RRC Polytech’s latest Reaction by Collision event treated visitors to a vibrant celebration that brought together Indigenous artists and artisans while highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship in Indigenous culture.

The June 20 event was sponsored by RBC Future Launch. A longstanding partner of RRC Polytech, the RBC Foundation added to the festivities by announcing a $450,000 investment in a new information technology Pathway program that will equip Indigenous Manitobans with skills and support to prepare for careers in the growing IT field. With this new gift to RRC Polytech, we proudly celebrated RBC Foundation’s overall giving, which now totals $1 million to support a variety of College programs.

“Inclusion is the cornerstone of innovation,” shares Herb ZoBell, RBC Vice President, Indigenous Markets. “When we create bridges between diverse voices and opportunity, we create an ecosystem where potential may flourish and where we as a nation can rise to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This celebration of Indigenous ingenuity, culture, and entrepreneurship demonstrates RRC Polytech’s shared values with RBC in action as together we shine a light on the power of diversity and the road to prosperity.”

The celebration was open to the public and filled Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, RRC Polytech’s newest building at its downtown campus, with dancers, fiddlers, throat singers, entrepreneurs and storytellers.

“We are so thankful for RBC’s generous financial support,” says Tracy Brant, Chair, Aboriginal Education and Access Programs. “Their partnership is helping to create pathways for our next seven generations in the IT sector.”

Jaime Richard, one of the event organizers and Manager, Indigenous Partnerships and Student Supports for the School of Indigenous Education, says she hopes Indigenous students thinking of pursuing studies at RRC Polytech see the college as a place they “can see themselves as a student and to know there is a team of wrap-around supports who are here to welcome them and walk alongside them throughout their educational journey.”

Isabel Bright, Dean of the School of Indigenous Education, says RRC Polytech is a place where Indigenous ideas and experiences in entrepreneurship are fostered and celebrated.

“Our strategic plan makes a huge commitment to incorporating Truth and Reconciliation into all its programs and operations. This event demonstrates how fervently the college is acting on that commitment.”

For alumni Sean Rayland, who graduated last year with a diploma in Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship, the celebration highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship in Indigenous culture, past and present.

“I can draw a direct line from the self-sufficiency of our ancestors living on the land and trading to the self-determination that comes with starting and running your own business.”

In 2018, Rayland made the choice to turn his back on a life of drugs, gangs and crime to earn a high school diploma and graduate from college. From there, he started his own line of Indigenous streetwear, Red Rebel Armour. During the event, he had the opportunity to meet First Nations leader Ovid Mercredi, one of his role models.

Rayland believes events like this, and venues like Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, are opportunities for all people to come together and exchange knowledge and ideas – from CEOs to people experiencing homelessness.

“It shows how we can live in the present with our cultures and our values, walking the Seven Teachings while building meaningful futures for ourselves. That’s Reconciliation at work.”

Enjoy highlights from the event below: