Rotary Youth Exchange student Irene Muñiz from Spain joined fellow exchange students from across Southern Alberta for a cultural weekend in Okotoks focused on Indigenous history and traditions. Activities included a smudging ceremony, Powwow, Indigenous Market, educational sessions, and an overnight stay in a traditional tipi. The experience gave Irene a deeper understanding of Canada's Indigenous heritage and highlighted the Rotary Youth Exchange program's mission of fostering cultural awareness, global understanding, and lifelong learning
Read her story at the Western Wheel newspaper
Last weekend, our Rotary Youth Exchange student from Spain, Irene Muñiz, joined six other exchange students from our district for a memorable cultural experience in Okotoks.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Okotoks, the weekend provided an opportunity to learn about Canada's Indigenous heritage through educational sessions, a smudging ceremony, a Powwow, an Indigenous Market, and an overnight stay in a traditional tipi.
For Irene, the experience offered a unique perspective on a culture very different from what she has known in Spain. Reflecting on the weekend, she shared that learning about Indigenous history and traditions helps people become more open-minded and gain knowledge that many in their home countries may never have the opportunity to experience.
The event highlighted one of the most valuable aspects of the Rotary Youth Exchange program: broadening horizons through cultural immersion and meaningful connections. By engaging directly with Indigenous traditions and communities, Irene gained a deeper understanding of Canada's history and culture while creating memories that will stay with her long after her exchange year.
Experiences like this demonstrate how Rotary Youth Exchange goes beyond travel—it builds global understanding, respect, and lifelong learning.