to be filled. It is important to balance white man's need for note taking and Indigenous appreciation for "oral history". Dan used the example of being like two canoes on a river moving forward together. This starts with building a relationship, one where love, respect, bravery, truth, honesty and wisdom are held in common.
Dan concluded his presentation by sharing steps we can take in moving this conversation forward and indicated his availablity to help open doors of communication with The First Nations University of Canada
Remember Casey Eagle Speaker's counsel,
“Stop doing to, stop doing for, begin doing with”
PDG Dan Doherty
Rotary Youth Exchange:
Even a short experience can build a lifetime of connection
Imagine yourself as a 16-year-old, standing in a new country, surrounded by people who speak a different language and follow different customs. You’re nervous, but also excited. You’re about to embark on a journey that can shape how you see the world. Rotary Youth Exchange is Rotary International’s official exchange program for students ages 15-19, whom Rotary clubs and districts sponsor to spend anywhere from a week to a full academic year abroad. Rotary Youth Exchange is more than just a travel program; it’s a cultural immersion experience that helps students grow as young adults, develop compassion and appreciation for others, and experience the world in a new way.
An Exciting Beginning
For me, Rotary Youth Exchange is the shining jewel in the crown of Rotary youth programs. As Rotary members, when we work closely within our own tight-knit communities, we can forget about the impact we and Rotary have globally.
The Family of Rotary is such a notable Community and it began with Jayna Amadasun, who told us about getting the results for her Masters Dissertation - the result, Jayna now has a Master of Laws Medical Law and Ethics (LLM) from the University of Edinburgh School of Law - WOW;
In recognizing Bob Durston's appreciated attendance to our meeting, Peter Peters, congratulated Bob and the Rotary Club of Neepawa for offering up their member, Wayne Jacobsen, to serve as the District Governor for the Rotary year 2025-2026 - Congratulations and best wishes to Wayne and the Club as they navigate this role with District Leadership Team support;
Allen Hillsden travelled to Winnipeg to celebrate his birthday with old friends and members of the family;
Jean-Marc was recognized and shared on the 29th of this month he and Cheryl are celebrating their 27th Wedding Anniversary;
Not only that, but also their daughters are entering their respective 2nd year of University in Winnipeg the faculties of Pharmacy and Nursing - and they live together (how cool is sisterhood);
Oh, and almost forgotten, Jean-Marc is making a return trip to the African country of Benin;
Al Hoeft and wife Karin celebrated their 41st wedding Anniversary earlier this week.
Congratulations to all the above.
Next Week Back At The Delta
the above is last week and features (L toR)
Bill Schroeder, Ann Grahame, Tania Woroby, Gilda Graham & President Al
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"War is always aghastly blunder; even the "winners" lose"
Paul Harris - My Road To Rotary
Today's guests
In addition to Guest Speaker PDG Dan Doherty, we were pleased to welcome Doug Keam from the RC of Regina and Bob Durston, from the RC of Neepawa. Thank you for being part of our Rotary day.
Next Meeting Responsibilities
Nov. 6 - In-person at the Delta - RC of Regina - Host
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