Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken away when she attended Residential School in the 1970s, started the Orange Shirt movement by sharing her story.

Since 2013, the Orange Shirt Society has raised awareness of the impacts of Residential Schools and the work Survivors and their families do to heal Indigenous communities. September 30 has been declared the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and recognized as Orange Shirt Day to honour Residential School Survivors, their communities, and the children who never came home.

In honour of Orange Shirt Day, RRC Polytech has partnered with Ininew artist and alumna Leticia Spence to create an original Orange Shirt design and with Red Rebel Armour, owned and operated by alumnus Sean Rayland-Boubar, to produce the Orange Shirts.

The design features a tree made up of florals, Medicines and roots. Hummingbirds flank the tree, surrounded by rosehips, rosebuds and berries. First Nations, the Métis Nation, and the Inuit Nation are represented by symbols deeply intertwined with each nation: the cardinal directions, a wild rose forming an infinity, and fireweed flowers.

“I want whoever is wearing this t-shirt to feel a sense of hope and strength as they honour those who are currently being found while knowing that it’s okay to create space to honour themselves as either direct residential school survivors or intergenerational residential school survivors.”

Leticia Spence, Artist – Graphic Design 2019

The Orange Shirts will be available through the Campus Store and all proceeds from Orange Shirt sales go to the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award when applications open in January 2024.

Show your support for Truth and Reconciliation by wearing the RRC Polytech Orange Shirt on Friday, September 29 on campus.

Read more about the 2023 Orange Shirt and Leticia Spence on the RED Blog.

Purchase your 2023 Orange Shirt through the Campus Store.

Learn more about Phyllis Webstad and the Orange Shirt Society on their website.

On August 3, 1871, Treaty One was signed at Lower Fort Garry.

The treaty was signed between representatives of Britain and the Chiefs of seven First Nations: Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Long Plain First Nation, Peguis First Nation, Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, Sagkeeng First Nation, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, and Swan Lake First Nation. As the name suggests, Treaty One was the first of the 11 Numbered Treaties and laid the foundation for subsequent agreements between First Nations and European settlers.

Treaty One is a legal agreement based on principles of friendship, peace and mutual thriving, and both parties entered into the Treaty as equals. The signatories negotiated the Treaty with the goal of ensuring their Peoples’ continuity in the face of unprecedented change that would impact generations.

Indigenous Nations consistently played important roles in the fur trade economy and inter-governmental alliances since the Europeans’ arrival, leading the state to conclude that it would be in the Crown’s best interest to form an official agreement with First Nations.

The state agreed to provide services to First Nations typical to what they provided citizens, like education and healthcare; annuities in the state currency to First Nations families and individuals, so they could participate in the new economy; and set boundaries upon which settlers could not encroach, to ensure First Nations’ inherent right to traditional resources and ceremonial grounds. In exchange, First Nations would allow the state to have access to specific land and resources and the economic value that came with that access.

The Treaties are still active today but throughout Canada’s history, the Treaties have not been wholly honoured by the state or understood by settlers. The result is, and has been, immeasurable harm against Indigenous Peoples—in the forms of Residential Schools, institutional discrimination, interpersonal violence, intergenerational trauma, and more.

Raising awareness about the Treaties, their intentions and the agency of Indigenous Peoples is integral to reconciling the damaged relationship between First Nations and Canada. As an educational institution, RRC Polytech has committed to making Truth and Reconciliation a priority and taking action to reflect those values.

In Fall 2022, members of RRC Polytech’s Senior Leadership Team, including President and CEO Fred Meier, organized community consultations with First Nations communities to learn first-hand how the College can make post-secondary education more accessible and more valuable to Indigenous learners. Fostering relationships with Indigenous communities at that level help to inform decision-makers at the College. The Senior Leadership Team intends to continue reaching out to communities annually to continue a collaborative dialogue.

On June 4, RRC Polytech launched National Indigenous History Month with the raising of the Treaty One, Red River Métis, and Pride Flags on the front lawn of Notre Dame Campus. The flags were raised with ceremonies conducted by each respective community: representatives from Peguis and Sand Bay First Nations, the Manitoba Métis Federation, and Two Spirit Elders.

Vic Savino, Director of Communications at Treaty One Nation and Business Administration alumnus, helped to coordinate the raising of the Treaty One flag and advocates for the raising of the Treaty One flag at more prominent places throughout Treaty One. Read Savino’s story on RRC Polytech’s Alumni Blog.

Learn more about the Treaties:

• 4 Seasons of Reconciliation Education RRC Polytech Staff training
• Learn more with The Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba
• Learn about the communities in Treaty 1

Every year, RRC Polytech has recognized National Indigenous Peoples Day with an in-house event.

In years past, we’ve had gatherings which takes place in the Indigenous Support Centre, with the Elder-in-Residence hosting a pipe ceremony, teachings and storytelling, and breaking bread with a feast for the College community. Our celebration recognizes both National Indigenous Peoples Day and the summer solstice. This year, the School of Indigenous Education and the Indigenous Students Support Team came up with an exciting new approach: a bus tour to participate in various Indigenous events in and around Winnipeg.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity for Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, Dené, Métis and many other Indigenous peoples to celebrate and connect with their cultures, and is an invitation for the wider community to participate in the celebration together.

The response from the College community was so strong that the 29-seat bus filled up quickly with an additional waitlist of at least 10 people. The team decided to book an additional bus to accommodate the waitlist and invited a few more participants. Many RRC Polytech community members took the opportunity to experience their first National Indigenous Peoples Day at the wonderful events hosted in Manitoba.

The first stop on the bus tour was at Selkirk Park for the Manitoba Métis Federation’s National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration. Participants enjoyed a free pancake breakfast and explored the many booths presented by the Manitoba Métis Federation and their partners, including the Infinity Women Secretariat where they offered to paint attendees’ faces. One tent hosted a workshop where participants learned how to weave sashes.

For the afternoon, the bus shuttled participants through downtown Winnipeg to The Forks for the Wa-Say Healing Centre’s National Indigenous Peoples Day Pow Wow in the Parks Canada Field. Vendors and artists gathered around the park while singers and drum groups clustered around the main stage for their performances.

Dancers in regalia and dancers in everyday attire assembled in the circle for Inter-Tribal songs and dance categories.

Close to 4pm, Pow Wow participants joined together for the Friendship Dance, holding hands and rotating around the circle in a demonstration of inclusion and relationality. Free hotdogs, drinks and ice cream were offered throughout the day courtesy of the Southern Chiefs Council, and live music performances extended well into the evening.

Terri-Lynn Anderson, the Events & Facilities Rental Coordinator for the School of Indigenous Education, said the bus tour was an incredible success and she looks forward to hosting more bus tours in the future to offer staff and student more opportunities to explore and engage with the Indigenous community.

“The quiet summer months made me want to venture out into the community to see all the wonderful events that were taking place to celebrate our people and culture. The bus tour was a great way to experience that, especially with the few folks that were experiencing their first National Indigenous Peoples Day ever,” said Anderson.

In addition to the bus tour for Indigenous Peoples Day, RRC Polytech released the new virtual tour of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae to demonstrate the flexibility of the new building and its deep connection to Indigenous art, culture, and entrepreneurship.

Thank you to all who participated in this year’s National Indigenous Peoples Day Bus Tour, and we look forward to next year’s celebration. Miigwech!

June 21 is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

Despite the beautiful weather for the last few weeks, this day is the official start of summer. After this day, the Earth begins its slow retreat away from the sun.

Many Indigenous nations around Turtle Island recognize the significance of the season through ceremony and celebration, Pow Wows, feasts and cultural gatherings. Many communities and organizations proudly host events showcasing vibrant Indigenous cultures from dawn until dusk.

June is the Strawberry Moon, in recognition of the strawberries that have sprung from the ground and the orange moon that transforms to red. Ode’imin, the heart berry, the strawberry in us, is reflected in the month of June. As the year ripens, June ushers in July’s Berry Moon, miinan.

Elder-in-Residence Paul Guimond says that this time of year, we acknowledge the connection between all things through the strawberries, the plants, the trees around us. Everything is fully grown and life is in full swing.

“The tree we stand with, celebrate and appreciate — it is rooted to the ground. We acknowledge all the Earth, the plant life. Its roots reach all the world, its branches reach out towards the Sky World, to the moon and the stars, the sun and the planets. The Tree World: it’s never just one group of trees growing somewhere. Many different trees take up space together. It shows us that we can grow together, shows us how we can exist together.”

Elder Paul Guimond

RRC Polytech in years past has hosted ceremony with the Elder-in-Residence and staff and students at Notre Dame Campus to celebrate the summer solstice and Indigenous Peoples Day. This year, the Indigenous Student Support Team tried a new approach; the team, with Elder Paul, organized a bus tour for staff and students to participate in events in Winnipeg and the surrounding region. Two buses will shuttle participants to the Manitoba Métis Federation celebration in Selkirk for the morning and the Wa-Say Healing Centre Pow Wow at The Forks for the afternoon.

Check back here later this week to read how it went!

RRC Polytech raised the three flags in an act of unity, pride and inclusivity to mark the beginning of National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month.

The Treaty One flag, Red River Métis flag and RRC Polytech’s new Pride flag will now fly year-round at the Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg to acknowledge the history of the land, respect for the treaties made on the land, and representation of the people who live here.

“RRC Polytech is committed to enacting Truth and Reconciliation and equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. A large part of that is creating representation and inclusive spaces on our campuses,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech. “By raising these three flags we are demonstrating to staff, students and community members that this is a place where you belong. We know that there are still institutions and situations where 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous and Métis people don’t feel welcome or recognized – but at RRC Polytech we are giving a firm message that everybody belongs and is welcome here.”

The three flags were raised with support from Joan Ledoux, Minister of Provincial Education at the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) – the National Government of the Red River Métis; David Beaudin, Associate Minister of Provincial Education at the MMF; Knowledge Keepers Barbara Bruce and Albert Mcleod, Vic Savino, Director of Communications at Treaty One and Elders and Knowledge Keepers from Treaty One Territory; and members of the RRC Polytech community.

Treaty One Flag

Treaty One represents Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) and Nehiyaw (Cree) original peoples of the territory of present-day southern Manitoba, including the Forks at the Assiniboine and Red rivers which was a vital trade and gathering site.

Treaty One Nation is composed of the seven First Nations who are signatories to the first of the numbered Treaties, originally signed on August 3, 1871, at Lower Fort Garry after several days of discussions and ceremonies.

“I am extremely proud to see RRC Polytech raise our Treaty One flag on their campus today. Despite the spirit and intent of the Treaty, which has benefitted the people of Manitoba for over 150 years, we were continuously denied of our rights, our titles, our jurisdictions, our culture, our language, and our children,” said Chief Gordon Bluesky of Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation and Treaty One Chairperson.

“Despite our darker periods of history, we are still standing strong, and each one of these flag-raising ceremonies is a concrete, tangible expression to our Treaty Partners that we are still here. Today, we can all look forward to a brighter future for the next generations, and feel the pride in sharing the history of Indigenous peoples on this land. Through these actions of reconciliation, our young Indigenous learners have a very bright future ahead.”

The Treaty One Nations flag was designed to incorporate the original spirit and intent of the Treaties: green, to represent the grass; blue, to represent the waters; and yellow to represent the sun. The red represents the circle of life and the red people who inhabit this land. Lastly, the seven points around the sun represent the seven signatory First Nations of Treaty No. 1.

RRC Polytech recognizes in its land acknowledgement that the land we use is the land of the Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené and that Treaty One is the agreement that allows us the live the way we do.

Red River Métis Flag

The Red River Métis have a rich and important history, language, and culture. The Red River Settlement – now Winnipeg – is the heart of the Red River Métis Homeland and the birthplace of the Nation.  

“The Red River Métis have been fighting to have our rich culture, heritage and history recognized and respected for over 200 years. Manitoba is the only province in Canada to have been brought into confederation by an Indigenous Nation with the signing of the Manitoba Act in 1870, intertwining the history of the Red River Métis with the history of Manitoba. Today, the MMF, the National Government of the Red River Métis, has made great strides in advancing our Nation and regaining our rightful place in Canada’s confederation. This flag-raising today is one small step toward a brighter future for our Red River Métis Youth, ensuring that they know their identity is recognized and celebrated as they achieve their educational goals at this institution,” said Minister Joan Ledoux, Minister of Provincial Education and Associate Minister of Métis Employment & Training at the Manitoba Métis Federation.

RRC Polytech recognizes the impact that the Red River Métis had in the formation of this city, province, and country. The Red River Métis were instrumental in confederation and fought battles to retain their rights throughout history – in the courtroom, in houses of government, and on the battlefield. 

RRC Polytech Inclusive Pride Flag

Last year RRC Polytech revealed the design of its new Pride Flag, which was painted on pedestrian walkways at the Notre Dame Campus, Exchange District Campus, and Portage la Prairie Campus. Moving forward, the flag will also be raised at RRC Polytech’s Paterson GlobalFoods Institute throughout the month of June.

The College’s Pride design is an evolution of the Progress Pride flag that includes representation for all 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex and Asexual) community members, and includes specific Indigenous elements.  It was created through engagement with RRC Polytech’s Knowledge Keepers Council, with a strong lead from Two Spirit and Métis Elder Barbara Bruce, and Two Spirit and Cree/ Métis Elder Albert McLeod.

RRC Polytech’s Pride design includes the following elements:

• The triangle represents the badge LGBT prisoners were forced to wear in Nazi concentration camps.
• Moving the triangle to the bottom maintains this meaning, but also forms a tepee, which is a shelter shape historically used by many First Nations people in Manitoba and shows the upward momentum of the movement.
• The Medicine Wheel incorporates traditional Indigenous knowledge and teachings.
• The purple and yellow circles around the Medicine Wheel recognize intersex folx.
  

By combining these elements and colours and displaying them in prominent locations, the Pride design has been created to represent all human beings, and welcome everyone on Indigenous lands.

“The Pride design was developed collaboratively across the College, carefully considering the meaning of all elements of the design, such as the colours, location of the chevron, and centering and orienting the Medicine Wheel”,” says Vera Godavari, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist. “At RRC Polytech we are committed to our reconciliation journey as we walk the path of understanding, respect and advocacy with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. As learning organization, we celebrate our progress and continue our dedication to this important work through these ongoing initiatives.”

In addition to consulting with RRC Polytech’s Knowledge Keepers’ Council, Students Association, and its Gender and Sexual Identities working group, RRC Polytech also worked with the Rainbow Resource Centre on the evolution of the College’s Pride design.

The flags can now be seen flying on the front lawn of Notre Dame Campus.

A day of ceremony to end gender-based violence in Canada.

The Moose Hide Campaign began in 2011 when Paul and Raven Lacerte were hunting moose along the Highway 16 between the cities of Prince George and Prince Rupert in British Columbia, a stretch of road otherwise known as the Highway of Tears. Though the number is disputed, many women have gone missing or were murdered along this highway, many of whom were Indigenous.

The father and daughter felt deeply connected to the Carrier land around them and considered ways they could act, ways they could prevent future violence against women and girls. That morning, Raven caught a moose.

Since that hunting trip, the grassroots Moose Hide Campaign has bloomed into a national movement to raise awareness of the violence against Indigenous women and children and a solemn promise to not perpetuate that cyclic violence and grief.

“When we ask men and boys to become involved, we want them to feel like we’re calling them in rather than we’re calling them out.”

– National Youth Ambassador, Sage Lacerte

This year, people from all walks of life are invited to participate in the Moose Hide Campaign Day on May 11, in-person in Victoria, B.C. or virtually from anywhere. The Moose Hide Campaign has scheduled a sunrise ceremony livestream, a general plenary livestream, multiple live virtual workshops, a livestream of the Walk to End Violence Against Women and Children in Victoria, B.C., and a fast-breaking ceremony livestream. Participants can register here.

“Healthy, loving masculinity; that’s the antidote.”

– CEO of Moose Hide Campaign, David Stevenson

As of this year, the Moose Hide Campaign has given out its four millionth pin. Raven Lacerte says the moose hide represents a piece of medicine from the land and signifies a commitment to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in your life.

Staff and students can pick up moose hide pins from either Indigenous Support Centre (F209 at NDC and P407 at EDC) to wear to show support of the campaign and as symbol of their promise to not perpetuate violence against women and children.

Join R-Crew for a Paint Night with local artist Cheryle Dreaver!

Cheryle Dreaver shared that while she hasn’t yet offered the moccasin design as a paint night, she hopes to in the future as a way to honour the children found at residential schools across Canada. She explained that the image of rooting and flowering represents grounding and life, and she believes it could offer a powerful and meaningful experience for participants.

Paint supplies and light refreshments will be provided.

• Thursday, April 27 • 5pm – 8pm
• F209, Notre Dame Campus

To register, please email Terri-Lynn at tlanderson@rrc.ca.

Indian City is a fusion of pop, folk, and rock with an ever-rotating roster of talent.

The Winnipeg-based band features different Indigenous superstars with each album, bringing together a masterful mix of energies to every recording and each live performance while expressing the modern conscience of Indigenous People. The band was founded in 2012 by the late Vince Fontaine.

Indian City’s fourth album and Fontaine’s final project, Code Red, is a 2023 Juno Nominee for the Contemporary Indigenous Group of the Year Award. In the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #83, Indian City invited non-Indigenous artists like Jim Cuddy, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Chris Burke-Gaffney to collaborate on Code Red.

In the spring of 2022, Warner Music Canada signed with Indian City shortly after Fontaine’s passing in January. The band pre-released “Star People”, “Wannabe”, and “The Path” each with their own music videos before Code Red was re-released on September 30, 2022, to coincide with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Indian City has been recognized on the international stage since its founding in 2012, and has been honoured with several awards, including the Western Canadian Music Award, the Indian Summer Music Award, the Native American Music Award, and the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Award, among many others.

On April 19, 2023, Indian City’s lineup at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae will feature Jay Bodner, Neewa Mason, Gabrielle Fontaine, Pamela Davis, Lawrence “Spatch” Mulhall, and Rich Reid. Join us for Indigenous Food, Fashion, and Music: an RBC Reaction by Collision Community Event and witness Indian City’s stellar energy onstage. For more information, check out the program post for the 2023 RBC Reaction by Collision.

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:

• Notre Dame Campus: Friday, April 21, 2023 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
• Notre Dame Campus: Friday, April 21, 2023 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
• Exchange District Campus: Tuesday, April 25, 2023 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
• Exchange District Campus: Tuesday, April 25, 2023 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• Exchange District Campus: Wednesday, May 10, 2023 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
• Exchange District Campus: Wednesday, May 10, 2023 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

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

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.

Dawn Harris’s journey into fashion started with her children.

When she envisioned her children and grandchildren (her babies, as she calls them!) lighting up the stage with their jigging, dressed to the nines in custom-fit, splendid outfits that matched their personalities and performances, she picked up her threads.

Dawn is a self-taught seamstress. She picked up the discipline from her mother Hilda, who’d sewn custom clothes for her and her twin sister growing up. Once she had her own children, Dawn decided that she wanted to contribute to her mother’s legacy—the legacy from which she drew inspiration, developed her own skill, and found artistic strength.

Designs by Dawn began in 2004 after Dawn started making square dancing outfits for her babies to wear onstage while they performed the Red River Metis Jig and square danced. The outfits in stores just didn’t have the striking personalities to match her babies’ performances, so she took the initiative to create the perfect outfits to complement their brilliant dancing.

Shortly after starting her brand, Dawn received orders to make custom traditional clothing: Ceremonial clothing like ribbon skirts and skirts and Pow Wow outfits like grass dancers, jingle dresses and fancy shawls. Designs by Dawn also started doing custom orders for weddings and square dance outfits for different communities around the world.

Designs by Dawn creates a variety of clothing and the brand’s main mission is to ensure the clothing is comfortable and custom-fitted to every body that wears them. Each order is created from Dawn’s own vision and her greatest accomplishment is knowing that her passion and gift for sewing brings happiness to people around the world.

Join Dawn at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae on April 19, 2023 for Indigenous Food, Fashion, and Music: an RBC Reaction by Collision Community Event and enjoy her brilliant jig and square dance fashion on the runway. For more information, check out the program post for the 2023 RBC Reaction by Collision.