Dear YMCA Members and Families,
This day honours the thousands of Indigenous children who were lost to the residential school system, as well as those who survived, their families, and communities whose lives were forever changed.
On this day, the YMCA of Eastern Ontario reaffirms solidarity with Indigenous peoples and reflects on a shared responsibility to advance Truth and Reconciliation. The path toward reconciliation is ongoing and, at times, challenging, yet the commitment remains steadfast. The YMCA continues to work with Indigenous partners on programs and initiatives that foster understanding, healing, and meaningful collaboration.
Over the past year, the YMCA has deepened reconciliation and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) efforts. Staff and volunteers have participated in new training opportunities and mentorship programs led by Indigenous community leaders, broadening knowledge and strengthening relationships. As part of this work, the YMCA of Eastern Ontario welcomed the Morningstar family to lead a teaching hole at the YMCA’s annual golf tournament, where they shared knowledge about natural medicines and medicine bundles; their purpose, meaning, and benefits creating space for learning and dialogue within a community setting.
The YMCA’s Hearthstone Housing program, launched in 2024, has grown to seven units in 2025. Developed in partnership with CaraCo Development Corporation, the City of Kingston, and Tipi Moza, an urban First Nation, Métis and Inuit housing provider, this initiative provides culturally sensitive housing supports while addressing critical needs in the community.
As part of YMCA Canada’s collective commitment, YMCAs across the country continue to raise funds for the Orange Shirt Society through the sale of YMCA orange shirts. In 2025, $15,628 was raised to support the Orange Shirt Society, bringing YMCA Canada’s five-year total to more than $177,620 in support of Survivors and their families.
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Golfers learning about natural medicines, medicine bundles, their purpose, meaning, and benefits at our Indigenous Teaching Hole during the Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament on August 14.
On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the YMCA of Eastern Ontario calls on all non-Indigenous individuals and organizations to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities. Reconciliation demands continuous learning and action from settler-led institutions and individuals—not only today, but every day.
Rob Adams
CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario
