Indigenous Education

Events

International Inuit Day 2023

November 7, 2023

In 2006, the Inuit Circumpolar Council established November 7 as International Inuit Day. More than 70,000 Inuit people live in Canada, with 69 percent living within Inuit Nunangat, northern Canada, composed of four distinct regions, Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, Nunavut and Inuvialuit.

On International Inuit Day, we invite you to celebrate the diversity of Inuit cultures and communities, and honour Inuit voices through listening and learning. Below are a few resources to support your learning:

Manitoba is home to the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq, which has one of the world’s largest collections of contemporary Inuit art, bringing close to 5,000 stone carvings to light in its visible vault. Explore the stunning collection of Inuit art in the heart of downtown Winnipeg – the first floor (includes the visible vault) is always FREE to visit. This Sunday, November 12 is free admission from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at WAG-Qaumajuq, so check out more exhibitions, including Inuit Sanaugangit: Art Across Time.

International Inuit Day is also a time to recognize how the way of life continues to change for Inuit peoples as the landscape literally and figuratively transforms. Read A balancing act between the two worlds: What it means to be Inuit, via Nunavut News.

Last year, RRC Polytech celebrated National Inuit Day with students, staff, faculty, and members of the Manitoba Inuit Association. College Transition students shared about their culture and life in Rankin Inlet with the College community. Read the full story here.

Save the Date: Truth and Reconciliation Week 2023

September 5, 2023

All students, staff and faculty are invited to participate in RRC Polytech’s fifth annual Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 25 to October 6 2023.

Through in-person events and self-guided learning offered by departments across the College, you’ll deepen your knowledge and understanding of Canada’s true history, Indigenous cultures, and spark conversations and take action towards Truth and Reconciliation.

This year’s event has been expanded to two weeks to enhance the opportunities for the College community to participate and includes sessions featuring special guests.

We look forward to fostering learning, healing and building stronger relationships.

Upcoming Truth and Reconciliation Week Events:

Fall Equinox Celebration

Join the Fall Equinox celebration Monday, September 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in the Roundhouse Auditorium at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae. The celebration will feature a Pipe Ceremony, Sharing Circle and Feast. Learn more here.

Blanket Exercise

The Blanket Exercise will be offered for staff and faculty on Thursday, September 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Roundhouse Auditorium at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae. The experience simulates the history of Indigenous people in Canada and the effects of colonization through facilitated interactive activities.

Space is limited to 30 participants. To learn more and sign up, click here.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters

September 30 is Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters, a time to recognize and honour Residential School Survivors, remember those who never made it home, and work towards healing and continuing our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

You are encouraged to wear your Orange Shirt on campus on Friday, September 29, and take some time to learn and reflect about Canada’s history of the Residential School System and its intergenerational impact.

This year, orange t-shirts featuring the art of RRC Polytech Graphic Design grad Leticia Spence, and produced by Red Rebel Armour, an Indigenous streetwear outlet owned and operated by RRC Polytech grad Sean Rayland-Boubar, are available through the Campus Store. All proceeds go to the College’s Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, which aims to alleviate financial burden for Indigenous students. Learn more about the orange shirt design here.

Stay tuned to Staff and Student News and subscribe to the Indigenous blog here for more information and the full schedule of events.

Indigenous Student-Led Tours

April 17, 2023

Are you curious about RRC Polytech? An exciting opportunity is coming up soon – register for a campus tour and get first-hand knowledge from current Indigenous students as they guide you around campus and answer your questions.

Tours will take place at the times and locations below:

Registering for your tour is easy!

  1. Click on the link above for the tour you’d like to attend
  2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Register
  3. Click Create Account and fill in your information
  4. Finalize your registration

RRC Polytech’s 2022 Graduation Pow Wow

INDIGENOUS SERVICES AND SUPPORTS AT RRC POLYTECH

There are many services and supports that Indigenous students can access to make the most of their time at the College:

Indigenous Student Support Centres

  • Provides a welcoming home away from home where students can smudge, participate in events, cultural teachings and ceremonies, or spend time with friends. The student support centres include a computer lab, kitchen, phone, study area and lounge.

Elders and Knowledge Keepers

  • Our Elders-in-Residence are here to support education through Indigenous ways of teaching, learning and leading. They play an important role in student and staff health, wellness, and cultural and spiritual development.

Indigenous Liaison Advisor

  • The Indigenous Liaison Advisor is the first point of contact for new and returning students of First Nation, Métis and Inuit ancestry. The advisor can help with questions related to programs, support and guidance through the application process, and admission requirements.

Academic Liaison and Resource Coaches

  • The Academic Liaisons and Resource Coaches offer tutoring and coaching – both one-on-one and in groups. They can help students with learning needs, as well as study skills, goal setting, and time management, so that students can move forward in their courses with confidence.

Navigation Coaches

  • The Navigation Coaches are the first point of contact for current Indigenous students and can help with everything from finding your way around campus, problem-solving, sharing important resources and information, understanding College processes, as well as connecting to other support team members as well as accessing community services such as childcare.

Counselling Services

  • Counselling Services are available to help students work through personal struggles, develop skills to manage better, and enjoy their College experience.

Student Employment Services

  • Student Employment Services provides personalized support and direction to students and recent graduates seeking summer, part-time, full-time and temporary employment. From job search strategies, cover letter and resume writing, interview preparation, employment application forms, informational interviews and current labour market information, a variety of assistance is available. We also work to build relationships with employers to ensure Indigenous students have employment connections and have a voice at the hiring table.

R-Crew

  • The R-Crew is made up of student volunteers that take on various roles aimed at easing new students into college life. They are a great resource and super role models who want to make students feel welcome, while creating a support system to ensure your success. Students helping students!

There are many opportunities to assist you financially in your education, and as an Indigenous student, there are specific opportunities just waiting for you to apply. From student aid to awards and bursaries, reach out to the Administrative and Financial Officer for help navigating these processes and learn about what may be available.

Welcome Celebration 2022

September 29, 2022

Come and join us for a fun-filled day of activities, entertainment, and food, while having the opportunity to meet the Indigenous Student Supports Team, fellow students, and to win prizes!

Our Indigenous Support Centres at the Notre Dame Campus and Exchange District Campus will be open for the celebration with baked goods, coffee, pizza, and pop all throughout the day. Special entertainment includes the Walking Wolf Singers from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Notre Dame Campus.

The event is free of charge and open to all RRC Polytech students.

For any questions, please contact Event Coordinator, Terri-Lynn Anderson at tlanderson@rrc.ca.

MMIWG2S Red Dress Pin Workshop

September 26, 2022

Join us for an evening workshop at the Indigenous Student Support Centre, to create a red dress pin with Gerri-Lee Pangman. The event is intended as a way to connect while opening up a dialogue around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S) folx.

Participants will complete a red dress pin to wear on October 4, to recognize and bring awareness to MMIWG2S.

The event is free of charge and open to RRC Polytech employees and students.

  • Date: October 3, 6pm-9pm
  • Location: Indigenous Student Support Centre, F209, Notre Dame Campus. Click here for a map.

Food and refreshments will be provided for participants. Advance registration is required as capacity is limited to 20 participants.

For any questions about the workshop, please contact Terri-Lynn Anderson at tlanderson@rrc.ca.

About the facilitator:

Gerri-Lee Pangman (McPherson) is a member of the Pegius First Nation. She was born and raised in the heart of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is a wife and mother of four beautiful children, two sons, and two daughters and just recently became a Kohkum last July to a healthy beautiful grandson.

In 2013 Gerri-Lee and her family tragically lost her sister Jennifer Dawn McPherson who lived on Hanson Island, BC., and also, her Aunt Jennifer Johnston in 1980 in Winnipeg. After the great losses in her family to murder, she is now fully aware of the tragedies and injustices faced by our Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit. She works hard to heal and bring light to the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S).

During her grieving and trauma after losing her sister, Gerri-Lee found the strength to cope with her sister’s loss by healing through art-making, earrings, ornaments, dreamcatchers, and stained glass to honor her beloved sister’s memory. She honors her sister’s spirit through J.D.M. Indigenous Designs with her older sister Kim. She also participated in community activities and programs such as Medicine Bear Counseling by facilitating weekly beading circles with other MMIWG2S families for five years as well as in schools and community centers, and also traveled across Canada with the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls to do healing through beading sessions with MMIWG family members and the staff of the Inquiry.

She has turned to and introduced her family to traditional ceremonies such as Sundance, and has completed five years. She also shares her sister Jennifer’s story while teaching how to make red dress pins from coast to coast to coast on Zoom sessions to help in breaking the cycle of violence towards MMIWG2S and colonization.

We recognize that this workshop 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.

Mental health and self-care resources:

If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out or access any of the following resources:

Self-care is a powerful tool to help us work through emotions and take better care of our minds, bodies and spirits and can come in many forms and is not one-size-fits-all.

  • Here are some recommendations:
  • Spend time with a loved one
  • Phone a friend
  • Ask a loved one for a hug
  • Read a book, watch a favourite movie, or listen to music
  • Go for a walk, do yoga, or exercise
  • Take a warm bath or shower
  • Cook yourself a nice meal
  • Meditation or prayer
  • Download a meditation app
  • Write in a journal
  • Get proper sleep

Can’t attend the workshop?
Leave a message of hope and remembrance on a red dress cutout by visiting the Indigenous Student Support Centre, F209, during Truth and Reconciliation Week, or stop by the Community Kitchen Party from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. outside of the Notre Dame Library on Wednesday, Sept 28.

Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters

September 26, 2022

Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters, takes place annually on September 30 to recognize Residential School survivors as well as those who never made it home. It’s a day to acknowledge this horrific history and move forward on a healing journey as we continue to commit to Truth and Reconciliation.

The “orange shirt” in Orange Shirt Day refers to the new shirt that Phyllis Webstad, Residential School survivor and creator of Orange Shirt Day, was given to her by her grandmother for her first day of school at St. Joseph’s Missions Residential School in British Columbia. When Phyllis got to school, they took away her clothes, including her new shirt.

RRC Polytech staff and students are pictured wearing their orange shirts to honour the Indigenous children, like Phyllis, who were forcibly taken from their homes and the intergenerational impacts of Residential Schools.

This year, orange t-shirts, featuring a design by local artist, Peatr Thomas, were created in partnership by RRC Polytech’s School of Indigenous Education and the Campus Store. The t-shirts are now available at the Exchange District and Notre Dame Campus Stores, with all proceeds going directly to the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, which provides bursaries for Indigenous students studying at the College. Orange shirts sell out every year, so get yours now and wear it on Sept 30.

Fall Equinox Celebration

September 16, 2022

All students and staff are welcome to join us for a traditional Pipe Ceremony and Feast to celebrate and give thanks for the Harvest season. We invite all Pipe Carriers to take part in the Pipe Ceremony. Following the Pipe Ceremony, join us for a Feast to honour the name of our newest building Manitou a bi Bii daziigae – Where Creator Sits • Brings Light.

Thursday, September 22, 2022
Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus
Pipe Ceremony – 10:00 a.m.
Feast – 12:00 p.m.


Advance registration is not required.

Truth and Reconciliation Week 2022

September 9, 2022

Schedule of Events

All RRC Polytech students and staff are invited to participate in our fourth annual Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 26-29, 2022.

Through a mix of in-person and virtual events offered by departments from across the College, immerse yourself in Indigenous teachings, story-telling and experiences to evolve your understanding of history and current issues impacting Indigenous people, reconciliation efforts and society as a whole. Help spark a conversation around Truth and Reconciliation and contribute to understanding, healing and stronger relationships.

Truth and Reconciliation Week – Daily Activities

TRC Immersion Room Experience
In-Person – Emerging Media and Production Studios, GM-33, Mall Level, Notre Dame Campus

Presentations on the hour, every hour from 9 AM – 3 PM daily from September 26th through the 29th. Limited to 14 people per presentation.

Immerse yourself in an introductory story of Truth and Reconciliation, from the relationship with “Earth Mother” to the experience of Residential Schools. This 10-minute installation is about healing and respect. Brought to you from the Emerging Media and Production Immersion Room, this 360° media-rich installation provides an opportunity to learn, discuss, and share thoughts and experiences related to Truth and Reconciliation.

Assiniboia Residential School Exhibit
In-Person – RRC Polytech Notre Dame Campus Library

Library and Academic Services is pleased to host the Assiniboia Residential School Exhibit.  On loan from The City of Winnipeg this exhibit was developed as a part of their Journey of Reconciliation. On display at Red River College Polytechnic from September 26 to October 7, the Assiniboia Residential School Indigenous Exhibit is a reconciliation project that provides an opportunity for RRC Polytech staff and students to learn about Indigenous history with a goal of renewed perspectives and understandings that will strengthen relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.   

The Assiniboia Residential School Exhibit was created in consultation with Assiniboia Residential School Survivors Committee from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and the Indigenous Exhibits Working Group.   

For more information please visit https://winnipeg.ca/indigenous/reconciliation/AssiniboiaResidentialSchoolExhibit.stm 

About Assiniboia Residential School 

There were 17 Indian Residential Schools in Manitoba which included one location in Winnipeg known as the Assiniboia Indian Residential School. Federally funded and operated by the Grey Nuns and Oblate Fathers, the Assiniboia Indian Residential School was part of the Federal government’s educational system under the Indian Act. The school operated from 1958 until June 1973 and the school still stands today and now functions as the Canadian Centre for Child Protection including Child Find Manitoba located at 615 Academy Road in River Heights. 

Please take time to visit the Assiniboia Residential School Exhibit as it will be available for viewing in the Library at the Notre Dame Campus.  

Monday, September 26, 2022

Self-Guided: Ray Coco Stevenson: Opening Honour Song  

Singer and composer Ray “Coco” Stevenson helps us open up the week with a traditional Honour Song to start us off in a good way. You may recognize Coco as our annual Pow Wow arena director, or as a well-known singer and drummer in the community. He was first introduced to drumming and ceremonies over thirty years ago. 

In-Person: Staff Development: Indigenous Research Methodologies with Dr. Shawn Wilson 
9 am – 4 pm – Roundhouse Auditorium, second floor of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae 

Research is an important area at RRC Polytech that helps to guide the work we do. Dr. Shawn Wilson, from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and author of Research is Ceremony: Indigenous Research Methods will be at the College during Truth and Reconciliation Week to share his knowledge about Indigenous research methodologies. We invite you to join us on a learning journey where we will view research through a holistic and relational lens and one rooted in ceremony. 

Shawn will share with us the elements of an Indigenous research paradigm, OCAP and FPIC principles, and how to weave Indigenous traditions and practices into a research process and share with us the specific principles that need to be considered and applied when entering into research with Indigenous Peoples and Nations. 

Lunch and refreshments will be provided.  

Virtual Live: Student Anti-Racism training: Module 1
11:00 am – 1:00 pm

When we think and talk about racism, most people reference examples of interactions between people, but racism is also maintained by institutions and society through the implementation of policies, practices, and programs. This two-hour training will provide an introduction of how privilege and racialization contribute racism    and provide a starting point for challenging systemic racism in Canada.

Module 1 of the Anti-Racism training will provide participants with an introduction to how racism functions as an interconnected system. Using videos and data reflecting both historical and current evidence of systemic racism, this training will help develop the awareness and skills needed to challenge systemic racism in Canada. 

This presentation is brought to you by the Academic Success Centre (ASC) Diversity team and the Centre for International Education and Global Partnerships (CIEGP).

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Self-Guided: The Importance of Indigenous Languages

There is more to language than just words: it’s culture, context, history and even humour. Indigenous languages need to protected. RRC Polytech Indigenous Language Instructor Corey Whitford from the School of Indigenous Education invites you to a discussion on Indigenous languages where you will also learn some phrases in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe), one of the most common Indigenous languages in Manitoba.

In-Person – Staff Development: Indigegogy
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Indigenous Support Centre, F205 Notre Dame Campus

In this session, Joanna White, Indigenous Curriculum & Cultural Advisor for the Department of Community Services, will lead faculty through a experience of holistic learning through Indigegogy, while unpacking the important role Indigegogy can and should play in the future of teaching and learning at RRC Polytech.

Participants will leave this session with a better understanding of the following questions:

  • What is Indigegogy?
  • Why should Indigegogy be incorporated into post-secondary programming?
  • How is Indigegogy an act of reconciliation?
  • What could Indigegogy look like in a post-secondary program?
  • How can we create more holistic learning opportunities in our classes?
  • How can we better use physical spaces to promote learning?
  • What does Indigegogy look like in online teaching?
  • What is the difference between honouring Indigenous ways of teaching and learning and appropriation?
  • What are resources for further learning?

Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Self-Guided: 1200+
Raising awareness to the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada

1200+ is a documentary film Featuring Indigenous Leader Sheila North, Directed by Leonard Yakir and Co-produced by Sheila North and Leonard Yakir.

“This film is important for us and our Indigenous communities as we need to raise awareness and bring international attention to the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada. We invite those to see the film, to learn more about the issue of MMIWG in Canada and how it is impacting our communities and families across the country. I know those dark corners of Canada’s town and cities that need more light, that need more helping hands reaching in, and that’s a big reason we made this documentary. I hope people are inspired to make change.” – Sheila North, Film Co-Creator.

Self-Guided: National Film Board of Canada Selections
Finding Dawn

Acclaimed Métis filmmaker Christine Welsh brings us a compelling documentary that puts a human face on a national tragedy – the epidemic of missing or murdered Indigenous women in Canada. The film takes a journey into the heart of Indigenous women’s experience, from Vancouver’s skid row, down the Highway of Tears in northern BC, and on to Saskatoon, where the murders and disappearances of these women remain unsolved.

Self-Guided: National Film Board of Canada Selections
Second Stories – Deb-we-win Ge-ken-am-aan, Our Place in the Circle
Lorne Olson

Lorne Olson’s short documentary presents a vision he had of two-spirited people dancing, laughing, and smiling. His vision spurs him to rediscover the strength of the past to better face the challenges of today. This funny and buoyant film documents his touching journey.

Self-Guided: Fierté Canada Pride
Stories of Two-Spirit Indigenous LGBTQ+ Indian Residential and Day School Survivors

Canada’s Indian Residential Schools (IRS) caused irreparable harm to First Nations families across many generations. 2Spirit (Indigenous LGBTQ) people were among those impacted, however their stories have rarely been heard, documented, or shared in the general discourse about this era. Following the closure of the last IRS in Ft. Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan, in 1996, there is a generation of 2Spirit former students who are available to engage in this project. The 2Spirit Council of Fierté Canada Pride lead the engagement of 2Spirit survivors and assisted and supported them to tell their stories.

The goal of this project was to recruit eight 2Spirit Indian Residential School Survivors (Story Tellers) to participate in a speaker series project in order to preserve and share their stories. Our Project Coordinator worked with Story Tellers through a series of storytelling workshops, and support them in documenting and sharing their story through the project.

In-Person – Community Kitchen Party
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Library Hallway, Notre Dame Campus, Mall Level

Truth and Reconciliation Week contains many emotionally sensitive and often painful topics and it’s important that we take time for joy, community and taking care of our spirits to help us along in this journey. Join us for a community celebratory gathering and enjoy some Bannock, rice pudding, and performances by Morgan Grace, fiddling, and Peyton Habinski-Anderson, jigging.

Morgan Grace

Morgan is a 15 year old youth fiddler from east Selkirk. She is Coming off a very busy summer playing many festivals and other significant events. This year she also launched her first self-titled album. Morgan’s style originates from the vast amount of amazing fiddle teachers and fiddle players she has been fortunate to be around.

Peyton Habinski-Anderson

Peyton Habinski-Anderson is a proud, 13-year-old Métis performer. At age 7, she started jigging lessons with Dean Davis and quickly fell in love with the cultural dance.  Since then, she has performed at several different Métis events and was this year’s female youth ambassador for the Métis Pavilion at Folklorama. Peyton’s goals are to continue performing at different Métis events throughout the community and spread cultural awareness.

Virtual Live & In-Person: Immersive Stories
Story Teller: Corey Whitford
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
EMP Studio, Connected Classroom

The Immersive Stories Program is designed to give students, faculty, and staff a first-hand opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding about multi-layered socio-cultural identities and lived experiences. As outlined in our new Strategic Plan, this program is part of the College’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, and the pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.

Participants will develop skills that will allow them to regularly check their personal, social, and cultural assumptions so that they can avoid making quick conclusions and judgments. This in turn will help to foster a diverse and inclusive College environment for students and faculty. 

Each session in the Immersive Stories Program will involve a discussion with a member of our RRC Polytech community, during which they will share their unique lived experiences, and invite participant questions and dialogue. These conversations will provide participants an opportunity to gain insights into the lived experiences of our diverse community and will assist in becoming aware of our own biases.

About Corey Whitford

Corey Ralph Whitford

Corey Ralph Whitford has been teaching at RRC Polytech in the Indigenous Languages Program for five years, teaching through activities that shape a better understanding of Anishinaabemowin. Corey is eager to share his knowledge and provide guidance in all class activities to his students.

Corey was born in Portage la Prairie, and raised in Sandy Bay. His parents are from Long Plain and Sandy Bay, and both were fluent Anishinaabeg. Corey’s family spoke/speaks Anishinaabemowin, so he naturally picked it up along the way.

Corey is passionate about what he does, continuing to serve his community and fill the vacuum for Anishinaabemowin knowledge at the College level.

Thursday, September 29

Self-Guided: Elder Paul Guimond: Closing Honour Song

Elder Paul Guimond, RRC Polytech Elder-in-Residence helps us close the week with an honour song dedicated to MMIWG2S in advance of the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit on October 4.

It is estimated more than 4,000 Indigenous women and girls in Canada have gone missing or been murdered since 1980. According to Statistics Canada, Indigenous women and girls make up four per cent of the total Canadian female population, represent 10 per cent of missing women and, on average, 16 per cent of female homicide cases, a number that fluctuates and was as high as 21 per cent in 2014.

In-Person: Assiniboia Residential School Panel Talk 
11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Notre Dame Campus Library, CM18 

Murray Peterson

Join Murray Peterson, Historian with the City of Winnipeg, in a talk about the Assiniboia Residential School Exhibit and the effort of the hundreds of people it took to put the panels together. 

About Assiniboia Residential School 

There were 17 Indian Residential Schools in Manitoba which included one location in Winnipeg known as the Assiniboia Indian Residential School. Federally funded and operated by the Grey Nuns and Oblate Fathers, the Assiniboia Indian Residential School was part of the Federal government’s educational system under the Indian Act. The school operated from 1958 until June 1973 and the school still stands today and now functions as the Canadian Centre for Child Protection including Child Find Manitoba located at 615 Academy Road in River Heights. 

Please take time to visit the Assiniboia Residential School Exhibit as it will be available for viewing in the Library at the Notre Dame Campus from September 26 to October 7. 

In-Person: Immersive Stories
Story Teller: Brittany Ross
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Multi-purpose Round Room, E155, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus

The Immersive Stories Program is designed to give students, faculty, and staff a first-hand opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding about multi-layered socio-cultural identities and lived experiences. As outlined in our new Strategic Plan, this program is part of the College’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, and the pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.

Participants will develop skills that will allow them to regularly check their personal, social, and cultural assumptions so that they can avoid making quick conclusions and judgments. This in turn will help to foster a diverse and inclusive College environment for students and faculty. 

Each session in the Immersive Stories Program will involve a discussion with a member of our RRC Polytech community, during which they will share their unique lived experiences, and invite participant questions and dialogue. These conversations will provide participants an opportunity to gain insights into the lived experiences of our diverse community and will assist in becoming aware of our own biases.

About Brittany Ross

Brittany Ross

Brittany Ross is a Métis woman and mother of two sons. She was born and raised in Winnipeg, and has spent over 10 years supporting, advocating and mentoring Indigenous students in the adult education, and post-secondary education sectors. Through Brittany’s previous experience, she has a fundamental understanding of the importance of creating safe, respectful and positive environments.

Brittany has developed, engaged, and maintained relationships with various stakeholders including; community organizations, school divisions, health professionals, and various levels of government. In addition, she has years of training to aide her in her new position, such as Mental Health First Aid, Indigenous Suicide Prevention, PTSD in Indigenous Adults, to name a few.

As a Navigation Coach within the School of Indigenous Education at RRC Polytech, Brittany is passionate about making a significant difference in student’s lives, and connecting with students through her open-minded, empathetic, and caring nature. She loves playing a role in supporting the successes of Indigenous students here at Red River College Polytechnic.

Virtual Live & In-Person: Residential School Thriver
Story Teller: Elder Betty Ross
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EMP Studios, Connected Classroom

Join Elder Betty Ross as she shares her story about her experience in Canada’s Residential School System.

About Elder Betty

Elder Betty Ross originates from Pimicikamak Cree Nation and has lived in Winnipeg, MB, since the early 1960s. Betty is a Residential School Survivor of two systems St Joseph’s Residential School in Cross Lake and Assiniboia Residential School in Winnipeg, MB. She is very immersed in her Indigenous heritage and speaks Cree language fluently. She’s a mother, grandmother, great grandmother of two sons and two daughters, 15 grandsons, 12 grand daughters, and 10 great grand generations and counting.

Elder Betty worked as a Cree Interpreter and Resource worker for 11 years at the Health Science Centre. She also worked for the Winnipeg Regional Health authority as a Spiritual and Cultural Care Provider for Indigenous Health/Cultural for 10 years. Betty retired in 2018 to relax and rejuvenate before traveling to Albuquerque, New Mexico to attend the gathering of Nations where she danced Traditional for Canada. Shortly after coming back from the gathering, she was recruited by the Seven Oaks School Division as an Elder-in-Residence and works there to this day. She teaches cultural initiatives in three different schools connecting with over 3000 students weekly from all walks of life.

Betty has been very busy connecting with various community organizations in Winnipeg sharing the true story of Residential Schools as depicted in her stories Sugar Falls and Did You See Us. Elder Betty continues to walk from the best of both worlds, looking after a nurturing the great Circle of Life with honour and respect to this day.

For those joining virtually, click here for the livestream during the event.

In-Person: Fan Down
2:30-4:30 pm, Indigenous Student Support Centre (F209)

Marshall Richard, Indigenous Liaison Advisor and Scaabe, invites you to be fanned down to let go and head into the weekend with a light heart and spirit. A fan down is a smudging ceremony and a beautiful way to take in some good medicines. No prior knowledge required, just drop in!

Resources for Beyond TRC Week

Truth and Reconciliation Community of Practice

The Truth and Reconciliation Community of Practice will create opportunities for participants to extend and apply their learning, and to take action to advance Truth and Reconciliation and anti-racism. This experience will guide participants on a journey through the Medicine Wheel and will provide experiential learning around Indigenous ways of teaching and learning. Participation in the TRCP will involve a minimum commitment of 8 hours throughout Fall 2022, including joining the Immersive Stories events.

If you are interested in learning more about the Truth and Reconciliation Community of Practice, visit us online or join the information session on Tuesday, Sept 20, from 12:00 to 12:45 pm, which you can register for here.

If you are ready to join the Truth and Reconciliation Community of Practice, you can apply to the first iteration of this program here. (Don’t forget to register for the Immersive Stories sessions as well, which accompany this learning community!)

Save the Date: Truth and Reconciliation Week 2022

August 31, 2022

All RRC Polytech students and staff are invited to participate in our fourth annual Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 26-29, 2022.

Through a mix of in-person and virtual events offered by departments from across the College, immerse yourself in Indigenous teachings, story-telling and experiences to evolve your understanding of history and current issues impacting Indigenous people, reconciliation efforts and society as a whole. Help spark a conversation around Truth and Reconciliation and contribute to understanding, healing and stronger relationships.

Some of the themes that will be touched on this year are Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit, Residential Schools, Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters, Indigenous languages, anti-racism, and Immersive Stories, as well as some staff only professional development around Indigenous Research Methodologies and Indigegogy. eTV studio’s powerful and emotional Truth and Reconciliation Immersion Room tours will be available to book that will take you on a journey of history and hope. There will also be an opportunity for all to celebrate Indigenous cultures at the Community Kitchen Party.

Stay tuned for full event details by watching your Student and Staff news. In-person events will primarily be hosted over lunch hours.

Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters – Group Photo

To recognize Residential School Survivors and those who did not make it home, and the College’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, staff and students are invited to participate in a group photo in advance of Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters, September 30, 2022.

Wear an orange shirt and join us on Wednesday, September 7, at 12:15 p.m. at the Notre Dame Campus Medicine Wheel Garden. The Medicine Wheel Garden is located past the NDC Greenhouse, click here to view a map.

Orange t-shirts, designed by local artist, Peatr Thomas, in support of the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, were created this year in partnership by RRC Polytech’s School of Indigenous Education and the Campus Store. The t-shirts are now available the Exchange District and Notre Dame Campus Stores, with all proceeds going directly to the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award.

Please note that photos and/or video footage will be shared internally as well as on RRC Polytech’s social media and website.

Staff Development: Indigenous Research Methodologies with Dr. Shawn Wilson

Research is an important area at RRC Polytech that helps to guide the work we do. Dr. Shawn Wilson, from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and author of Research is Ceremony: Indigenous Research Methods will be at the College during Truth and Reconciliation Week to share his knowledge about Indigenous research methodologies. We invite you to join us on a learning journey where we will view research through a holistic and relational lens and one rooted in ceremony.

Shawn will share with us the elements of an Indigenous research paradigm, OCAP and FPIC principles, and how to weave Indigenous traditions and practices into a research process and share with us the specific principles that need to be considered and applied when entering into research with Indigenous Peoples and Nations.

When: September 26, 2022, 9:00 a.m.
Where: The Roundhouse, second floor of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae

Further details, including registration information, will be provided soon.

Pathway to IT Information Sessions

June 28, 2022

Are you interested in learning more about a career in IT? Join us for a presentation on our new Pathway to Information Technology (IT) Programs (rrc.ca/pit) on July 12 at 1pm or at 6pm. This is a unique opportunity for Indigenous students who have not had the opportunity to participate or succeed in post-secondary education due to social, economic, or cultural factors. This program will prepare you and increase your readiness for one of the three information technology programs offered by RRC Polytech:

At the presentation, you will learn about:

  1. What is Information Technology?
  2. What is the Pathway to Information Technology Programs and its benefits?
  3. Information about the three IT programs you can go into after completing the Pathway to Information Technology Programs
  4. Supports and Services at RRC Polytech
  5. How to Register for the program

To register for one of these information sessions, click below:

We look forward to seeing you there! If you are not able to attend either of these sessions, you can contact Jamie Chahine (Access Pathways Manager) jchahine@RRC.CA for information about the program.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, 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.

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