Spend time with Elder Paul Guimond and Ms. Una Swan as they host virtual drop-in centres, workshops, teachings, as well as open their door for in-person appointments.

Activities and schedule subject to change and in response to special College-wide events and holidays. Virtual sessions will be hosted via Microsoft Teams. This schedule runs until December 17, 2021.

Connect on Teams!

Students and staff can join the new Elder’s Microsoft Teams site to easily access events, add them to your calendar, and receive notifications. Virtual events and workshops will be hosted via Microsoft Teams.

To join, use code: l317iay
(Select Teams in the side bar of Microsoft Teams (right below chats), click join team in the top right corner, enter the code.)

Fall Equinox has always been a significant and ceremonial time of year as we enter into equal part day and night and a new phase of the year. Just like us, Aki (earth in Ojibwe), and all its inhabitants, is preparing itself to get ready for winter. Gardens are giving their final gifts, leaves are falling, animals are changing colour, and the beautiful harvest moon provides extra light so we can prepare to move into a colder, restful season. It’s a season of preparation of what’s to come.

Fall Equinox also leads into why we recognize September 30 as Orange Shirt Day, which has now been declared as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as the time of year when Indigenous children were taken forcibly from their families to Residential Schools.
Next week is our third annual Truth and Reconciliation Week where special guests will join us to share their stories and knowledge on Residential Schools, treaties, anti-racism, intergenerational trauma, and healing.

As the College will be closed on September 30, staff and students are invited to wear orange on Wednesday, September 29.

Red River College’s third annual Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 27 – October 1, 2021, is dedicated to deepening our understanding of Canada’s history, Indigenous cultures, and sparking a conversation around Truth and Reconciliation.

During the week, you will hear from Indigenous voices, engage in the conversation, as well as participate in some interactive activities. Some of the themes we will be touching on this year include anti-racism, Every Child Matters, the Canadian Residential School System, intergenerational trauma, healing, and strength.

Join the TRC Week Microsoft Teams site to easily access events and resources, receive notifications on and join the conversation! Live events will be hosted via Microsoft Teams for ease of use.

There will be a few different channels for you to explore, including channels hosted by the Student’s Association, the Academic Success Centre, and the Library.

To join, use code: z3znhh2

Learn more about this new FREE six-week pilot program for Indigenous students so you can start a job in warehousing and distribution! Get job-ready skills, receive a micro-credential and employment services, plus a two-week paid placement. The program builds on the successful training model used by Mohawk College’s City School in Hamilton, Ont.

Material Handling 4.0 Information Session
NEW DATE ADDED: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 – 1:00 pm

No need to register. Click to join to launch WebEx virtual event.
Event password:  RRC2021

For program details, visit rrc.ca/indigenous/materials-handling-4-0

You’re invited to participate in Red River College’s third annual Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 27 – October 1, 2021.

The week is dedicated to deepening our understanding of Canada’s history, Indigenous cultures, and sparking a conversation around Truth and Reconciliation.

During the week, you will have opportunities to hear Indigenous voices, engage in the conversation, as well as participate in some interactive activities. Some of the themes we will be touching on this year include Every Child Matters, the Canadian Residential School System, intergenerational trauma, healing, and strength.

All are welcome to participate in special events and join the conversation. As you participate in this week’s events strong emotions may arise. Be sure to take breaks and practice good self-care. Remember to be kind and do check-ins with yourself. We will share more ways you can do this as we get closer to events, but you can always access RRC Mental Health supports and resources at rrc.ca/wellness

Join us for an interactive conversation about how Red River College can use its new space, the Innovation Centre Project, to strengthen Indigenous academic programs, supports and community on campus.

Isabel Bright (Dean, School of Indigenous Education), Carla Kematch (Manager, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement) and Tracy Brant (Chair, Aboriginal Education and ACCESS Programs) will highlight some of the College’s Indigenous-focused academic programs and supports, opportunities for partnership with Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses, and how the new space can help grow connections and community on campus.

This discussion is being moderated by Sky Bridges, CEO, The Winnipeg Foundation. Sky is a graduate of Red River College’s Business Administration program and is both the first Indigenous (Métis, Cree, Blackfoot) and LGBTQ2S+ person to hold the position of CEO at The Winnipeg Foundation.

When: Tuesday, June 29 2021
Time: 12:00p.m. CDT (Winnipeg)
Where: WebEx Events

If you require ASL interpretation or other accessibility items for this event, please email CollegeRelations@rrc.ca

Click here to read more about panelists.

Pride Week 2021 features live events and self-guided resources that explore LGBTQ2+ inclusion and the Two-Spirt identity

Red River College’s Pride Week 2021, June 7-11, offers opportunities for the College community to gather virtually, create safer spaces and learn together.

“June is Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month, and the College has very strong Indigenous supports as well as powerful commitments through diversity and inclusion for LGBTQ2+. However, we witnessed the opportunity for education, enlightenment, and further inclusion for Two Spirit persons. During Pride 2021 we have decided to highlight Two Spirit identity, and provide opportunities for knowledge sharing and the creation of safe(r) spaces as we work towards enhancing inclusion and equity at the College,” says Priyanji Mediwake, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist.

The week begins with RRC’s Pride flag raising ceremonies with Fred Meier, President & CEO, and Dr. Christine Watson, Vice-President, Academic. Events include three live virtual opportunities as well as self-guided from the National Film Board of Canada and resources. The live events will provide opportunities for participants to engage in the conversation, share in a virtual Healing Lodge with Elder Gayle Pruden, a Two-Spirit Anishinaabe dancer, and hear lived experiences with special guests who will share more about the meaning of Two Spirit – from pre-colonization to the present. Live events will be held by either WebEx or Microsoft teams.

Thursday, June 10 – Live
Live: Panel Event: Healing and Reclaiming Two-Spirit Identity
12 – 1:30 pm
WebEx Events

Prior to colonization, First Nation’s peoples did not try to fit their societies into binaries of male and female for gender nor for sexuality. Those peoples who did not fit into these roles were given room to live, express themselves, and contribute to the community in a good way. Two Spirit people were celebrated and given important responsibilities such as teaching, healing, and leading.

Dr. Elaine Mordoch will present research findings on behalf of their research team to lead us into the panel discussion. Then, our panelists we will go on to unpack the Two-Spirited identity prior to contact, discuss how colonization has impacted Two Spirit ways of being in today’s culture and we will then discuss how these communities are reclaiming culture and space today. There will be an opportunity for you to ask panelists a question.

Panelists:

• Lorne Olson, Filmmaker
• Levi Alizaar Foy (Manidoo-gwiiwizens), Executive Director, Sunshine House
• Barbara Bruce, O.M., President, All My Relations Inc; Associate of AMR Planning & Consulting
• Dr. Myra Laramee, Indigenous Elder
• Moderated by Bradley C West. CPHR. SHRM-SCP. CCP.PMC

“The word Two Spirit actually originated from Winnipeg. We have so many strong, intelligent, esteemed voices in this space locally, so to have them together for this discussion will be powerful,” says Carla Kematch, Manager, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement. “It’s so important that we create opportunities for stories to be heard and to be able to have conversations in a safe space, especially when we need to try and create connections during this time of self-isolation. Cultural reclamation requires our attention, time and effort. We invite all to explore what the Indigenous perspective was pre-colonization and what it means today.”

To learn more and read panelist biographies, visit rrc.ca/diversity/resources/pride-2021/

RRC’S PRAIRIE RESEARCH KITCHEN TO HOSTINDIGENOUS FOOD BUSINESS STORIES WEBINAR

Food and story-telling has always brought people together. The Prairie Research Kitchen is creating a community environment for Indigenous stories and food science to blend and grow. On May 12 from 9 am – 12 pm, the Prairie Research Kitchen will host an Indigenous Food Business Stories webinar to foster discussion and relationship building in the food entrepreneur community.  

Community and economic development representatives, aspiring researchers, and entrepreneurs are invited to this discussion on food product development stories from Indigenous business leaders and to learn how the Prairie Research Kitchen can help as a product development resource. 

Click here to read more.

Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at noon starting Monday, February 8 on Microsoft Teams.

Elder’s Lodge is our virtual drop-in centre where you can build connections, hear stories, and learn more about Indigenous culture with our Elders-in-Residence and Indigenous Education staff and faculty. All are welcome to attend!

Check your student or staff news for the meeting link.

If you have questions or need support, please email indigenoussupportcentre@rrc.ca

Watch Here

Password: uVRm7Jcu

Are you ready to paint? Take some time to heal your spirit with a painting demonstration with artist Gayle Sinclair. Gayle walks us through her process and teaches us some new techniques using only three colours. This event is presented as part of Truth and Reconciliation Week.

From Norway House Cree Nation, artist Gayle Sinclaire has pursued the use of colour through oils and acrylics on canvas and paper for the last 37 years. Initially self-taught, at the age of 14 she sold her first oil painting. After completing high school in 1986, she had gone on to study at the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Manitoba. During her studies, Gayle rapidly advanced her technique, concerning herself with composition, content, treatment of light and the placement and use of vibrant colours.

Content became the most important theme of her work: the image has to carry the real of mystery, deeply embedding hidden messages of spirituality and culture. Through all the creative experiences, Gayle has developed a unique painting style. Currently she paints and continues to trail blaze. As a most compelling artist, her soul-filled efforts have been exhibited widely in both solo and group shows through Canada, the United States and Europe. Gayle’s work, not surprisingly, focuses primarily on women and children, affirming the importance of strength women in the Aboriginal culture and celebrating the family unit. Most works also have a literal or symbolic connection with nature, such as birds, leaves, and water, which injects a strong spiritual quality to her art. In the fall of 2003, she was one of seven artists chosen for the Image Makers First Nation Art Exhibit in Los Angeles. Most recently. She has completed a commission for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Her work is in the collections of the Manitoba Assembly of Chiefs, the community offices in Norway House and Cross Lake, and the homes and offices of numerous private patrons