Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day at the Rotary Club of Toronto
On Friday, June 19, the Rotary Club of Toronto proudly marked National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrating the cultures, languages, histories, and enduring contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada.
Steven Smith, Co-Chair of the Indigenous Partnership Committee alongside Bill Empey, opened the gathering by reflecting on the significance of June 21, a date chosen to coincide with the summer solstice and one that holds special meaning across many Indigenous cultures. He highlighted the Committee’s ongoing work to build relationships with organizations including the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, ENAGB Youth Services, Native Child and Family Services, Anishnawbe Health Centre, the Ontario Native Women’s Association, Water First, and Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP).
John Andras and Bill Empey spoke to Rotary’s role in Canada’s journey toward Truth and Reconciliation, recalling how the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action inspired a response rooted right here in Toronto, with youth at its foundation. Through HIP, co-founded by Club members Chris Snyder and John Andras, the Youth to Youth (Y2Y) program has grown into a national network of 250 young leaders, bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth from across the country to build lasting bridges of understanding and connection.
The meeting’s most moving moment came from Sage Hodder, a Y2Y alumnus and Grade 11 student from the Labatte family of the Georgian Bay and Penetanguishene Métis communities. Sage shared his journey through the Y2Y program at Six Nations of the Grand River and spoke about OshkiABA, his youth-led initiative that bridges digital safety and Indigenous rights — a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when young people are given the confidence and platform to lead.
The event closed with a keynote from guest speaker Steve Teekens, Executive Director of Na-Me-Res (Native Men’s Residence), who shared his decades of experience supporting Toronto’s Indigenous community and his enduring commitment to helping individuals find resilience and overcome life’s obstacles.
Chi-Miigwetch — a heartfelt thank you to all who joined, shared, and continue to walk this path of reconciliation together.
Written by Diego Ribeiro Galbiati
Rotarian to Rotarian (R2R) Speed Dating: A Night to Connect!
On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the Rotary Club of Toronto brought the rooftop to life with our first R2R Speed Dating event under the current Board — a fun, fast-paced way for members to get to know each other better!
The format was simple: Rotarians paired up for quick, timed rounds of 3 to 5 minutes each. When the bell rang, everyone rotated to a new partner, swapped stories, discovered shared interests, and exchanged contact details when there was a genuine connection. It was the perfect icebreaker for meeting our newest members and reconnecting with familiar faces, including our Committee and Working Group Chairs, who were eager to connect with members interested in getting more involved.
And yes, there was wine! 🍷 A cocktail hour on the rooftop set the tone for a relaxed and social evening, followed by a proper sit-down dinner — with seats for everyone and a working microphone this time!
The evening also featured a special guest: our Rotary Youth Exchange Student from Denmark, Aksel Rye Romme, who joined in the fun and mingled right alongside our Rotarians.
A great night of connection, laughter, and community. Here’s to more events like this one!
Written by Diego Ribeiro Galbiati
Rotary Golf Tournament at Richmond Hill Golf Club
Members of our Rotary Club recently came together for the annual Rotary Golf Tournament at Richmond Hill Golf Club. With breakfast sandwiches, hash browns and coffee served at 7:30 a.m. and an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start, it was a great day of golf, fellowship and friendly competition alongside four other Rotary clubs from the area.
Representing our club were Kevin Power, Franck Olejniczak, Fabio Ventolini, Jayson Phelps, Matti Aleksander and Michele Guy.
Despite some breezy conditions and damp fairways, it was an enjoyable day on the course. After golf, we wrapped up the day with lunch, prizes and a 50/50 raffle, with the winner generously donating the prize money back to the club.
A special congratulations to Michele Guy and her team, who took home the “Most Honest Golfers” award!
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s tournament another great Rotary event.
Written by Matti Aleksander
Welcoming Our New Rotary Youth Exchange Student
On August 18, we welcomed Aksel Rye Romme, a Rotary Youth Exchange student from Denmark, who will spend the year studying in Canada. Aksel’s exchange is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Toronto, the Rotary Club of Toronto East and the Rotary Club of Scarborough.
Bill Empey, Mark McQuitty and Diego Ribeiro Galbiati from the Rotary Club of Toronto came out to welcome Aksel. His host mother, Kristine Laing, welcomed him to his new home with both the Canadian and Danish flags.
Bill also presented Aksel with a traditional Indigenous smudging gift containing sage and tobacco, along with a shell and tobacco wrap. As District Coordinator for Rotary District 7070’s Honouring Indigenous Peoples initiative and a member of the Indigenous Partnership Committee for the Rotary Club of Toronto, Bill was able to share some of the significance of these traditions with Aksel. Aksel shared that he looks forward to learning more about Indigenous traditions and practices during his time in Canada.
We look forward to following Aksel’s journey and welcoming him as part of the Rotary community during his year in Canada.
Written by Diego Ribeiro Galbiati
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Club Meetings
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
6:00 to 7:15 pm
The National Club
303 Bay Street, Toronto
—
Friday October 23, 2026
12:00 to 1:30 pm
The National Club
303 Bay Street, Toronto
Other Events
Club Events
—
District & International Events
Rotary Foundation Walk
Saturday, September 27, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m
179 Saskatoon Ave Campbellford, ON
Join Liz Compton (DGE) and her Committee for an inspiring weekend celebrating service, connection, and community impact. Meet fellow Rotarians and Rotaractors, learn from engaging speakers, and enjoy time together in the heart of North York.
For all members who have joined or want to join the WhatsApp Group, please note that we will use your first name & last name - no business name or acronym please. Thank you.
Want to see a story or pictures of your latest meeting, project, or social in The Voice?
