This Rotor can also be found on the FRONT PAGE OF OUR WEBSITE,
on the right side (where it used to be).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next week's regular noon ZOOM meeting will feature a number of our new members providing an expanded introduction of themselves and telling us something about what might have attracted them to Rotary - please come to welcome our newcomers;
Sept. 11th - 3:30 pm rescheduled Past Presidents picnic at Pat Dell's - please contact Gail Bradley (pgbradley@sasktel.net) to rebook your intention to attend this great social event of the Rotary year;
Sept. 15 Cemetery Tour - late afternoon event - information to be circulated when details are confirmed;
Regina Eastview received a $1,000.00 grant from the Belleview Farms Foundation to be directed to the Club's educational initiatives in Guatemala through RI District 5550 Ripple Effect Program;
Our Club's ShelterBox boxes and material have found a permanant home in Glen Tressel's workship - a BIG "Tip of the hat" to Glen and Pat for making space available.
Everyday legal problems we need to solve, together!
No meeting last week in favour of the much anticipated Past Presidents Garden Party, which was sadly "rained out", it seemed like a long time ago when we last gathered. We had to wait a little longer to get President Jeff Barber connected, but once he arrived - smooth sailing was the experience. Jean-Marc Nadeau demonstrated his prowess as Sergeant-At-Arms and PDG Peter Neufeldt was our thoughtful and prepared Philosopher which referenced 'reconciliation', a term which aligns with our Guest Speaker's topic...
In his introduction of our speaker, President Jeff, reminded us that some months ago a survey of members indicated there was an interest in the Truth and Reconciliation report and its recommendation and learning more about how it applies to us as individuals and as a Rotary Club. With this in mind Jeremy Barber, Jeff and Nancy's son, a lawyer with the firm of MLT Aikins, happens to have as one of his areas of practise, Indigenous law. In this component of his practice, Jeremy has assisted Indigenous clients in drafting and ratifying laws, developing governance materials and negotiating service contracts. He has also conducted in-depth legal research and crafted legal arguments and submissions to support Indigenous clients in litigation matters and in advancing rights claims. Jeremy Barber came prepared to talk about legal challenges faced, and the challenge associated with their resolution. Here are some of the things learned:
Jeremy came to Eastview to share his practical observations about the state of the law and how it can cause problems for Indigenous Peoples;
A Common Theme in reconciliation is that there is friction in the system or process, which means the system or process is needlessly complicated;
Reconciliation has an International "character", and from Jeremy's perspective, colonialism is the character, and reconciliation is about repairing and managing the impact of colonialism.
Indigenous Groups have their own governments, but their ability to make laws is constrained by Canadian laws e.g. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;
There are economic matters i.e. First Nations do not have legal title to their reserves;
As the willingness of Governments to settle land claims changes depending on who is in power, which is a frustration because settlement is a legal issue not a political issue;
There is some Good News - The Federal Government is exploring the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP); there is increased recognition of Indigenous jurisdiction; there are critical developments in the law such as the "law of evidence", where courts are accepting oral history evidence
From our guest's perspective, “There are many, every-day aspects of the Canadian legal system and colonial context that cause "friction", and make basic governance, economic and other matters needlessly difficult for Indigenous Peoples and governments.
“In my view, that ought to be rectified to help facilitate self-determination, self-government, independence of Indigenous Peoples, and reconciliation more generally.”
Thank you, Jeremy Barber, for spending your no-eating Rotary meeting noon hour sharing your knowledge and passion with us on the unique challenges we face in this "friction" laden Reconciliation conversation. Your perspective is very much appreciated and we wish you well as you "stick-handle" these challenges on behalf of your clients and for the good of Canadian society.
Jeremy Barber
Important information about recent polio detections
This from ROTARY in Review
August 26, 2022
The recent detection of the vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 case in New York, USA, and isolates in several environmental samples collected in London are stark reminders that as long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat everywhere. It also highlights the importance of vaccination as the only form of protection against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases and the work that needs to be done in our communities to encourage the uptake of vaccines.
Joyce Butler celebrated a birthday in mid-August which was acknowledged today in her presence (we applauded - "mutedly" and Joyce appreciated the absence of singing;
Jeff and Nancy Barber are celebrating their 39th Wedding Anniversary this coming Saturday;
Richard and Judy Taylor are celebrating their 51st Wedding Anniversary on September 4th;
Holding top spot are Clarence and Donelda Krause who will be celebrating their 57th Wedding Anniversary on September 4th as well;
CONGRATULATIONS to our Rotary Family couples;
Speaking of the Rotary Family, our Club’s ShelterBox Champion, Russ Parry and Meg Schmieder Fund Raising Coordinator with ShelterBox Canada, did not disappoint. A SkyDive from 10,550 feet, participants appeared as mere specks in last Saturday's blue sunshiny sky. It is not a place for people afraid of heights. This was Russ’s way of raising funds for ShelterBox. You can hear him speak about his reasons for undertaking this adventure by checking out this YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhjZ7MT9nUQ.
Russ’s goal is to raise $3,600.00 and at this point he is at $1,500.00. Our Club’s 2022-2023 Rotary year ShelterBox commitment is to donate $1,200.00 - the value of one ShelterBox. If members have not yet donated to this cause, there is still time to do so. As Russ says, “Your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate a lot or a little”, every bit helps. I believe that together we can reach Russ Parry’s goal of 3 shelter boxes. Below is the link to the donation site: https://www.shelterboxcanada.org/campaign/make-a-difference/fundraiser/47/
Meg Schmieder (back from her Skydive) & Russ Parry (about ready to suit-up)
FELLOWSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Sergeant-At-Arms, Jean-Marc Nadeau, tested member integrity when he asked how many of us received the September issue of Rotary, which got a "yes" response from some members, but most of us admitted to not have read the whole magazine - it was fine worthy - e-transfer "an amount";
Happy Dollars came from:
Russ Parry, SkyDiving guru as he expressed his appreciation for the financial support he received in response to his appeal;
Peter Peters expressed his admiration for Russ's courage for jumping out of the airplane and for his ShelterBox Canada leadership;
Doug Mortin told us about their granddaughter Zoe, who kayaks with Wascana Canoe & Kayak Club, has been invited to join the Olympic Hopes Team 2022, representing Canada, next week in Slovakia;
Richard Schwan reminded us of his fundraising effort for Hopes Home, and specifically for his developing prowess as a dancer - led by a professional, Richard is enhancing his existing skill, which will be demonstrated (displayed) at the October 21 Hopes Home Gala;
It was a very fine ZOOM gathering - hope to see you all next week.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE ROTOR
Subscribe to our eBulletin and stay up to date on the latest news and events.
“It is not “forgive and forget” as if nothing wrong had ever happened, but “forgive and go forward,” building on the mistakes of the past and the energy generated by reconciliation to create a new future.”
Alan Paton
Today's guests
It was great to welcome three guests to our meeting in the persons of Jeremy Barber, our Guest Speaker, and visiting Rotarians Bob Durston (RC of Neepawa) and Doug Keam (RC of Regina). Thank you, gentlemen, for choosing to be part of our day.
.png)
