Last month, Jonas Alcantara, a Grade 10 student and participant in HIP’s 2024 Youth to Youth Truth & Reconciliation Experience, had the honor of addressing the Rotary Club of Calgary West. Accompanied by fellow participant Bailey Fougere and HIP District Co-Ordinator Dan Doherty, Jonas delivered a compelling presentation that left a lasting impression.
Jonas began his talk with a powerful quote from Barack Obama: “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” This sentiment resonates deeply with Jonas and many other young Canadians who are passionate about making a difference and shaping the future.
He expressed his gratitude to the Rotary Club for the opportunity to share his experiences and insights gained through HIP’s impactful work. Jonas spoke movingly about the profound effect of listening to elders and knowledge keepers, who shared the generational challenges and resilience of their cultures. Hearing these stories firsthand was both emotional and enlightening for him.
One of the most memorable aspects of his experience in BC was the chance to connect with other bright, driven youth from across Canada, all united by a shared passion for creating change. These personal connections and shared dedication to progress were a highlight of the week.
Jonas’s presentation was a testament to the power of youth voices in driving positive change, and it was clear that his time with HIP has fueled his commitment to making a difference.
Without the unwavering support of HIP(Honouring Indigenous Peoples) and the many Rotary Clubs supporting the 50 youth in 2024, these impacts would not have been possible.