Back-to-school gifts make a difference for Indigenous students chosing to continue their education.

The Healing of the Seven Generations, is a Kitchener agency that distributes backpacks to about 300 indiginous students each year.  As a gesture of encouragement for that journey back to school, the student receives a pair of running shoes and a backpack stuffed with school supplies.

"It has nothing to do with finances," said Donna Dubie, executive director, "It has to do with us honouring that they're going to school." A good education is key to living a fulfilling, rich life. But school is also a toxic subject for many Indigenous people.

Rotary Sunrise is supporting this cause with a $500 donation for the backpack program.