Indigenous Education

Events

Thrive Week – Jig’n Time with Dean Davis (NDC) – Thursday, Nov. 6

October 21, 2025

Jig’n Time with Dean Davis (NDC)

Jigging has brought Métis people together for generations — it’s more than just dance, it’s a celebration of identity, community, and resilience.

Join us at the Indigenous Support Centre for Jig’n Time, an energetic midday session of jigging and square dancing led by renowned instructor Dean Davis. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned stepper, come connect through rhythm, laughter and tradition as part of our Thrive Week celebrations.

So grab your dancing shoes — let’s keep the tradition alive, one step at a time!

REGISTER – Thursday, November 6, 2025 in F205 from 12 to 1pm, Notre Dame Campus

Thrive Week is on the way! Take a break, recharge, and join in on free activities that spark creativity, connection, and calm. From yoga and mini massages to jigging, cat cafés, DIY workshops, and more — there’s something for everyone across all campuses.

For details, event calendars, and registration links, check out the full Thrive Week blog post on Campus Well-Being.

MMF Citizenship and Harvester Card sign-up sessions

September 12, 2025

Join us at RRC Polytech for MMF Citizenship and Harvester Card sign-up sessions!

The Manitoba Métis Federation will be on campus September 23 at Notre Dame Campus (West Lot) and September 25 at Exchange District Campus (Atrium) from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. All students can apply free of charge, while staff will need to bring $10 cash for a Citizenship card and $10 for a Harvester card.

Bring these items to your appointment:

  • Completed MMF Application Form
  • Genealogy documentation (or supporting relative documents)
  • Long-form birth or baptismal certificate
  • Government-issued ID
  • Passport-quality photo (can be taken on-site for free)
  • Payment (if applicable)

This is your chance to complete your application in person and get help from MMF representatives. Don’t miss it! Subscribe to the Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement blog for more opportunities like this!

Fall Equinox 2025

September 8, 2025

Join us to celebrate!

As summer turns to fall, the days and nights balance in harmony, reminding us of the cycles of change and renewal. The Fall Equinox is a time to gather in community, reflect on the season’s gifts, and prepare for the months ahead.

RRC Polytech invites students, staff, and community members to join us in honouring this transition with a Pipe Ceremony led by the Elders-in-Residence, followed by a Feast.

Friday, September 19, 2025
10am – Pipe Ceremony
12pm – Feast

Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae
Exchange District Campus

This gathering is open to all. Please remember to bring your Feast Bag as we come together in respect, gratitude, and celebration of the season. No registration is required. If you have any questions, please contact Sara McIvor-Prouty, Manager, Indigenous Student Supports and Community Relations smcivor@rrc.ca.

Status Card ID Clinic for Indigenous Students

September 3, 2025

Indigenous students at RRC Polytech are invited to attend a Status Card ID Clinic, hosted in partnership with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization. This event is an opportunity to apply for or renew your Status Card with support available to guide you through the process.

  • Date: Wednesday, September 17
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: Indigenous Support Centre (F209)

Appointments are encouraged to ensure you have the correct documentation, but drop-ins will also be accepted.

To book an appointment and confirm the type of ID required for your application, contact
Haley Pratt, Navigation Coach at hpratt2@rrc.ca

Service Design Training with WorkPlayExperience for Staff and Faculty

July 4, 2025

Learn how to uncover insights, co-create solutions, and navigate complex systems with confidence.

Join Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development and Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah for an immersive, hands-on training experience led by WorkPlayExperience, a global leader in human-centered design and innovation.

Workshops will take place the week of August 11 – 15, 2025 each day.

You’ll gain:

  • A solid foundation in service design & innovation methods
  • Real-world application of design tools
  • Confidence in systems thinking & co-creation
  • Practical frameworks to take back to your team or community

For more information about WorkPlayExperience, visit their website.

Learn more about Service Design Training here.

Social Innovation and Community Development Orientation

July 3, 2025

Are you passionate about creating change in your community?

Curious about a career rooted in social justice, community work, and Indigenous ways of knowing? Come learn more about RRC Polytech’s Social Innovation and Community Development (SICD) program where you can meet instructors and current students, learn how the program integrates Indigenous perspectives, and find out about student supports, funding options, and the application process.

This info session is designed especially for Indigenous prospective students who want to make a difference and explore a path that honours culture, community, and innovation.

  • Tuesday, July 8
  • 5pm – 7pm
  • The Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, 319 Elgin Ave.

Reminder: Pathway Information Session – Tuesday, June 17

June 9, 2025

Thinking about launching a career in tech or engineering?

Don’t miss RRC Polytech’s Pathway Programs Information Session on Tuesday, June 17, from 12–1 pm.

Discover the Pathway to Information Technology and Pathway to Engineering Technology programs – both are designed to support Indigenous students with academic upgrading, hands-on learning, and clear pathways into high-demand careers.

Learn about the wraparound supports through the School of Indigenous Education, including Elder support, navigation coaches, financial officers, and a welcoming community throughout your journey.

  • Tuesday, June 17
  • 12pm – 1pm
  • Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus

Pathways Information Session – Tuesday, June 17

May 26, 2025

Register today to learn about Pathway to Information Technology and Pathway to Engineering Technology!

We are excited to invite learners to RRC Polytech’s upcoming Pathway Programs Information Session focused on supporting Indigenous students with launching careers in information technology and engineering.

  • Tuesday, June 17
  • 12pm – 1pm
  • Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus, 319 Elgin Ave.

This session will highlight our Pathway to Information Technology and Pathway to Engineering Technology programs. Both pathways offer Indigenous students academic upgrading, hands-on learning opportunities, and clear routes into high-demand tech and engineering careers.

Additionally, you will learn about the comprehensive supports available through our School of Indigenous Education, including Elder guidance, navigation coaching, financial support, and a welcoming community to help students succeed every step of the way.

We would appreciate your help in sharing this opportunity with Indigenous students and learners who may be interested in exploring these exciting programs.

If you have any questions, please contact Chelsey Finney, Program Facilitator, School of Indigenous Education, at cfinney40@rrc.ca

Once registered, we will send out an email a week prior to the event with the agenda.

Join the Moose Hide Campaign Winnipeg Walk to End Violence – Thursday, May 15, 2025

May 13, 2025

Please join Terri-Lynn Anderson, Truth and Reconciliation Coordinator, for the Moose Hide Campaign Winnipeg Walk to End Violence.

Terri-Lynn will be at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) by 11:30 AM, and staff, faculty, and students are welcome to meet there before the walk begins.

If you have any questions or would like to meet at the CMHR, feel free to reach out to Terri-Lynn at tlanderson@rrc.ca.

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
  • Time: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM (Meet-up at 11:30 AM)
  • Start Location: Canadian Museum for Human Rights
  • End Point: Manitoba Legislative Building
  • Rain or Shine

Please wear your Moose Hide pin if you have one. Terri-Lynn will have extras available  or you can arrange to pick one up before the walk. 

Let’s walk together in solidarity to stand up against violence and help create a safer, more respectful world.

Click here for full event details and registration

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People – Monday, May 5

May 5, 2025

The following message includes topics that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experiences. It is recommended that we all check in on ourselves and access the resources available to us to ensure we are taking good care of our mental health. For mental health and self-care resources, visit here.

The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People, otherwise known as Red Dress Day, is observed on Monday, May 5.

Red Dress Day began with Jaime Black’s REDress Project, initiated in 2010, in which she hung red dresses in public spaces to represent the missing and murdered women, girls and Two Spirit people to honour their lives and their families.

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S) released their Final Report in June 2019. The report detailed over 2,380 accounts from family members, survivors of violence, experts and Knowledge Keepers during two years of evidence gathering. Two volumes of the report conclude that persistent human and Indigenous rights violations are the root cause of Canada’s high rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people.

Sections 11.1 – 11.2 call on educators across all levels to provide awareness to the public about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people and about the issues and causes of violence they experience. In this digital age, we have the ability to spread the truth, but we are also at odds with misinformation borne from ignorance and racism. It is our duty to their families and communities to advocate for the truth of Canada’s complacency in crimes against Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people.

Many Indigenous organizations have additional programs that support the National Inquiry and education on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People like the Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc. MMIWG2S and Violence Prevention.

The flags at Notre Dame Campus and PGI will be lowered to half-mast today to pay respect to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.