Sweats take place at 1 pm in the Medicine Wheel Garden at the Notre Dame Campus. To register, email Stephanie at sdwright@rrc.ca. Subscribe to our blog for reminders of upcoming Sweats! Check out the Sweat Lodge schedule here for more information.
The Pipe Ceremony and Feast mark a special time of connection and gratitude, bringing everyone together in a powerful shared experience.
Following that, join us for the Round Dance in the Library hallway (mall level), a vibrant celebration of community and tradition.
This event is part of our Spring Equinox celebration — a meaningful way to welcome the new season and honour the balance of light and life returning to the world. It’s a time to reflect, renew, and look forward to growth and new beginnings.
No registration is required. Everyone is welcome to come as they are.
Join us in the Indigenous Support Centre (F209) as we welcome back Coco — a celebrated musician known for his powerful traditional singing and drumming at Pow Wows and ceremonies. Drumming is more than music — it’s a sacred artform that helps many Indigenous people connect to their culture, ancestors, and spirit. Don’t miss this uplifting experience!
To register, email Terri-Lynn at tlanderson@rrc.ca.
It brings people together through rhythm, storytelling, and celebration.
Swing by the Atrium in the Roblin Centre at the Exchange District Campus for a lively fiddle and guitar performance by Jason Lepine and Ben Page! Grab some tea and bannock, and soak in the sounds of a tradition that’s been passed down for generations.
No registration required.
Remember: next week, Monday, Feb. 20 is Louis Riel Day and RRC Polytech campuses are closed.
Jason Lepine is a Métis fiddle champion and recording artist born and raised in Portage La Prairie who now lives in Winnipeg. Métis traditional fiddling was passed on to Jason by his dad, Garry Lepine, a Métis and Manitoba Fiddle Hall of Famer. He taught himself by ear and started fiddling at 7 years old.
Jason’s forté is playing for Red River jigging and square dance groups. He judges competitions, teaches lessons, and plays for all types of functions.
This hands-on workshop invites students of all levels to dive into the life and legacy of Louis Riel — Métis leader, visionary, and the founding father of Manitoba.
Through the creation of a paper collage, you’ll explore Red River Métis history, celebrate Riel’s impact on Métis identity and rights, and honour his role in shaping our province. Come away with a deeper understanding of Métis pride and a piece of art that tells a powerful story.
Register for the Collage Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 16 by emailing Terri-Lynn at tlanderson@rrc.ca.
The Louis Riel Institute is the official educational and cultural arm of the Manitoba Métis Federation. It was incorporated in 1988 and formally recognized by the Manitoba Legislature in 1995. The Institute is dedicated to promoting Métis history, culture, language, and identity through education.
It offers a range of programs and services, including cultural workshops, Michif language support, adult learning programs, and educational bursaries. The Institute also operates out of Riel House National Historic Site, where it delivers culturally focused programming that brings Métis heritage to life.
Through its work, the Louis Riel Institute empowers Métis citizens, families, and communities by fostering cultural pride and supporting lifelong learning.
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 evening 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 Louis Riel Day celebrations.
Dean has taught dancers of all ages across Manitoba — many of whom have gone on to become champion performers. Through weekly lessons at the Métis Club and workshops in schools, he continues to pass down the joy and cultural power of dance to the next generation.
So grab your dancing shoes — let’s keep the tradition alive, one step at a time!
Register for the Jig ‘n’ Time workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 15 by emailing Terri-Lynn at tlanderson@rrc.ca.
Dancing has been a huge part of Dean’s life for the last 20 years and for the last decade, he has trained dancers of all ages and levels in cultural Métis jigging and square dancing.
Dean has performed over 400 shows as a square dancer with well-known groups such as the Asham Stompers and the Métis Club Traditional Dancers. He has danced in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba and made appearances in Saskatchewan, Ontario, Alberta, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
His own training began at the age of 40 at the Métis Club of Winnipeg, where he learned to jig and later began dancing with the Asham Stompers. The Asham Stompers are a synonymous dance group showcasing the Métis jig internationally.
It’s a deeply rooted Indigenous art form that tells stories, preserves culture, and connects generations. Join us in the Indigenous Support Centre for a hands-on Beading Workshop led by Jennine Krauchi, a celebrated Métis beadwork artist known around the world for her stunning, traditional floral designs.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced beader, this is a rare opportunity to learn from a master and explore the rich history and meaning behind this beautiful art form. All materials provided – everyone is welcome!
Register for the Beading Workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 14 by emailing Terri-Lynn at tlanderson@rrc.ca.
Jennine Krauchi is a Métis beadwork artist and designer. She produces clothing and creates replicas for organizations like the Manitoba Museum, Parks Canada, The Canadian Museum of History, The Canadian Museum for Human Rights and many more around the world, including those in places like Scotland, France and the USA.
Jennine teaches beadwork, quillwork and moccasin and mukluk making. She teaches in schools and at festivals throughout Canada, and has had the opportunity to teach in Europe.
Most recently, Jennine participated in two exhibits: A Hard Birth at the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Radical Stitch at the MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina.
On Monday, Feb. 13 at 11am in the South Gym at Notre Dame Campus, an information gallery will be presented by the Manitoba Métis Federation.
Students and staff are invited to enter a draw for a free bus pass for March and other goodies!
We’re pleased to welcome the Minister of Education and Co-Minister of Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Strategy Agreement, Joan Ledoux, to give a keynote. Joan Ledoux is a cabinet member of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) for The Pas region and the Chair of the Louis Riel Institute (LRI).
No registration required to attend.
Like everyone else, life’s path has taken me down the road of trials, tribulations, hardships, and successes, but through these lived experiences, I have gained the ability, skills, and knowledge to be effective and efficient in sharing what I have to offer you.
It has made me who I am today. I am honored to serve as the voice of our Métis Government of Manitoba.
Joan Ledoux
Joan has served three terms on the MMF Cabinet and previously chaired the Flin Flon Local, the Indian & Métis Friendship Centre, and the Provincial Management Board. Originally from Camperville, she earned a Bachelor of Education from Brandon University and worked for federal and provincial governments for 26 years before retiring from Manitoba Hydro in 2012.
As a proud Métis woman, Joan is dedicated to serving her community and advancing priorities like education and employment. She continues to showcase Métis culture and history, including through a memoir she’s writing for her family. Her work reflects a deep commitment to reconciliation and nation-to-nation relationships.
Join us for Sweat Lodges in the Medicine Wheel Garden with Elder Paul Guimond.
Sweats take place at 1 pm in the Medicine Wheel Garden at the Notre Dame Campus. To register, email Stephanie at sdwright@rrc.ca. Subscribe to our blog for reminders of upcoming Sweats!
Sweat Lodge Ceremonies are a way to heal oneself and connect with all four parts of the self: the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Limit of 20 participants per Lodge. Register now!
Learn to bead and jig while experiencing Métis art forms in collage and fiddling!
Please email Terri-Lynn Anderson at tlanderson@rrc.ca to register for the workshops on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Subscribe here for up-to-date information!
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.