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.

CWB Financial Group supports continued delivery of Introduction to Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe Language) at RRC Polytech.

For the second year in a row, RRC Polytech is proud to offer Introduction to Anishinaabemowin at no cost to students, thanks to the generous support of CWB Financial Group. This course is part of a broader commitment to Indigenous language revitalization – an effort that acknowledges the deep cultural significance of Anishinaabemowin and the urgent need to adapt and expand its use.

RRC Polytech is taking this commitment further with the launch of Conversational Anishinaabemowin, which is designed to deepen students’ engagement with the language. This course moves beyond foundational words and phrases and encourages learners to express more complex thoughts and sentiments, fostering fluency and confidence in a space where the language can truly come to life.

Language learning is more than memorization – it is an immersive, holistic experience that engages the body, mind, emotion, and spirit. The College, with support from CWB Financial Group, is embracing this approach to ensure that students not only learn Anishinaabemowin but also connect with it on a deeper level.

Corey Whitford, Anishinaabemowin instructor, says that his approach to teaching is rooted in engaging the senses and all parts of the self: the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Aambe oma! Come here!

Physical – Engaging Senses and Going Places.

The best way to learn a language is to be surrounded by it. In-person classes provide an environment where students can hear Anishinaabemowin spoken naturally, feel the words in their mouths, and engage in conversations with others on the same journey. Whether a student grew up hearing snippets of the language, is already fluent, or is speaking their first words, everyone shares a common goal: to listen, practice, and learn.

Whitford is a life-long speaker and teacher, and leads the way to help students build confidence as they join a growing community of language speakers. Coming to class and being in spaces with fellow learners will solidify learning.

Gikinawaabam. Learn by observation.

Mental – Building Knowledge and Taking Risks

Language learning requires dedication and mental engagement. Retaining vocabulary and sentence structures happens best in an immersive setting, where students are free from distractions and focused on the shared learning experience. It’s not just about attending class; it’s about showing up for the language and for one another. Making connections, taking risks, and actively participating in the learning process strengthens memory and reinforces knowledge. Learning Anishinaabemowin is an investment in yourself and in the future of the language.

“I had some aunts and uncles that spoke – I wish I picked the language up sooner. I practice what I learn every day with my son. At four years old, he’s at that stage where he copies everything you say,” says Boogie Man, Automotive alum. He says that once he’s finished Introduction to Anishinaabemowin, he’s going directly into Conversational Anishinaabemowin in May to continue his studies.

Zaagichigaade. It is loved (by someone).

Emotional – Connecting with Passion and Purpose

We retain information best when we feel connected to what we are learning. Anishinaabemowin is more than just words – it carries history, identity, and cultural knowledge. Our classes are led by a passionate instructor who inspires students to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the challenge. By making space for the language, students are actively participating in its reclamation and revitalization, demonstrating the need for more accessible language learning opportunities for Indigenous communities worldwide. Learning the language is an act with purpose.

Wiidosendiwag. They walk together.

Spiritual – Embracing the Process with an Open Heart

One of the greatest challenges Indigenous people face in learning Anishinaabemowin is overcoming the internalized shame of not knowing the language. This is not a personal failing – it is the result of systemic efforts to erase Indigenous languages. Many learners struggle with the fear of failure, but true growth comes from embracing the process. By learning Anishinaabemowin, students are not only reclaiming something that was taken from their ancestors but also contributing to the survival of the language for future generations. Speaking the language is an act of resilience, a way to honor those who came before, and a gift to those who will come after.

“Go to people who have the language. The language lives with people who are fluent and people who have lived life through that linguistic experience,” said Whitford. “We encourage everyone who’s interested in our language to come and learn along with us and help us revitalize Anishinaabemowin.”

The journey of learning Anishinaabemowin is about more than just gaining a new skill – it is about reconnecting with identity, culture, and community. Every student who joins these classes plays a role in the larger movement of language revitalization. As we continue to offer free access to these courses, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that Anishinaabemowin not only survives but thrives.

By showing up, engaging, and embracing the language, students are making a powerful statement: this language matters, this culture is alive, and the future of Anishinaabemowin is worth fighting for.

To register for Introduction to Anishinaabemowin or Conversational Anishinaabemowin, generously support by CWB Financial Group, visit the Program Explorer page.

Ahaam sa, mi minik. Okay, that is all!

Over the past several weeks, we’ve listened, learned, and reflected.

From January 30th to March 12th, through eight engagement sessions and a survey reaching more than 350 participants, we heard powerful stories, teachings, and visions for what our Indigenous Visual Identity should embody. 

Sacredness. Seasonality. Directions. Interconnectedness. The importance of language, fire, water, and the land – its plants, its spirit, its stories. These themes emerged again and again, underscoring a deep connection to identity, history, and place. Participants also highlighted the importance of distinguishing Métis, Inuit, and First Nations cultures in a meaningful and authentic way.

Visually, this identity must be more than just a design – it must feel lived, woven into the fabric of who we are. Earth tones reflect our connection to the land, while vibrant colours draw inspiration from beadwork, regalia, and the many cultures they represent. Celestial and seasonal influences remind us of the ever-changing yet cyclical nature of life. The textures of natural materials – organic, tactile, grounded – carry stories of resilience, tradition, and knowledge passed through generations.

We were reminded that no story or teaching stands alone – each is inseparable from its meaning and the voice that carries it. This is essential. It is through story that teachings live and breathe, and it is through meaning that they guide us.

Now, with these insights in hand, our design team is working with RRC Polytech’s Knowledge Keepers Council to finalize a conceptual direction that will bring these ideas to life. As the work progresses, we remain grateful for the voices that have guided this journey so far. Your wisdom and stories are the foundation of this visual identity, ensuring it is a reflection of both tradition and future generations.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this important work.

About Narratives Inc.

Narratives emerged to create space for early, respectful dialogue that supports informed, values-based decision-making. It aims to deepen understanding of how projects and policies affect the social, cultural, biophysical, and spiritual fabric of our world. By challenging the boundaries of research, planning, and practice, Narratives contributes to reconciliation — one story at a time. Rooted where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, within the traditional territories of the Anishinaabeg, the Ininiwak, the Anisininewak, the Dakota Oyate, and the Denésuline, in Treaty 1 territory, and the homeland of the Métis.

Join us in celebrating the beauty and resilience of Indigenous languages!

Watch our video featuring language instructor Corey Whitford as he shares insights on Indigenous Languages Day, the revitalization of Anishinaabemowin, and ways you can be part of the learning journey.

RRC Polytech is proud to offer Introduction to Anishinaabemowin and Conversational Anishinaabemowin, with tuition generously covered by CWB Financial Group. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and connect – find more information on the courses and register here.

Gabriel Nanacowop and Kendrah Sinclair from Culinary Skills (Indigenous) were recently featured in the Winnipeg Free Press, highlighting their hands-on experience at the Wiisinin Diner. The article showcases their journey in mastering traditional Indigenous cooking techniques while gaining real-world restaurant experience. Read the full story to see how these students are making their mark in the culinary world: Winnipeg Free Press.

At RRC Polytech, our second institutional priority is a strong commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, as well as Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. We actively engage with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action by collaborating closely with Indigenous communities both within and beyond the College.

In 2019, RRC Polytech introduced its first land acknowledgement, which has since evolved into a living declaration of our ongoing commitment to strengthening relationships, fostering dialogue, and honoring Indigenous voices.

We recognize that Indigenous languages are diverse, fluid, and vary across communities. Different dialects may use distinct spellings or representations of sounds within the English writing system. The spellings we have chosen reflect consultations with the nations represented in our land acknowledgement. Colonization has historically anglicized Indigenous names and words, and using each nation’s self-identified name is a crucial step in reclamation and self-determination.

We have updated the land acknowledgement to better reflect the collectives in each language:

In full, the current RRC Polytech land acknowledgement reads:

RRC Polytech is committed to ensuring that First Nations, Métis and Inuit knowledge, cultures and traditions are embraced and reflected in the pursuit of its mission.

An acknowledgement of these lands that we are on today, and of the RRC Polytech commitment to Indigenous peoples and communities, now form part of the foundational statements that define RRC Polytech.

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.

We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.

RRC Polytech is committed to a renewed relationship and dialogue with Indigenous people based on the principles of mutual trust, respect, and reciprocity.

You may use a shortened version of the full land acknowledgement where appropriate, including in email signatures. The shortened version focuses on the nations and resources as the core elements of the acknowledgement:

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.

The land acknowledgement can also be publicly accessed from the new Truth and Reconciliation website section under Initiatives, which also includes the pronunciation guide.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement at cakematch@rrc.ca.

RRC Polytech is proud to host its 25th annual Pow Wow to recognize the achievements of Indigenous students.

Please join us to celebrate our students as we send them off on their continued journeys to success. The annual Pow Wow gives our community the opportunity to dance, drum, sing, eat, connect, and participate in Ceremony.

All Indigenous students graduating in 2025 are encouraged to join us to celebrate! Full-time, part-time, students that attend regional campuses, and students graduating in Fall 2025 are welcome to register and participate in Pow Wow.

FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025 • NOTRE DAME CAMPUS, NORTH GYM

• 10am – Pipe Ceremony
• 11am – Métis and Inuit Cultural Entertainment
• 12pm – Grand Entry
• 2pm – Honouring Indigenous Graduates
• 3pm – Feast

Graduating students can register for attendance here. Graduates don’t need to register for stoles ahead of time and can pick them up at the Registration Table at the event.

Dancers and Drums can register at the Registration Table on the morning of the event.

Indigenous makers for the Indigenous Makers Market can register here.

Attendees don’t need to register ahead of time.

Breaking into a career in a chosen industry can be one of the most challenging steps in the education journey.

Thanks to support from RBC, the Indigenous Career Fair is a focal point of discovery, where students can network with each other, alumni, employers, and future career connections.

Every year, Indigenous students from all over the Red River College Polytechnic (the College) walk together through a variety of career options at the Indigenous Career Fair. More than thirty employers attended the Indigenous Career Fair on January 28, offering job openings and career opportunities for students to explore while gaining insight into the current job market and economic landscape. The RBC Headshot Lounge was available in addition to RBC’s event sponsorship, where students could capture professional headshots for their LinkedIn profiles and for other professional uses.

Justin Habinski, an Introduction to Trades and Plumbing graduate, had finished his program the week before but made time to check out the employers that were offering positions.

“I was probably one of the few that showed up after the end of the program,” said Habinski. “I’m glad I went, though – there were a couple of jobs that stuck out and gave me some ideas for my career.”

Providing opportunities for Indigenous students is a vital part of RRC Polytech’s commitment to reconciliation. True reconciliation means walking alongside students, ensuring they have equal access to opportunities while embracing and celebrating Indigenous values, cultures, and traditions.

Guy Gagnon, a second-year Disability and Community Support student, attended the career fair to explore different paths. While he has experience working at a ground level in community support, he aspires to create change at a higher level.

“The career fair was kind of overwhelming at first because there are so many paths to consider, but it was also eye-opening. There were a lot of roles that I’d been in before, and helped me reflect on where I want to make an impact. I think the career fair is a great way for students to either re-evaluate their paths or reaffirm what they want to do with their careers,” said Gagnon.

The event featured an interactive passport students could use as an icebreaker with employers – for every five employers they spoke to, they were entered into a draw. Students had the chance to score some amazing prizes, including a $500 Ticketmaster gift card generously provided by RBC.

“The icebreaker was a really fun incentive – it helped me speak to more employers than I thought I would,” said Keegan Thomas, Indigenous Culinary Skills student and grand prize winner. “I wasn’t expecting to win, but I’m looking forward to using the card for a show, maybe out of province.”

Students had an additional chance to win when they listened to the panel that was held at noon. The panel was led by Kelly Krakalovich, Mentorship Coordinator with the School of Indigenous Education. The panel was featured Darcie Bonwick, an Indigenous Entrepreneur, Mittohnee Pogo’otah; Katelyn Lawson, Relationship Manager, Commercial Banking, RBC; and Craig Fisher, Program Facilitator, School of Indigenous Education, RRC Polytech.

“The panel was a great way to bring together Indigenous professionals at different stages in their careers,” said Craig Fisher. “I was thrilled to be part of an event where students could envision themselves in these roles one day. As an advocate for Indigenous representation in underrepresented industries, I believe it’s essential for students to see and have the opportunity to connect with Indigenous folks who came before them.”

The panel event highlighted the balance between traditional knowledge and contemporary career pathways that Indigenous professionals navigate every day. The discussion explored themes of identity, learning, community impact, and wisdom for future generations. The panelists provided meaningful insight on Indigenous economic development, cultural resilience, and success beyond financial metrics, while demonstrating the value of mentorship and networking opportunities.

“I want to show Indigenous students just how valuable their presence is in industry. Working with First Nations communities as a First Nations woman myself has helped me to make deep connections with the people that I provide services to,” said Katelyn Lawson. “That sense of familiarity – with culture, with the challenges communities face, with the goals they’re working towards – is a powerful bridge, not only for your own career, but for making change in our communities.”

The Indigenous Career Fair reflects RRC Polytech’s commitment to empowering Indigenous students. With RBC’s support, this event leverages our role as an educational institution to foster meaningful, lasting connections between Indigenous students and organizations — creating opportunities that benefit not only the students but also their families, communities, and the broader industry.

Indigenous Culinary Skills students launch annual pop-up diner

The Indigenous Culinary Skills students at RRC Polytech are bringing their talents to the table with the return of their much-anticipated pop-up diner! This hands-on learning experience allows students to showcase their newly acquired culinary skills while serving up delicious breakfast and lunch options for staff and students.

Located in the Prairie Lights Dining Room (Building C – Mall Level) at the Notre Dame Campus, the Wiisinin Diner will officially open its doors with a soft launch on March 13-14 and offering a limited menu.

The full menu will be available starting Tuesday, March 18.

Hours of Operation

Tuesday – Friday, March 18 – April 25*

• Breakfast: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
• Lunch: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

*Soft launch with limited menu items is on Thursday, March 13

For the first time, the Wiisinin Diner will offer point-of-sale service, meaning vouchers are no longer required. Guests can conveniently pay for their meals directly in the Prairie Lights Dining Room.

Important Notes

• Single orders only – No modifications can be accommodated.
• Training environment – As students hone their skills, orders may take longer or have minor errors. Your patience and support are greatly appreciated!

For the full menu, visit the Wiisinin Diner webpage.

You’re invited to join our celebration of the Spring Equinox!

The celebration will begin with a Pipe Ceremony led by the Grandparents-in-Residence in the Roundhouse Auditorium, followed by a Feast to celebrate the season and to feast the RRC Polytech bundles. Open to staff, students, and faculty, this gathering is a chance to connect, learn, and reflect with community.

• Friday, March 21, 2025 – Exchange District Campus, Roundhouse Auditorium, 10 AM – 1 PM
  • 10 AM: Pipe Ceremony
  • 12 PM: Feast

No registration required. Feel free to bring your feast bundle to help reduce waste.

For questions, contact Sara McIvor-Prouty, Events and Facilities Coordination, School of Indigenous Education, at smicvor@rrc.ca.

About the Spring Equinox

The Spring Equinox is the official start of spring, when the north and south poles of the Earth are at equal distances from the Sun, and day and night are equal in length. This year, the Spring Equinox falls on March 20.