Since our founding in 1913, the Rotary Club of Hamilton has been dedicated to serving our community with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to making positive, lasting change. As we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we pause to reflect on the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada, particularly the profound harm caused by the residential school system. We acknowledge the generational trauma that continues to affect Indigenous communities, and we understand that reconciliation is not a single day of reflection but an ongoing journey for all of us.
As a service club, we recognize that there is still much to be done. While we take pride in the work we have accomplished over the past century, we remain deeply aware of the responsibility we carry to foster inclusion, understanding, and healing. Our commitment to the youth in our community is unwavering, and we know that reconciliation begins by ensuring all children—especially Indigenous children—feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Our projects, from the Summer Literacy Camp to the Rotary Children’s Christmas Celebration, are designed to bring hope and opportunity to all children, regardless of their background. We believe every child deserves access to education, warmth, and care, and we continually strive to reach the most vulnerable in our community. We also recognise that supporting Indigenous youth means more than providing services; it means engaging with Indigenous leaders, families, and communities to better understand their unique needs and how we can work together to create meaningful change.
Truth and Reconciliation are not just words but actions—actions that Rotary is committed to incorporating into everything we do. We are humbled by the courage and resilience of Indigenous peoples and seek to be allies in the journey toward healing. This means listening to their stories, learning from their experiences, and working alongside them in the spirit of unity and respect.
As we move forward, the Rotary Club of Hamilton pledges to continue supporting all children in our community while deepening our commitment to reconciliation. We recognise that this journey requires both reflection and action, and we stand ready to play our part in building a more just and equitable society for future generations.
We invite all members of our community to join us in honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, not only today but in our daily lives, by taking time to learn, reflect, and support initiatives that create lasting, positive change.
Together, we can walk the path of reconciliation—ensuring every child, every family, and every community feels the support they deserve.
Rotary Club of Hamilton
Serving our community since 1913, committed to building a brighter tomorrow.