Indigenous Education

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Meet-and-Greet with the Knowledge Keepers Council – November 16

October 26, 2023

This past September, the Knowledge Keepers Council reconvened to advise on initiatives at the College related to Truth and Reconciliation. The Knowledge Keepers Council has provided many different areas of the College with cultural and strategic direction based on traditional and scholarly perspectives of ethics, concepts, and practices of reconciliation.

The College community is invited to a come-and-go Meet-and-Greet with the Knowledge Keepers Council on Thursday, November 16, in E155 at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae from 2pm to 4pm at the Exchange District Campus. You’re welcome to drop by between to introduce yourself and get to know the Knowledge Keepers over a cup of coffee and snacks.

We’re proud to work with respected Elders and Knowledge Keepers from a wide range of communities with diverse experiences. The insight they have provided to the College has made our approach to Truth and Reconciliation stronger, and we look forward to a long and enriching relationship based on the spirit of reciprocity and respect.

The Knowledge Keepers Council is interdepartmentally sponsored through Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement, Human Resources, the School of Indigenous Education, and Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development.


Thursday, November 16

2pm – 4pm

E155, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus

Meet the Knowledge Keepers Council

Paul Guimond

Paul Guimond is part of the Turtle Clan and his Spirit Name is Okonace (Little Eagle Bone). He lives with his wife Kim in Sagkeeng First Nation and together they have three children, 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Elder Paul studied Counselling Skills at the University of Manitoba and is a certified coach in hockey, baseball and lacrosse.

In Sagkeeng, Elder Paul sat on Chief & Council for 20 years and served as the School Board Chairman for ten years. Elder Paul is a Sundance Bundle Carrier (Chief), Sweat Lodge Bundle Carrier (Water drum) and Dark Room Bundle Carrier. He is an active Elder with Addictions Foundation of Manitoba and Sagkeeng Child & Family Services, where he offers healing, guidance in spiritual growth and personal development through ceremony, programming and encouraging healthy relationships.

Elder Paul joined the Elder-in-Residence Program at Red River College Polytechnic in 2018.

Richard Curé

Richard is part of the Sturgeon Clan and his Spirit Name is Mashkode – Bizhiki (Buffalo Man). He is Métis and discovered the Red Road after becoming a foster parent with Sagkeeng Child and Family Services. Uncovering his Indigeneity and attending Sweat Lodges and Sundances helped Richard overcome personal adversities, such as the workplace injury that prevented him from continuing his career in mining. 

For the last three years, Richard has been a Knowledge Keeper with Sagkeeng Anicinabe High School in Sagkeeng First Nation. He takes youth out onto the land picking medicine and collecting grandfathers (sacred stones for Sweat Lodges), firewood, and tiipii poles. He and his wife Tammy have four children and four grandchildren. Richard facilitates workshops like medicine picking, hand drum building, and Sweat Lodges with multiple organizations, including Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Center, Sagkeeng Child and Family Services and RRC Polytech. 

Allen Sutherland

Allen Sutherland, Waabishki Mazinazoot Mishtaatim (White Spotted Horse), Anishinaabe, of the Bizhiw Doodem (Lynx Clan), Skownan First Nation, Treaty 2 Territory.

Allen Sutherland is the Life Long Learning Lodge Keeper, Government of First Nations Treaty 2 Territory. Allen is an independent consultant and provides facilitation and training under his company WHITE SPOTTED HORSE.

In 2014, he was the recipient of the Aboriginal Circle of Educators Researcher and/or Curriculum Development Award for developing the Canadian Indigenous Historical Timeline poster that is now used in the Treaty Kits of Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba.

Allen is an Anishinaabek Traditional Knowledge Keeper, providing traditional ceremonies, teachings, spiritual advice, and healing.

Barbara Bruce

Barbara Bruce is a citizen of the Métis Nation – Michif aen Otipemisiwak, and Two-Spirit. Her beliefs of Métis and other Indigenous traditional teachings are reflected in her 35+ years of experience. Her dedication to advancing the rightful place of the Two Spirit community, Métis and other Indigenous women and children are an integral part of her life. 

She has extensive networks and working relationships with the Métis Nation and other Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, organizations and governments across Canada. Her portfolio includes board appointments with the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board, the Manitoba Communities Economic Development Fund, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Top 40 Under 40, the University of Winnipeg Board of Regents and the Métis Child and Family Services Authority.

Barbara has received extensive recognition and honour for her work in cultural social justice and for her contribution to the wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples from many communities and organizations, like the Human Rights Commission of Manitoba, Sagkeeng First Nation, Keeping the Fires Burning with Ka Ni Kanichihk as a kookum, the Order of Manitoba as a 2018 inductee, and the Nellie McClung Foundation as one of the 150 Manitoba Women Trailblazers.

Albert McLeod

Albert McLeod is a Status Indian with ancestry from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and the Métis community of Norway House in northern Manitoba. He has 30+ years of experience as a human rights activist and is one of the directors of the Two-Spirited People of Manitoba. 

Albert began his Two-Spirit advocacy in Winnipeg in 1986 and became an HIV/AIDS activist in 1987. He was the director of the Manitoba Aboriginal AIDS Task Force from 1991 to 2001. In 2018, Albert received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Winnipeg. 

Albert lives in Winnipeg where he works as a consultant specializing in Indigenous Peoples, cultural reclamation, and cross-cultural training.

Martha Peet

Martha Peet, Inuit Elder and storyteller from Taloyaok, Nunavut, believes that telling stories is about sharing her own experiences and the traditional Inuit way of life.

Taloyaok was founded in 1948 when the HBC established a trading post. Five nomadic families moved in, including hers. Peet was born in 1950.

“I was there from the beginning. I lived in an igloo in the winter and a tent in the summer. My job as a child was collecting cotton in the summer for the wick on the seal oil [soapstone] lamp, which was fueled by blubber. I always had chores. I carried water twice a day from the lake. I made bannock and tea. We boiled our meat—seal and caribou,” she says.

As a storyteller for over 30 years, Peet enjoys sharing stories about her life, where she is from, and the Inuit way of life of years ago including the importance of animals and traditions.

Janice Millar

Janice Millar was born and raised in Winnipeg to an Inninew mother and Métis father, growing up with four sisters. Today, she’s a proud mother of five and grandmother of three.

Grandmother Janice received a Bachelor of Education and Post Baccalaureate in Counseling at the University of Manitoba. For 37 years, she worked at the Winnipeg School Division as a counselor and support for Indigenous students in addition to her work with teachers, vice principals, principals, directors and school board committee members. She has recently retired and continues her work in the community.

“The foundation of my work was to clear a path to build student success, with the end result of creating equitable learning environments for all students. I was schooled in Western Education—I was also schooled in Indigenous Education by the old people. I have recently joined the Indigenous Student Support Team at Red River College Polytech. I enjoy working with students here, and I am looking forward to this new journey and getting to know the students.”

Ivy Chaske

Ivy Chaske is a Dakota Koonshi, or Grandmother, that recently joined the Knowledge Keepers Council to offer her perspective on initiatives around the College.

We’re very excited to welcome Grandmother Ivy to the College and we’re looking forward to working with her.

Welcoming Grandmother Janice Millar

October 20, 2023

The School of Indigenous Education and RRC Polytech are excited to welcome Grandmother Janice Millar to our community! Grandmother Janice will be joining the Indigenous Student Support Team once a week to provide additional support to Indigenous students, as well as the Knowledge Keepers Council and College community.

Join us in the Indigenous Support Centre F209 at Notre Dame Campus on Monday, Oct. 23 for a come-and-go Meet and Greet with Grandmother Janice any time between 10am and 2pm. Drop by the centre for a chat and some coffee as your schedule allows.

  • Monday, Oct. 23
  • 10am – 2pm
  • F209, Indigenous Support Centre, Notre Dame Campus

A message from Grandmother Janice:

Tansi, Boozhoo,
Hi There,

My name is Janice Millar. I was born and raised in Winnipeg.

My Mom was Inninew (Cree) and My Dad was Metis.

I come from a family of 5 Girls. I am a Mother of 5 and a Grandmother to 3.

I worked in the Winnipeg School Division for 37 years and have just recently retired. Most of my years were spent in Counseling and supporting Indigenous Education/Students. I also worked with Teachers, Vice Principals, Principals, Directors and School Board Committee Members.

The foundation of my work was to clear a path to build Student Success, with the end result of creating equitable learning environments for all students.

I was schooled in Western Education. I received my Bachelor of Education and Post Baccalaureate in Counseling at the University of Manitoba.  

I was also schooled in Indigenous Education by the old people.

I have recently joined the Indigenous Student Support Team at Red River College Polytech. I enjoy working with students here. I am looking forward to this new journey and getting to know the students.

Wrapping Up the Fifth Annual Truth and Reconciliation Week

October 11, 2023

As the fifth annual Truth and Reconciliation Week wraps up, RRC Polytech would like to extend chi-miigwech to the nearly 90 volunteers that helped make this Truth and Reconciliation Week the most comprehensive and expansive we’ve had yet. The College community turned out to 16 in-person events across all campuses and tuned into countless other self-guided resources, including articles, books, videos, and seminars and actively engaging in the shared responsibility we have to Truth and Reconciliation.

Special thanks to our invited guests Elder Allen Sutherland, Tanya Clark-Marinelli, Elder Aaron Pierre, Fawnda Neckoway, Dawn Chartrand, Douglas Sanderson, Andrew Stobo Sniderman, and Maureen Twovoice for joining us for various sessions that helped create deeper connections and understanding as a community.

As we know, Truth and Reconciliation is a year-round commitment, so we invite members of the College community to utilize these upcoming opportunities:

Indigenous Research Methodologies with Dr. Ramona Neckoway

This Friday, October 13 from 10am-12pm at the Roundhouse Auditorium, join us for a session part of RPI’s Indigenous Perspectives in Applied Research Series with Dr. Ramona Neckoway, Associate Vice-President Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation, University College of the North. The session is co-hosted by Research Partnerships and Innovation and Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement, and will include welcome remarks, a talk from Dr. Neckoway and a discussion period. To register, email Chelsea Welechenko at cwelechenko@rrc.ca as space is limited.

Truth and Reconciliation Community of Practice

The Truth and Reconciliation Community of Practice is a learning community that creates opportunities for staff and faculty to extend and apply their learning, and to take action to advance Truth and Reconciliation and anti-racism. Participation will involve a commitment of 10-12 hours throughout the fall, including group discussion and small group or partner discussions, focused on guided questions that relate to both Truth and Reconciliation and anti-racism. Learn more and sign up here.

Finding Footing in Information Technology

October 6, 2023

Colton Gadoury grew up immersed in the Internet. Today, his favourite hobby is settling in and logging onto Red Dead Redemption, or connecting with friends over the occasional virtual sports game.

At 24-years-old, with post-secondary certification in Electrical Applications and after a lot of consideration, Gadoury enrolled in the first Pathway to IT cohort in January 2023.  He says the program was a logical fit for his circumstances: with a tuition of just $500 thanks to RBC Future Launch, the program didn’t strain his budget as much as launching directly into a diploma or bachelor program might have, and was the best way to change his job title from electrician to software developer.

Colton Gadoury.

“The Pathway program gave me the confidence to make the jump between industries. I wasn’t sure where I would fit in the information technology industry because it’s so huge, but the Pathway helped me explore options and figure out where I wanted to go… It helped introduce me to a lot of opportunities in tech for a Métis person such as myself,” said Gadoury.

Despite his affinity for technology, Gadoury initially hadn’t considered a career in IT before attending RRC Polytech. From a young age, he thought he would be a tradesperson and pursued that path.

“Since I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, and there was some expectation to attend post-secondary, I rushed into a trade I thought I might like,” Gadoury said.

After experiencing that frustration as an electrician, Gadoury reflected on what it was that did make him happy. As an avid gamer that grew up with the evolution of the internet, he’d acquired technical skills from his hobbies that he hadn’t realized he could transfer to a career. He used that foundational knowledge of computer systems and coding that he’d gleaned over the years as inspiration for a new career trajectory: information technology. It’s a constantly-growing, goliath industry with plenty of opportunity to carve a new path. He just needed to know where and how he could gain the skills to take the plunge.

The biggest challenge for Gadoury’s career change was the uncertainty. Making the choice to pursue a different profession meant that his established and steady income would become temporarily unstable, and he wouldn’t know for how long. The Pathway program eased his hesitation and he says he’s glad he went for it.

Gadoury recalls his favourite experience being the Sprint to Innovate course. He and his classmates broke up into groups to generate concepts for improving the user experience, or UX, on RRC Polytech’s internal staff HUB site in three areas: filling out expense reports, obtaining keycard access, and booking rooms. The first group designed a wizard to calculate and populate spaces based on information users provided; the second group proposed a virtual assistant chat box to provide users with advice and direction; and Gadoury’s group constructed an interactive booking map to engage users.

Gadoury during a class panel.

At the beginning of the term, Gadoury says he was nervous at the prospect of their project. It felt like a lot of work loomed over them, especially during the planning stages to determine the best path forward. Each group figured out how to work with the existing site structure to integrate their solutions and by the end of the term, they presented prototypes to mock clients. Gadoury says the collaboration transformed his reservations into confidence, and he was proud to apply the skills and knowledge he had acquired through the program.

The experience with Sprint to Innovate and the support he received in the Pathway to IT program confirmed for him that taking a leap to the new career – one he finds rewarding with endless opportunity – was the right decision. Through the Pathway program, he’d made connections with other Indigenous IT professionals making technological progress for a variety of Indigenous organizations.

Gadoury is looking forward to focusing his portfolio in RRC Polytech’s Business Information Technology (BIT) program in Fall 2023. He says he can see himself applying his skills to front-end development to innovate user experience by streamlining digital interfaces, or contributing to the programmatic structural integrity of software through back-end development—both areas have wide applications out of which Gadoury says he could carve a rewarding career.

Pathways at RRC Polytech

Pathway to Information Technology Programs prepares Indigenous students to take the lead in technology and helps to jumpstart an education in technology. Pathways are exploratory and preparatory, ensuring that Indigenous students have the foundation to start strong in their post-secondary journeys. Pathways are for Indigenous students that haven’t experienced post-secondary education yet or want to build a starting point for an education in a particular industry—which includes career-changers like Gadoury.

The Pathway to Information Technology is generously supported by RBC Future Launch, which has reduced the program’s tuition to $500 for each intake until 2024. For more information about the Pathway to IT Programs and to get your application started for Fall 2023, check out the Program Explorer.

RRC Polytech partners with local Métis artist for original Red Shirt design

October 4, 2023

As a tattoo and multimedia artist, Shayre Curé’s art is often specially curated for the people that commission her—regardless of the medium. Her art is typically for the enjoyment of private buyers, in their houses or on their skin.

This year, Curé partnered with RRC Polytech to create an original Red Shirt design to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S) and to support the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award for Indigenous students.

“As a Métis artist, my goal is to create art that brings awareness to this important issue. I want my art to not only reflect cultural heritage, but to inspire future generations to continue the fight for justice, equality, and empowerment,” said Curé.

The Red Shirt design portrays a woman with the emblematic handprint over her mouth that represents the “No More Stolen Sisters” movement, a phrase coined to express the outrage and grief over the loss of so many women, girls and Two Spirit people that, in many cases, could have been prevented. Curé worked in collaboration with a committee of Indigenous staff to come up with the concept.

No More Stolen Sisters. It’s a sentiment close to Curé’s heart, and the hearts of many Indigenous people.

RRC Polytech’s relationship with Curé first began earlier this year, when the Indigenous Student Support Centre purchased a piece from her entitled “The Silent Genocide on Turtle Island”—a piece that has taken her years to complete.

In 2018, she’d hand-drawn the concept for this piece shortly after her best friend Kayla was killed in a hit-and-run. The death of her best friend was devastating, though grief was not unfamiliar to Curé—she says that Kayla’s brother had also been murdered eight years prior in 2010. She’s known many people whose friends and family have gone missing or were killed over the years, and she says being able to honour them through her art and bring light to their stories is humbling.

Curé had returned to the concept last year in October 2022, when previously undisclosed details of Kayla’s case were revealed. To deal with the emotion that bubbled to the surface, the pain of injustice, and the reminder of loss, Curé transformed the original hand-drawn concept into a multimedia painting using acrylic paint and beads.

From a young age, Curé expressed herself through art—art and the process of creation was an anchor for her while growing up. As a child, Curé recalled seeing tattooed folks on TV but never on the people she knew or had seen in her area. Identifying that market planted the seeds that would later bloom into a strong and active career.

In high school, Curé says she fell in step with a bad crowd and diverged from her artistic inclinations for a few years. The summer before she started university classes for psychiatric nursing, Curé met a tattoo artist and her path circled back to her love of art, and she decided to pursue tattooing. She’s been tattooing at Tattoos by Rodriguez for the past five years and regularly creates art on skin and canvas alike.

Curé’s emotional and powerful expression of grief and hope through her painting that now lives in the Indigenous Support Centre moved RRC Polytech to approach Curé with another opportunity to collaborate on the Red Shirt design to bring more awareness to MMIWG2S, and to support Indigenous students through the proceeds from the sales.

“Through the design of this shirt, along with the acrylic painting I created for the Indigenous Student Support Centre, I pay tribute to my best friend Kayla Arkinson — her life was tragically taken on June 23rd, 2018, in Sagkeeng First Nation,” Curé said.

The Red Shirt can be purchased at the Campus Store and all proceeds go to the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award. Every Red Shirt is produced and supplied by Red Rebel Armour, owned and operated by Indigenous alumnus Sean Rayland-Boubar.

“Working with Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs to represent Indigenous ideas and movements is integral to the societal change we aim for,” said Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement. “Initiatives like the Orange and Red Shirts are not only a strong way to raise awareness of truth and Indigenous history, but it’s also an opportunity for Indigenous people to participate in their own stories. Curé’s story is unique but many people know it well from their own experience, which makes it all the more powerful.”

The College community is invited to wear red on October 4 to show support for the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people.

Artist’s Statement

Since settlers set foot on Turtle Island, a silent genocide has been perpetuated against Indigenous women. The United Nations recognized this and called on Canada to implement the MMIWG2S National Inquiry’s 231 Calls for Justice. Indigenous women are twelve times more likely to be murdered or to go missing than non-Indigenous women in Canada.

Through the design of this shirt, along with the acrylic painting I created for the Indigenous Student Support Centre, I pay tribute to my best friend Kayla Arkinson — her life was tragically taken on June 23rd, 2018 in Sagkeeng First Nation.

As a Métis artist, my goal is to create art that brings awareness to this important issue. I want my art to not only reflect cultural heritage, but to inspire future generations to continue the fight for justice, equality, and empowerment.

Shayre Cure

Welcome Back Celebration Oct. 11

September 15, 2023

Join the Indigenous Student Support Team for a fun-filled day of activities, entertainment, and food! Take the opportunity to meet fellow students, introduce yourself to support personnel, and enter to win prizes!

The Indigenous Support Centres at NDC in F209 and at EDC in P407 will be open for the celebration with baked goods, coffee, pizza, and pop all throughout the day. Please come and go as your schedule allows.

Date: October 11, 2023

Location: NDC – F209 & EDC – P407

Time: 10am – 2pm

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

Truth and Reconciliation Week 2023

September 13, 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. 

Please stay tuned to this page for session updates.

Schedule of Events

Truth and Reconciliation Week – Daily Activities

Truth and Reconciliation Immersion Room Experience – EMERGING MEDIA AND PRODUCTION STUDIOS, GM-33, MALL LEVEL (by the North Gym), NOTRE DAME CAMPUS

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 (GM-39), this 360° media rich installation provides an opportunity to learn, discuss, and share thoughts and experiences related to Truth and Reconciliation.

Drop-in to the Immersion Room Experience:

  • Monday, Sept 25 at 12pm; 12:20pm; 12:40pm
  • Tuesday, Sept 26 at 2pm; 2:20pm; 2:40pm
  • Thursday, Sept 28 at 12pm; 12:20pm; 12:40pm
  • Friday, Sept 29 at 12pm; 12:20pm; 12:40pm
  • Tuesday, Oct 3 at 12pm; 12:20pm; 12:40pm
  • Thursday, Oct 5 at 12pm; 12:20pm; 12:40pm
  • Friday, Oct 6 at 12pm; 12:20pm; 12:40pm

Registration is not required.

Monday, September 25

Fall Equinox – Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus
10am – 12pm

The Fall Equinox is one of the four transitory events that marks the changing of the seasons, along with the Winter and Summer Solstices and the Spring Equinox. The Fall Equinox is the moment in the Earth’s cycle when the Sun crosses the equator into the southern hemisphere. In the Fall, we harvest our crops and prepare for the long winter when the land is protected by a blanket of snow. 

This Fall Equinox will open RRC Polytech’s fifth annual Truth and Reconciliation Week and usher in the new season with a Pipe Ceremony, followed by a Sharing Circle led by Elder-in-Residence Paul Guimond and Knowledge Keeper-in-Residence Richard Curé. We will close out with a Feast to celebrate the changing of the season. 

All are welcome, no registration needed. 

Why Reconciliation? A Presentation with Knowledge Keeper Allen Sutherland 
11am – 1 pm, Selkirk Campus 

Students attending the Selkirk Campus are invited to join Allen Sutherland, RRC Polytech Knowledge Keeper, for a presentation examining Canada’s long history of colonialism and assimilation, and how this history has impacted and continues to impact Indigenous peoples today.  
 
Registration is not required. Pizza lunch will be provided.

About Allen Sutherland 
Allen Sutherland, Waabishki Mazinazoot Mishtaatim (White Spotted Horse), Anishinaabe, of the Bizhiw Doodem (Lynx Clan), Skownan First Nation, Treaty 2 Territory. 

Allen Sutherland is currently the Life Long Learning Lodge Keeper, Government of First Nations Treaty 2 Territory. Allen is also an independent consultant and provides facilitation and training under his own company, WHITE SPOTTED HORSE. In 2014, he was the recipient of the Aboriginal Circle of Educators ‘Researcher and/or Curriculum Development’ award for developing the Canadian Indigenous Historical Timeline poster that is now currently being utilized in the Treaty Kits of Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba. Allen is an Anishinaabek Traditional Knowledge Keeper, providing traditional ceremonies, teachings, spiritual advice, and healing. 

Indigenous Voices Book Table
1pm – 3pm, Roblin Centre Atrium, Exchange District Campus

Visit RRC Polytech’s Library and Academic Services team at the pop-up Book Table, highlighting Indigenous authors. Staff and students can sign out books, and the Library team can look up titles or make recommendations.

Land Acknowledgement Workshop – Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus
2pm – 3pm

In today’s diverse and inclusive environment, recognizing and honouring the land upon which we work and learn is a vital step towards reconciliation and cultural awareness.

During this interactive session, guided by Gerald Sereda, participants will learn about land acknowledgments and gaining a deeper understanding of their significance. We’ll explore various types of land acknowledgments, from traditional to contemporary, and examine how they can be tailored to reflect our unique connections to the land.

Key workshop highlights include:

  • Types of Land Acknowledgments: Learn about different styles of land acknowledgments, including the traditional and contemporary approaches.
  • Crafting Your Personal Statement: you’ll have the opportunity to draft your own personalized land acknowledgment that reflects your personal connection to the land and Indigenous communities.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Understand the nuances and cultural considerations that should inform your acknowledgment, ensuring it is respectful, authentic, and meaningful.
  • Impact and Engagement: Discover how a well-crafted land acknowledgment can foster inclusivity, encourage dialogue, and contribute to the broader goal of reconciliation within our institution.

By the end of this workshop, you will have a personalized land acknowledgment and the knowledge and confidence to share it genuinely. Join us on this transformative journey towards recognizing the importance of land acknowledgments and honoring the Indigenous peoples on whose land we live, work, and learn. Together, we can take meaningful steps towards building a more inclusive community at RRC Polytech.


About Gerald Sereda
Gerald is an Educational Developer at RRC Polytech, with an Indigenous Focus. He was born in Treaty 1 territory and comes from a Métis/Cree background. Gerald received his Bachelor of Computer Science, and Bachelor of Education before enrolling in the Master of Education program with a focus on curriculum design and development with coursework in Educational/Assistive technology, and Indigenous education.  

He has worked in various capacities as an elementary, middle school, high school teacher, and counsellor in various schools and districts. He comes with over 18 years as a teacher, counsellor, and assistive technology consultant from Alberta. Gerald is excited to be a part of Red River College Polytechnic to support the integration of Indigenous language and culture into course design. 

In his spare time, Gerald enjoys hockey, sports, working out, and yoga. 

Tuesday, September 26

Truth and Reconciliation Immersive Experience: From the Strategic Plan to the Classroom – EMP Immersion Room, GM-33, Mall Level (by the North Gym), Notre Dame Campus
10am – 11am & 12pm – 1pm

Are you a Chair or Instructor working on how to meaningfully embed Indigenous content and perspectives in your courses? This session, guided by Nora Sobel, will offer an inspiring approach on how we can capture the intended outcomes of a college-wide strategic priority, such as “Commit to Truth and Reconciliation in everything we do” and create a sustainable and inclusive resource that can be employed by the entire college and make it all the way to our students in the classroom. The journey doesn’t stop there: Our students, as champions for change, can multiply this learning and action in the industry and community. Brought to you from Emerging Media’s Immersion Room, this session will open with a 10-minute, introductory, 360° media-rich installation on Truth and Reconciliation.

Registration is required as capacity is limited.

About Carla Kematch
Carla Kematch is a First Nation Cree woman from Sapatowiak Cree Nation located on Treaty 4 Territory.  Working at Red River College Polytech she is involved in many aspects of the College to promote and increase the knowledge base around Truth and Reconciliation. Providing guidance and working cross departmentally to develop training initiatives for students, staff and faculty, policy development, research projects are some examples to meet the needs for implementing Commitment # 2: Commit to Truth and Reconciliation, Pursue Equity, Diversity and inclusion in everything we do. Carla also works with many external partners to promote collaboration and engagement to raise RRC Polytech’s profile with Indigenous communities, other post-secondary institutes, and non-profit organizations.

About Nora Sobel
Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nora Sobel is an intercultural communication, qualitative research, and project management specialist.

In 2008, Nora joined RRC Polytech and worked for 14 years in the College’s Diversity and Intercultural area. Nora joined the Applied Commerce and Management Education department in 2022 as an Instructor of Project Management and Analysis in the Business Administration Program.

Nora received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies (Major in Public Opinion and Advertisement) from University of Buenos Aires, and her Master of Education (Concentration in Adult and Post-Secondary Education) from University of Manitoba. Nora also completed a Certificate in Project Management from RRC Polytech. Nora has recently started the Teaching for Learning (TFL) program at the College, as well as a Post-Graduate Program in Research of Public Opinion with University of Buenos Aires.

In 2017, Nora was one of the recipients of the first RRC Polytech’s Sustainability Leadership Award for the development of the Gender and Sexual Diversity Awareness Online Course. In 2022, Nora was also one of the recipients of the first RRC Polytech’s Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Award for the development of a seven-module Anti-Racism Training for Students.

Anishinaabemowin and Bannock-Making Session – P107, Exchange District Campus
11am – 12pm

Have you ever heard the term “Miigwech” being used by our Anishinaabe friends and wondered what it meant? Or maybe you would like to learn how to say a simple greeting in Anishinaabemowin?

Learn how to make bannock, how to read the Anishinaabemowin alphabet, and how to say the ingredients for bannock in Anishinaabemowin with language instructor Corey Whitford. Featuring special guest, Chef Patrick Anderson.

Please note that this session is at capacity.

About Corey Whitford
Corey Ralph Whitford has been teaching at RRC Polytech in the Indigenous Languages Program for six 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 serving his community and passing on Anishinaabemowin knowledge at the College level.

Lateral Violence to Kindness Workshop with Tanya Clark-Marinelli – Selkirk Lounge A1-47, Notre Dame Campus
11am – 1:30pm

Conscious kindness can help create a safe and inclusive work environment, develop a culture of belonging and respect, encourage open and honest communication, and provide employees with the resources they need to succeed. 

This session will invite participants to consider conscious kindness as a critical communication technique, and provide specific tools to approach and repair a situation or interaction that has left someone hurt or offended. Through guided practice, participants will be able to learn and practice how to communicate with kindness while having a safe space to reflect on their own experiences and feelings. Participants will leave the session with new tools and strategies to foster more meaningful and compassionate communication.

The session will also introduce lateral violence, a concept that emerged from Indigenous knowledge and experience. It has been widely adopted to understand and address complex social dynamics within and between Indigenous communities.

About Tanya Clarke-Marinelli 
Tanya Clarke-Marinelli is a proud First Nations woman from Hollow Water First Nation and the founder of TC Training Services. She served three years on the Board of Directors with the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce and serves as Vice President with Neemu-Egwah Inc.

Presentation with Elder Aaron Pierre – Portage La Prairie Campus
11am – 1:30pm

Students and staff at the Portage La Prairie Campus are invited to join Elder Aaron Pierre for a pizza lunch and learn.

About Elder Aaron Pierre
Boozhoo,

I would like to introduce myself to the best of my ability using Ojibwe first. Kaa-obashit mikinaak ndazhnikaas, ogiishkimansiin ndoodem, gichi-odena ndonji, my English name is Aaron Pierre and I was born and raised in Winnipeg. I have Ukrainian heritage on my mother’s side and Cree and Ojibwe on my father’s side. My family and I moved to Portage la Prairie in the fall of 2012, and I have worked in various organizations in the Portage and the surrounding area since that time. I started work with PCRC in July of 2022 as the Indigenous Seniors Resource Coordinator. In this role, I was connecting with indigenous seniors aged 55+ in the city of Portage la Prairie to help them remain living independently. Some of the services provided were yard work, snow removal, well-being checks, transportation to and from appointments and helping with groceries/food security.

I have recently transitioned into the role of Indigenous Community Coordinator. This role has numerous projects that are already ongoing and I am picking up where the previous worker left off. I have cultural knowledge gained by participating in ceremonies such as Sweat Lodge, Sun Dance, drum making, rattle making, dream catcher making and conducting Sharing Circles. Throughout the last 9 years I have been learning how to conduct and teach certain ceremonies like drum making, rattle making and dream catcher making to people of all ages and nationalities. I have experience in conducting sweat lodge and sharing circles throughout
the last 8 years.

Miigwech, thank you.

Wednesday, September 27

Teachings and Transformation – Medicine Wheel Garden, Notre Dame Campus
1pm – 3pm

Event update: Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances, Knowledge Keeper Richard Curé is unable to guide this session. The College community is invited to drop-in to the Medicine Wheel Garden for tea and bannock.

Join Knowledge Keeper-in-Residence Richard Curé in the Medicine Wheel Garden north-west of Notre Dame Campus for an afternoon of Teachings related to Medicines and the land, while working to transform the Medicine Wheel Garden from wild prairie into a true reflection of Indigenous Medicine. The different quarters of the Medicine Wheel correspond to North, East, South and West, and each contain many valuable Teachings and Stories.

Help prune, pull weeds and till the soil to prepare the garden for Medicine planting next spring.
Please dress appropriately for the weather and for the physical labour that’s involved with gardening. Consider wearing:

  • Sturdy, comfortable closed-toe shoes
  • Long pants (some plants are very tall, averaging at about waist height)
  • A hat and sunglasses
  • Gardening gloves

About Richard Curé, Keeper-in-Residence
Richard is part of the Sturgeon Clan, and his spirit name is Buffalo Man (Mashkode – Bizhiki). He is Métis and discovered the Red Road after becoming a foster parent with Sagkeeng Child and Family Services. Uncovering his Indigeneity and attending Sweat Lodges and Sundances helped Richard overcome personal adversities, such as the workplace injury that prevented him from continuing his career in mining.

For the last three years, Richard has been a Knowledge Keeper in Sagkeeng First Nation with Sagkeeng Anicinabe High School. He takes youth out onto the land picking medicine and collecting grandfathers (sacred stones for Sweat Lodges), firewood, and teepee poles. He and his wife Tammy have four children and four grandchildren. Richard has facilitated workshops such as medicine picking, hand drum building, and Sweat Lodges with organizations such as Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Center, Sagkeeng Child and Family Services and RRC Polytech.

Thursday, September 28

Blanket Exercise for staff – The Roundhouse, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus
10am – 4pm

The Blanket Exercise is an experiential learning workshop for all RRC Polytech employees. It brings participants together to learn the effects of Canada’s shared historical colonization and allows people to relate to history from a first-person perspective. The Blanket Exercise helps direct our path forward in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to support our commitment in the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan to Truth and Reconciliation.

A team of trained facilitators guide participants assuming character roles of Indigenous People and government officials through a chronological narrative where blankets represent North America’s land base.

Through this facilitated simulation, you will experience your characters ‘outcome’ as you literally ‘walk’ through an experience of colonization to present day. The day also includes a de-brief sharing circle guided by a RRC Polytechnic Elder-in-Residence to discuss the learning experience, process feelings, ask questions, share insights, and deepen your understanding.

Registration is required as capacity is limited to 30 participants. Lunch will be provided.

Indigenous Voices Book Table
11am – 2pm, Library Hallway, Notre Dame Campus

Visit RRC Polytech’s Library and Academic Services team at the pop-up Book Table, highlighting Indigenous authors. Staff and students can sign out books, and the Library team can look up titles or make recommendations.

Friday, September 29

Campus Orange Shirt Day

All members of the RRC Polytech community are invited to wear an orange shirt in lieu of Orange Shirt Day, which falls on a Saturday this year.

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.

The Campus Store offers the original 2023 RRC Polytech Orange Shirt designed in collaboration with Inininew artist Leticia Spence and produced by Red Rebel Armour, owned and operated by Sean Rayland-Boubar. All proceeds from Orange Shirt Sales support the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award when applications open in January 2024.

Mínwastánikéwin is a Cree word meaning to set it right—the award, valued at $1,000, is intended to alleviate some of the financial burden Indigenous students experience each year. In 2022, artist Peatr Thomas created the first RRC Polytech Orange Shirt, the proceeds of which, along with a $1,000 donation from the Student Association, contributed to two students receiving the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award in February, 2023.

Purchase your Orange Shirt here.

Student Sweat Lodge Ceremony – Medicine Wheel Garden, Notre Dame Campus
10am – 2pm
*Postponed*

Sweat Lodge Ceremonies are a positive way to heal and connect oneself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Join Elder-in-Residence, Paul Guimond, and Knowledge Keeper-in-Residence, Richard Curé, in the Medicine Wheel Garden for this academic year’s first Student Sweat Lodge followed by a Feast in the Indigenous Support Centre, F209.
Sweat Lodge Ceremonies typically lasts for about an hour and a half. The Lodge allows for 20 participants.

If you this is your first Sweat, please consider:

  • Don’t bring jewelry, eyewear, or other valuables inside the Lodge.
    Metal and plastic can heat up quickly and melt onto you or burn your skin and/or damage electronics. The Skaabe, or Helper, and other RRC Polytech staff will be present outside the Lodge to supervise the Sacred Fire and participants’ belongings.
  • Bring a towel, flipflops, a change of clothes, toiletries and/or a hairbrush.
    You will sweat a lot. Consider bringing what you would bring to a workout in the gym.
  • Avoid eating a heavy meal before entering the Lodge.
    The exertion from the heat may make some people feel unwell.
  • Sweat Lodge Ceremonies are often followed by a Feast to close out the event.

Please note that this session has been postponed. For information about upcoming student sweats, please email hscherban@rrc.ca.

About Paul Guimond, Elder-in-Residence
Paul Guimond is part of the Turtle Clan and his spirit name is Okonace (Little Eagle Bone). He and his wife Kim have three children, 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Paul is a Sundance Bundle Carrier (Chief), Sweat Lodge Bundle Carrier (Water drum) and Dark Room Bundle Carrier. He studied Counselling Skills at the University of Manitoba. In Sagkeeng, Paul sat on Chief & Council for 20 years and served as the School Board Chairman for ten years. He is an active elder with Addictions Foundation of Manitoba and Sagkeeng Child & Family Services, offering healing, spiritual growth and personal development through ceremony, programming and establishing healthy relationships. Paul is also a certified coach in hockey, baseball and lacrosse. Paul joined the Elder-in-Residence Program at Red River College Polytechnic in 2018.

About Richard Curé, Knowledge Keeper-in-Residence
Richard is part of the Sturgeon Clan, and his spirit name is Buffalo Man (Mashkode – Bizhiki). He is Métis and discovered the Red Road after becoming a foster parent with Sagkeeng Child and Family Services. Uncovering his Indigeneity and attending Sweat Lodges and Sundances helped Richard overcome personal adversities, such as the workplace injury that prevented him from continuing his career in mining.

For the last three years, Richard has been a Knowledge Keeper in Sagkeeng First Nation with Sagkeeng Anicinabe High School. He takes youth out onto the land picking medicine and collecting grandfathers (sacred stones for Sweat Lodges), firewood, and teepee poles. He and his wife Tammy have four children and four grandchildren. Richard has facilitated workshops such as medicine picking, hand drum building, and Sweat Lodges with organizations such as Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Center, Sagkeeng Child and Family Services and RRC Polytech.

Approaches to Integrating Indigenous Histories and Perspectives in Settlement Language Training: CNI Research Presentation – The Roundhouse, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus
12pm – 1pm

RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) provides language training, employment-related and other services to support newcomers as they settle and integrate in Manitoba. Newcomers possess skills that contribute to the growth of our province, which welcomed nearly 22,000 permanent residents and refugees in 2022.  

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently funded CNI to conduct research that explores what the settlement sector in Manitoba is doing (and could do) to integrate Indigenous histories and perspectives into language training for newcomers. 

This project is in keeping with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 62 and 93 to integrate Indigenous knowledge into classrooms and provide to newcomers an inclusive history of Indigenous Peoples of Canada.  

Join Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement, Clayton Lorraine, Lead Researcher and Instructor, CNI and Stuart Schwartz, Chair, CNI, to reflect on how we can better integrate Indigenous ways into training delivery.  

Registration is not required to attend this session.

So They Will Know Film Screening and Director’s Talk with Fawnda Neckoway – The Roundhouse, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus
2pm – 3pm

Fawnda Neckoway makes her directorial debut in this heartwarming 20-minute film in honour of a hopeful future when it comes to discussing a difficult part of history with the young ones in our lives. Inspired by an innocent question, and the literature of author David Robertson, “So They Will Know” features interviews with David Robertson, Wab Kinew, Bobbie Jo Leclair, Kimberly Giswein and Dr. Ramona Neckoway.

The name of the film was gifted from her aunt who said in a conversation ‘they need to know’, which later translated to the Ininew (Cree) language as Kita kiskithihtahkwaw: ‘So They Will Know’. We acknowledge the elders/survivors who lived through Residential Schools and remember the ones who did not make it home.

About Fawnda Neckoway
Fawnda Neckoway is an Ithinew Director & Filmmaker from the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, residing in Winnipeg. Committed to her pursuit of a lifelong goal, Fawnda is the Founder and Executive Creative Director of the newly established Production Company, Nikâwiy Productions. She holds experience in film as a Casting Director, and Actor and who’s recently begun Writing, Directing & Producing. As a multidisciplinary artist, Fawnda has accelerated into creating her own motion pictures with four short films within one year while pursuing her education and establishing her company. These films include, Kita kiskihtihtakwaw: So They Will Know, ᒪᐢᑭᓯᐣ: A Moccasin Creation Story, and If You’re Looking for a Sign, This Is It. She is currently in post-production with her latest film, Language Keepers, to which she was the recipient of the WFG MOSAIC Film Award. Fawnda recently completed a residency as part of Alanis Obomsawin’s Storytelling Workshop, is a recent graduate of Red River College Polytechnic’s Digital Film and Media Production Program, and was a participant of the Shine Networks Producers Accelerator Program. Her latest creatives have her engaged closely within her community, where she’s passionate about developing productions that nurture generational connection and Indigenous Storytelling. Fawnda is currently in development of her first scripted screenplay and is looking forward to sharing her latest productions, releasing in fall of 2023.

Saturday, September 30

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day 

Monday, October 2

Statutory Holiday in lieu of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Please note that RRC Polytech Campuses are closed today, Monday, Oct 2.

Tuesday, October 3

Session with Manitoba Inuit Association, F205, Notre Dame Campus
*Please note that this event has been postponed*

Join the Manitoba Inuit Association for a 45-minute presentation on the culture and history of Inuit peoples.

Drop-in – registration is not required!

Wednesday, October 4

Social Innovation and Community Development Student Panel – Agora, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus
12pm – 1pm

Join second-year facilitation students in the Social Innovation and Community Development program for a fireside discussion on their experiences of Reconciliation from multiple perspectives. Both Indigenous and International students will reveal Reconciliation as a student at the college and how they have implemented the Calls to Action in their community work.

Registration is not required to attend.

Paint Night with Dawn Chartrand – Indigenous Support Centre, F209, Notre Dame Campus
5pm – 8pm

Join artist Dawn Chartrand to create a painting in honour of MMIWG2S. All supplies will be provided.

Registration is at capacity.

Thursday, October 5

Authors’ Talk with Douglas Sanderson and Andrew Stobo Sniderman – The Roundhouse, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus
12pm – 1pm

Join Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii) and Andrew Stobo Sniderman to discuss Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, a White Town and the Road to Reconciliation, their acclaimed book about how two Manitoban communities became separate and unequal—and what it means for the rest of us. This book follows multiple generations of two families, one white and one Indigenous, and weaves their lives into the larger story of Canada.

Registration is required as capacity is limited. Those who register and attend the session will receive a copy of Valley of the Birdtail.

Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii) is Beaver Clan, from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. He is a Fulbright Scholar, and holds the Prichard Wilson Chair in Law and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law. Professor Sanderson has served as senior Advisor to the government of Ontario, in the offices of the Attorney General and Aboriginal Affairs.

Andrew Stobo Sniderman is a writer, lawyer and Rhodes Scholar from Montreal. He has written for the New York Times, the Globe and Mail and Maclean’s. He has also argued before the Supreme Court of Canada, served as the human rights policy advisor to the Canadian minister of foreign affairs, and worked for a judge of South Africa’s Constitutional Court.

Self-Guided Resources

Indigenous Resources Collection

Browse the Library’s newly created Indigenous Resources Collection and learn about the history, resilience, culture, and creativity of Indigenous peoples and communities! This curated collection is a living, breathing list with sub-collections about Truth and Reconciliation and residential schools. Sub-topics will continue to evolve and grow, with new resources being added on a regular basis. Access the resources, here.

Indigenous Education Guides

A set of guides featuring curated resources—both internal and external to the Library’s collection—on select topics related to Indigenous peoples. Access the guides, here.

Residential Schools

A resource guide created to recognize and honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Access the guide, here.

Indigenous Health and Well-Being

A wealth of resources related to Indigenous Health, curated in one place for researching and browsing convenience. Access the guide, here.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S)

October 4 is the National Day of Action for MMIWG2S, which is dedicated specifically to raise awareness for people to learn more about the violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people and how they can support the 231 Calls to Justice of the National Inquiry’s Final Report.

Please note to access the resources below, you may be prompted to login with your College credentials.

  • Library and Academic Services’ MMIWG Resource Guide
  • Films and online streaming:
    • Felicia Solomon’s Story (20 mins.) | 2015
      As one family struggles to make their own peace with their daughter’s tragic death, they are opening up to try to stop the violence against Aboriginal women. Felicia Solomon was 16 years old when she went missing. Her tragic death didn’t end her story, though, because her family refuses to forget.
    • Tina Fontaine: A Murdered Girl’s Legacy (12 mins.) | 2019
      Tina Fontaine was just 15 when her body, wrapped in a duvet cover and weighed down by rocks, was pulled from Winnipeg’s Red River. A report from the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth says in the years since her murder, not enough has changed to ensure other children in circumstances similar to Tina’s are not at risk. But Tina has left a legacy. Her death focused attention on missing, murdered Indigenous women and girls and inspired volunteer groups such as the Bear Clan Patrol to work at protecting vulnerable people on the streets. Warning: This program contains disturbing images and subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
    • National Film Board of Canada MMIWG Series:

E-book: In this together: fifteen stories of Truth and Reconciliation

Editor: Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail
Description: An eye-opening collection of personal essays by Indigenous and non-Indigenous contributors from across Canada. Without flinching, the contributors—including journalists, academics, and artists-each explore their own “aha” moments regarding Canada’s colonial past and present to ask how we can all move forward in a spirit of reconciliation and anti-racism. Access the e-book, here.

Original RRC Polytech videos: Elders, Smudging and Language

This series of original RRC Polytech videos touch on local Indigenous cultural themes and practices that are embedded in the College.

What these videos have in common is that they touch on what all human beings need to survive: language, culture and family.

  • Elders
    Elders-in-Residence program ensures staff and students have access to Elders as well as playing an important role in the College’s senior leadership. Elders-in-Residence offer cultural teaching sessions, one-on-one appointments, classroom visits and lead ceremonies. Watch this video to learn more.
  • Smudging
    RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Support Centres, both at the Exchange District and Notre Dame Campuses, are equipped with air exhaust systems so students can smudge. The Indigenous Student Supports and Community Relations department also ensures students have access to the medicines that they need to smudge. Watch this video to learn more.
  • Language
    Language is fundamental to culture. The UN declared 2019, the International Year of Indigenous Languages and their concentrated efforts on preserving and revitalizing these languages. Watch this video to learn more.

NFB Collection: Indigenous Peoples in Canada (First Nations and Métis)

An online subject collection of Nation Film Board of Canada (NFB) videos. Videos marked CAMPUS are available courtesy of the Library’s subscription (College credentials may be required to log in). Access the film collection, here.

NFB Second Stories: It Had to Be Done
Tessa Desnomie – 2008 | 22 min

This short documentary explores the legacy of residential schools through the eyes of two extraordinary women who not only lived it, but who, as adults, made the surprising decision to return to the school that had affected their lives so profoundly. This intimate and moving film affirms their strength and dignity in standing up and making a difference on their own terms.

Watch It Had to Be Done, here. (You may be prompted to login with your College credentials)

Tuesday, October 10 & Wednesday, October 11

Truth and Reconciliation Week Sharing Circles
Tuesday, October 10, 12-1pm, F209, Notre Dame Campus
Wednesday, October 11, 12-1pm, D208, Notre Dame Campus

Bring your lunch and sit down with members of the College community to share your thoughts, experiences and what you’ve learned during Truth and Reconciliation Week. All staff and students are invited to join Carla Kematch, Director of Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement, who will be guiding the sharing circles.

Registration is not required.

Friday, October 27

Why Reconciliation? A Presentation with Knowledge Keeper Allen Sutherland 
11am – 1 pm, Peguis Campus 

Students attending the Peguis Campus are invited to join Allen Sutherland, RRC Polytech Knowledge Keeper, for a presentation examining Canada’s long history of colonialism and assimilation, and how this history has impacted and continues to impact Indigenous peoples today.  
 
Registration is not required. Pizza lunch will be provided.

About Allen Sutherland 
Allen Sutherland, Waabishki Mazinazoot Mishtaatim (White Spotted Horse), Anishinaabe, of the Bizhiw Doodem (Lynx Clan), Skownan First Nation, Treaty 2 Territory. 

Allen Sutherland is currently the Life Long Learning Lodge Keeper, Government of First Nations Treaty 2 Territory. Allen is also an independent consultant and provides facilitation and training under his own company, WHITE SPOTTED HORSE. In 2014, he was the recipient of the Aboriginal Circle of Educators ‘Researcher and/or Curriculum Development’ award for developing the Canadian Indigenous Historical Timeline poster that is now currently being utilized in the Treaty Kits of Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba. Allen is an Anishinaabek Traditional Knowledge Keeper, providing traditional ceremonies, teachings, spiritual advice, and healing. 

Sweat Lodges 2023 – 24

September 11, 2023

Sweat Lodge Ceremonies are a positive way to heal and connect with oneself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Join the Indigenous Student Support Team with Elder-in-Residence Paul Guimond and Knowledge Keeper-in-Residence Richard Curé for Sweat Lodge Ceremonies throughout the year. We host Sweat Lodges in the Medicine Wheel Garden at the top of the hill in the north-west quarter of Notre Dame Campus. Sweat Lodges are divided into staff and student groups with a maximum of 20 spots for each Ceremony.

Sweat Lodges typically start at 10am and close out by 1pm with a Feast in the Indigenous Support Centre. If you need help getting to the Medicine Wheel Garden, you can drop by the Indigenous Support Centre in F209 between 9:30am and 10am and join staff to walk out to the hill.

Upcoming Sweat Lodge Ceremonies 2023 – 24

Staff

  • September 15, 2023
  • October 13, 2023
  • March 15, 2024
  • April 12, 2024
  • May 10, 2024

Student

  • September 29, 2023 – cancelled
  • October 27, 2023
  • March 29, 2024 (subject to change)
  • April 26, 2024
  • May 17, 2024

To register, email the Indigenous Support Centre Admin Holly Scherban at hscherban@rrc.ca. All are welcome!

Never attended a Sweat Lodge before? Connect with Holly or drop by an Indigenous Support Centre (F209 at NDC or P407 at EDC) and connect with one of our Navigation Coaches.

Please note: registrations will only be accepted the same month that the Sweat Lodge is being hosted. I.e., registrations for March Sweats will not be accepted until March.

The Indigenous Student Supports Team invites you to get involved with R-Crew!

September 6, 2023

The Indigenous Student Support & Community Relations department recruits students each year known amongst their peers as the R-Crew, or Resource Crew.

The R-Crew positions provide a great opportunity for Indigenous students to get involved with Indigenous-focused activities and events, while learning valuable leadership skills, gaining work experience, and becoming a role model to other students. These students are an integral part of our team and help to build our community on campus.

Every year, we welcome new R-Crew members to take on leadership roles in our community. Read about the 2022-2023 R-Crew ›

Qualified applicants must have:

  • a willingness to learn;
  • a strong sense of teamwork and dedication;
  • time and flexibility to work outside of class time hours, and;
  • the ability to serve as an integral part of RRC’s Indigenous Student Support team.

Members who complete 100 hours of volunteer time between October 2023 and June 2024 will be awarded a $1,000 bursary.

Apply by Friday, September 29, 2023.

Students at Notre Dame Campus can submit their resumes and cover letters to Brittany Ross, Navigation Coach at bross4@rrc.ca.

Students at Exchange District Campus can submit their resumes and cover letters to Charmaine Mousseau, Navigation Coach at cmousseau@rrc.ca.

Fall Equinox 2023

August 31, 2023

Join us at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae for the Fall Equinox Celebration on Monday, Sept. 25!

The Fall Equinox is one of the four transitory events that marks the changing of the seasons, along with the Winter and Summer Solstices and the Spring Equinox. The Fall Equinox is the moment in the Earth’s cycle when the Sun crosses the equator into the southern hemisphere. In the Fall, we harvest our crops and prepare for the long winter when the land is protected by a blanket of snow.

To acknowledge the changing of the season, we come together with Ceremony and a Feast. Join us in the Roundhouse Auditorium on Monday, September 25 in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae at the Exchange District Campus. The Roundhouse Auditorium is on the second floor on the west side of the Agora.

The morning will start with a Pipe Ceremony, followed by a Sharing Circle led by Elder-in-Residence Paul Guimond and Knowledge Keeper-in-Residence Richard Curé. The morning will close out with a Feast to celebrate the changing of the season.

All are welcome, no registration needed.

Location: Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae

Date: Monday, Sept. 25, 2023

Time: 10AM Pipe Ceremony • 11AM Sharing Circle • 12PM Feast

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.

Learn more ›