The guest speaker at the January 17, 2024 morning meeting of the Rotary Club of Hamilton AM was Kris Noakes, the President of the Peel Aboriginal Network, Kris Noakes. Kris is a citizen of the Anishinabek Nation and a member of Nipissing First Nation.
Kris currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic, on the Board of Directors at Theatre Aquarius and has recently finished her second term appointment as a member of the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee for the GTA. As a person living with ALS, she is a member of ALS Canada’s Board of Directors and Chair of the Hamilton based charity event, the Revolution Ride.
Kris has a very diverse experience as a First Nation's advocate and spoke passionately about the history of aboriginal related treaties that still have relevance in today's society. They are in fact the basis for "Land Acknowledgement" statements proclaimed at the beginning of many community events, such as today's Rotary Club Meeting.
Kris is involved in many important initiatives related to community health and not just in relation to the community's aboriginal citizens. Her past work in law enforcement and education and in the building of needed services that focus on diversity and inclusiveness show a broad, committed and community mindedness not often seen in one person.
She has also been a guest speaker at various universities and colleges, national sports events, corporations, governments and at the United Nations General Assembly.
Kris's presentation was very well received by the members of the Rotary Club of Hamilton AM!
