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Rotary International is a global network of 1.4 million members in over 46,000 clubs whose motto is Service Above Self. Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. For more than 115 years, we’ve bridged cultures and connected continents to champion peace, fight illiteracy and poverty, promote clean water and sanitation, fight disease and to protect the environment. Rotary International District 5360 is located in central/southern Alberta and western Saskatchewan with 53 clubs and 1700 members. In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation and a desire to share knowledge and perspectives between Rotary and the Indigenous nations within the District, the District 5360 Indigenous Relations Committee (the Committee) was formed in 2020. The concept of bringing Rotary Clubs that are located geographically near certain Indigenous nations to connect, communicate and build collaborative relationships was presented. With respect to the Siksika nation, the Rotary Clubs of Chestermere, Calgary East, Drumheller and Brooks have commenced the discussion of how we as Rotarians can work together in a concerted effort to build a trusting relationship with the Siksika Nation. The Committee met with the Chief and council of the Siksika Nation in July 2020 and we all agreed that relationship building is a key component to obtain trust and partner on projects together for the benefit of many. On Saturday November 19th members of several Rotary Clubs and the District Indigenous Relations Committee were given an introduction to the Siksika Nation's history at the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, the site of the signing of Treaty No.7 in 1877. A guided tour of the museum provided the start of a journey of learning about the historic events and the cultural value of the site for the Siksika Nation enhanced by the rich variety of the archaeological resources that reflect the long history of Blackfoot Crossing. The remains included medicine circles, boulder effigies, cairns, buffalo and antelope jumps, Sundance sites, and tobacco planting fields. "This is a journey of learning, about understanding and about acknowledging the history, the truth and why reconciliation," stated one Rotary member. |