Reflections on Racism
You are invited to experience How the Dog Learned to Dance, an Indigenous story brought to life through animation, sound, and immersive media.
When Luna, Shaneesa’s cherished dog, wanders into the spirit world, he encounters beings who treat him unkindly. With the Great Spirit Bear beside him, Luna discovers the importance of belonging, self-worth, and compassion; teachings that bring Shaneesa comfort and strength as she faces challenges of her own.
Following the 10 minute story, guests are invited to explore multimedia materials and resources that encourage reflection and meaningful conversation about racism, anti-racism, and allyship.
Video Testimonials
RRC Polytech staff and students share experiences and reflections on racism, inclusion, belonging, identity, and difficult times, emphasizing the importance of listening and learning from one another’s stories.
RRC Polytech Student Photography
Photo exhibition depicting experiences and feelings related to inclusion, exclusion, and racism. This exhibition invites emotional engagement and opens space for interpretation and discussion.
Racism in Our Community
(recent headlines)
In Winnipeg, Indigenous and racialized communities have faced threats, hateful graffiti, verbal abuse, property damage and systemic mistreatment. These experiences show how racism affects people’s safety, dignity, and sense of belonging. Awareness helps us recognize racism and support those affected and work together to prevent further harm.
These headlines are credited to their original news sources and displayed for reference only. Complete articles can be accessed through the corresponding QR codes.
Inclusion: The Spaces we Share
(augmented reality)
Experience a 360° immersive photo gallery showcasing moments of belonging, connection, and inclusion captured by RRC Polytech students and staff.
Winnipeg Mural: Never Forgotten
(virtual reality)
Unveiled near Polo Park in 2011, this mural honor’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S) by making the human impact of racism visible. Indigenous peoples and other racialized communities may face discrimination and systemic barriers. However, Indigenous experiences are uniquely rooted in colonialism, displacement, residential schools, and the suppression of cultures and languages.
1000 Cut Journey
(virtual reality)
The immersive virtual reality experience in which participants embody a black male, Michael Sterling, experiencing racism as a child through disciplinary action in the classroom, as an adolescent encountering the police, and as a young adult experiencing workplace discrimination. This VR activity provides an immersive learning experience that encourages perspective, and empathy.
B.C.’s Highway of Tears Documentary
(virtual reality)
Story of 16 year-old Ramona Wilson who disappeared in 1994 on highway 16 in British Columbia. The story counters stereotypes by presenting individuals as daughters, leaders, and community members rather than statistics.
Educational Resources
Reflections on Racism includes links to several Truth and Reconciliation and EDIA resources on campus.
These resources included a guided reflection entitled Bears Pause drawing on themes in Jo Chrona’s Indigenous-informed and anti-racist pedagogy: relationships, reflection, and questioning of assumptions
Content Advisory
The material presented for this installation has been curated to create a respectful and supportive space for learning, reflection, and discussion. Some of the themes explored in these presentations may be emotionally challenging. We encourage you to engage with the experience in a way that feels right for you.If you find that you would benefit from support, please consider reaching out to RRC Polytech Student Counselling Services, your instructor, or an Elder-In-Residence. Links to Health and Wellness supports are available as part of the installation.