Advancing Indigenous Achievement

RRC Polytech is committed to preparing all learners — including those original to these lands— to succeed in a dynamic, vibrant workforce, and use their education to contribute to their communities.

A signatory to the Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint, we educate a significant proportion of Indigenous learners, the fastest-growing workforce demographic in Canada.

We work in consultation with Indigenous partners and communities to support Indigenous entrepreneurship, a linchpin for Indigenous achievement in the province. We benefit from the support of Elders-in-Residence and Knowledge Keepers, and the guidance of our Manager of Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement, to address the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada throughout our College.

Your investment in advancing Indigenous achievement will help us improve access for Indigenous learners, enhance academic and holistic support for Indigenous students, strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities, develop specialized programs, and more.

Hands-on Learning

Manitou a bi Bii daziigae will leverage RRC Polytech’s growing connections to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses and social innovators — many of whom already work with the College’s downtown campus — into more hands-on co-op and training opportunities for Indigenous students.

This hands-on experience has been part of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae from the beginning, with 52% of the construction workforce self-declaring as Indigenous. The main artwork for the Centre was created by Jackie Traverse, a multi-disciplined Anishinaabe artist known across Canada for her powerful art that speaks to the realities of being an Indigenous person.

New Programs

Manitou a bi Bii daziigae will also house one of RRC Polytech’s newest Indigenous Education programs, Social Innovation and Community Development, which teaches students how to become agents of change — either by working with communities experiencing barriers to development, or by pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities to innovate, address issues, and positively impact the world.

Another new program, the Indigenous Language – Cree program, follows the Ojibwe program, with both full-time programs using land-based learning experiences and a focus on the social, cultural and historical significance of Indigenous peoples in Canada and abroad.

Your support will help us continue developing new programs such as these.

Indigenous Research

By directing your support to RRC Polytech’s Culinary Research and Innovation department, you will help realize plans for culinary research focused on Indigenous health and traditional foods and medicines, as well as educational opportunities for students.

Similar initiatives are already having a huge impact. RRC Polytech’s Culinary Skills – Indigenous pilot program, launched in 2019, created an opportunity for students to share the culture of traditional Indigenous foods and learn from Indigenous ways of knowing and being while working in various roles in a live kitchen. The program was able to provide lunches for Indigenous students, helped address the ongoing barrier of food security and allowing students to focus on studies.

New Pathways

Manitou a bi Bii daziigae also houses the new Pathway to Business, Creative Communications and Digital Technology Programs. Pathway programs provide preparation by increasing academic, personal, social and financial readiness, and by supporting the transition to college life. They provide a holistic approach for mature or rural students to prepare for success, and have been shown to reduce attrition and support growth in industries where Indigenous peoples have been underrepresented.

Holistic Supports

RRC Polytech aims to provide supports that contribute to well-being, a strong sense of self, and belonging. Indigenous Student Supports address academic, spiritual, cultural, emotional and physical wellness, as well as social, environmental and financial needs. Services include advising, counselling, access to Elders, ceremonies and events, outings, employment assistance, and more. Your support will help us expand and enhance these wrap-around supports.

Indigenous Spaces

RRC Polytech continues to expand its inclusive Indigenous spaces. Amenities now include the medicine wheel garden at the Notre Dame Campus, a sweat lodge and teepee, and Indigenous Support Centres at both the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses. These spaces host special events and teachings, and feature kitchen facilities, a lounge area, computer labs, telephones and bulletin boards with current events and career postings.

Financial Aid

Creating or contributing to scholarships, bursaries and awards that help Indigenous students cover some of costs of their educational journey is an excellent way to advance Indigenous achievement at RRC Polytech.

Explore Other Priorities

Transforming our learning and research spaces

With your support, our students will have access to learning spaces and state-of-the-art equipment that prepare them for tomorrow’s workforce, today.

Amplifying our impact

Investing in our applied teaching and research talent will extend RRC Polytech’s social, cultural and economic impact far beyond the classroom, into companies and communities province-wide.

Enhancing our student experience

Help us attract exceptional students from all backgrounds by reducing barriers, enhancing services and support, and creating an exceptional college experience at every step of the learning journey.