The Resource Crew, or R-Crew, helps the Indigenous Student Support Team and Indigenous Support Centres with activities and events throughout the year.

R-Crew members brainstorm and implement plans with the Support Team, speak and perform at events, and help with logistical set-up and tear-down, among many other tasks and responsibilities. They also help Indigenous students, those new to the College and those that have been around the block, get settled in and navigate everything from events to classes.

If you see an R-Crew member, say hi!

My name is Sydney, and I am a Red River Métis woman born and raised in Winnipeg. I am also a mother and a first-year student in the Business Administration program. My goals are to provide a good life for my family and contribute positively to my beautiful community. I am excited to begin my journey with R-Crew and the wonderful people in Indigenous Education. 

Hi! My name is Loren Anderson. I’m a Métis woman currently residing in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I am a first-year student in the Youth Recreation Program, getting back into the swing of school! I felt that joining the R-Crew would help me reconnect with and engage in my culture. The R-Crew has created a safe and welcoming space for me and many others. Come say hi if you see me around! 

Hello, my name is Robert Massan, and I am from Fox Lake Cree Nation, 1,000 km north of Winnipeg. I’m enrolled in the Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanic Program and really enjoy the process of getting to know myself and the college. 

I genuinely enjoy helping people and getting to know individuals from different areas of study. I found this to be a great opportunity to assist those who might be unaware of the many resources RRC Polytech offers. I discovered that the Indigenous Support Centre is the best place to start asking questions. So, if you have any questions and see me around, please don’t hesitate to ask! 

Aaniin, boozhoo! My name is Hevyn-Lee, but in my language, I am known as Oshkii Memengwaakwe (Bright Butterfly Woman). I’m a proud Anishinaabe woman from Brokenhead Ojibway Nation and the Wolf Clan. 

I’m in the Pathway to Business, Communications, and Digital Technology Program. I plan to pursue Communications for Journalism, as well as Social Innovation and Community Development. My main goal is to use the skills, knowledge, and community I gain from RRC Polytech to better my community for future generations. 

I’m grateful for the opportunity to help as a member of the Resource Crew. I spend most of my time on campus in F-209, where I enjoy participating in ceremonies and drumming with Richard. If you see me, don’t be afraid to say hi! 

Miigwetch.

Hi, my name is Guy, aka Geese (lol). My spirit name is White Wolf, and I belong to the Turtle Clan. I am a proud Métis from Richer, MB, and currently live in Transcona. I’m in recovery, which has led me to reconnect spiritually with my culture and seek wisdom from the Creator and elders in surrounding communities and on campus. 

I’m a second-year student in the Disability and Community Support Program and can often be found in Building A or the Indigenous Student Centre. I enjoy the sense of community on campus and love helping out at most events. Feel free to say hi if we cross paths! 

Aaniin (hello)! My name is Lexie Moneyas, and my spirit name is Cedar Walking Woman. I am an Anishinaabe Ikwe from Hollow Water First Nation, currently pursuing a Business Administration diploma. 

I’m passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive space for Indigenous students at RRC Polytech. I’m always here for others—whether it’s offering guidance, support, or simply being a friendly face. 

In high school, I was involved in fundraising, community events, sports, school band, and outdoor activities near the water and the bush, which fueled my love for helping others and staying connected to my culture. Now, I enjoy expressing my creativity through painting, beading, drawing, and makeup while staying active and working toward my educational goals. 

My hope is to use the skills I’m learning to give back to my community, inspire others, and always be a source of support. As an R-Crew member, I’m excited to represent the Indigenous Support Centre and help foster a sense of belonging for all students. If you see me around, feel free to say hello—I’m here for you! 

Miigwech! 

General RRC Polytech Application Required

Mínwastánikéwin is a Cree word that means ‘to set it right.’

The deadline to submit applications for the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award is January 31, 2025.

The Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award was made possible through collaboration between Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement, College & Public Relations and the Campus Store. The award is funded by the generous support of RRC students, staff and faculty through campaigns at the RRC Campus Store that bring awareness to Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous-led initiatives such as Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Honouring and Awareness Day.

“We need to take up more space in these places – we have to fight, but it doesn’t mean we don’t belong there. I have my ancestors behind me. I want people to know that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Use medicine, take care of yourself, go to Sweats. Learn about your family, your traditions – learn to be proud of your heritage and culture, take back your identity and learn your truth. You don’t have to wait.” – Camille Munro, 2024 Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award recipient.

This award is for Indigenous full-time students. Recipients will be selected based on an essay response on what Truth and Reconciliation means to them. To be eligible, applicants are required to submit a General RRC Application, proof of Indigenous heritage, and a one-page essay submission. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2025.  Completed application forms should be submitted by email to financialaid@rrc.ca.

For more information about the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, see the Awards, Bursaries, and Scholarships Catalogue.

If you need help filling out and submitting your application, reach out to one of the Navigation Coaches in F205 at the Notre Dame Campus or P407 at the Exchange District Campus, or send a message through our online contact form and select ‘Navigation Coach’.

Last year, the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award was awarded to two recipients: Camille Munro and Peggy Guimond.

General RRC Polytech Application Required

Mínwastánikéwin is a Cree word that means ‘to set it right.’

The deadline to submit applications for the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award is January 31, 2025.

An information session on submitting applications will take place on November 13 in P407 at EDC from 12pm – 1pm. The information session at NDC was on October 24 in F209. Learn more about what to include in the one-page essay and how to submit a General RRC Polytech Application. No registration required.

The Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award was made possible through collaboration between Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement, College & Public Relations and the Campus Store. The award is funded by the generous support of RRC students, staff and faculty through campaigns at the RRC Campus Store that bring awareness to Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous-led initiatives such as Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Honouring and Awareness Day.

In 2024, the Orange Shirt was designed by Anishininew artist Erin Ringland, the design of which features a family of loons to represent a story about family. The Red Shirt was created by Métis artist Shayre Curé, which features the iconic handprint over a woman’s mouth to pay homage to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People.

“We need to take up more space in these places – we have to fight, but it doesn’t mean we don’t belong there. I have my ancestors behind me. I want people to know that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Use medicine, take care of yourself, go to Sweats. Learn about your family, your traditions – learn to be proud of your heritage and culture, take back your identity and learn your truth. You don’t have to wait.” – Camille Munro, 2024 Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award recipient.

We know that over the last 150 years, 150,000 Indigenous children attended Canadian Residential Schools. We know that 90% of children in Manitoba’s foster care system are Indigenous and more than one-third of Winnipeg’s Indigenous population, nearly 70,000 people, live in poverty. And we also know that despite making up almost 17% of the provincial population, Indigenous peoples are typically underrepresented in post-secondary institutions.

This award is for Indigenous full-time students. Recipients will be selected based on an essay response on what Truth and Reconciliation means to them. To be eligible, applicants are required to submit a General RRC Application, proof of Indigenous heritage, and a one-page essay submission. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2025.  Completed application forms should be submitted by email to financialaid@rrc.ca.

For more information about the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, see the Awards, Bursaries, and Scholarships Catalogue.

Last year, the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award was awarded to two recipients: Camille Munro and Peggy Guimond.

Information Sessions: 12pm – 1pm

• EDC – P407 – November 13
• NDC – F209 – October 24

Tabitha Harper, Social Innovation and Community Development – Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship alumna, was recently hired on as the Reconciliation Adviser at the Manitoba Museum. Congratulations on the new role, Tabitha!

Read more about Tabitha’s role on the Winnipeg Free Press website.

RRC Polytech is proud to host its 24th annual Pow Wow to acknowledge the accomplishments of Indigenous graduates. The annual Pow Wow gives our community the opportunity to dance, drum, sing, eat, connect, and participate in Ceremony.

Please join us to celebrate Indigenous graduates as we send them off on their continued journeys to success.

All Indigenous students graduating in 2024 are encouraged to join us to celebrate! Full-time, part-time, students that attend regional campuses, and students graduating in Fall 2024 are welcome to register and participate in Pow Wow.

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024

NOTRE DAME CAMPUS, NORTH GYM

• 10:00am – Pipe Ceremony
• 12:00pm – Grand Entry
• 2:00pm – Honouring Indigenous Graduates
• 4:30pm – 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 can register at the Registration Table on the morning of the event.

Attendees don’t need to register ahead of time.

Chef Patrick Anderson was featured again on the heels of his appearance on CBC’s The Current — this time, he was featured in Unreserved‘s edition of Food and Memory. Listen to his discussion of the role food plays in our relationships, our communities and our memories here: Food and memory | CBC.ca

Chef Patrick Anderson was recently featured on The Current, a podcast from the CBC!

Chef Patrick discusses how his class learns to think differently about the ingredients in the local environments around them, the food they currently eat, and how integrating traditional ingredients can be a strong way to engage with culture and be cognizant of health impacts.

Listen to the episode here.

Mínwastánikéwin is a Cree word that means ‘to set it right.’

General RRC Polytech Application Required

The deadline to submit applications for the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award has been extended to February 26, 2024.

Information sessions on submitting applications will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 13 in F209 at NDC and on Wednesday, Feb. 14 in P407 at EDC from 12pm – 1pm. Learn more about what to include in the one-page essay and how to submit a General RRC Polytech Application. No registration required.

The Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award was made possible through collaboration between Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement, College & Public Relations and the Campus Store. The award is funded by the generous support of RRC Polytech students, staff and faculty through campaigns at the RRC Polytech Campus Store that bring awareness to Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous-led initiatives such as Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People Day of Honour and Awareness.

In 2023, the Orange Shirt was designed by Ininew artist Leticia Spence, the design of which incorporates motifs from First Nations, Métis and Inuit art. The Red Shirt was created by Métis artist Shayre Curé, which features the iconic handprint over a woman’s mouth to pay homage to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People.

“[The award] represents a lot of resilience in Indigenous People, it’s not only just me—there’s a lot of people that have been through similar things. You can overcome that. You can still pursue your dreams as long as you put your mind to it.”

– Rebecca Choken, 2023 Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award recipient.

We know that over the last 150 years, 150,000 Indigenous children attended Canadian Residential Schools. We know that 90% of children in Manitoba’s foster care system are Indigenous and more than one-third of Winnipeg’s Indigenous population, nearly 70,000 people, live in poverty. We also know that despite making up almost 17% of the provincial population, Indigenous peoples are typically underrepresented in post-secondary institutions.

This award is for Indigenous full-time students. Recipients will be selected based on an essay response on what Truth and Reconciliation means to them. To be eligible, applicants are required to submit a General RRC Polytech Application, proof of Indigenous heritage, and a one-page essay submission. The deadline for applications is February 26, 2024.  Completed application forms should be submitted by email to financialaid@rrc.ca.

For more information about the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, see the Awards, Bursaries, and Scholarships Catalogue.

Last year, the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award was awarded to two recipients: Rebecca Choken and Wendy Monias.

Information Sessions

No registration required.

The Indigenous Student Supports Team is pleased to welcome the new Event & Facility Rental Coordinator for the School of Indigenous Education: Sara McIvor-Prouty.

Sara is a Red River Métis woman and a registered member of the Manitoba Métis Federation. Sara is a mother, auntie, medicine grower, tea harvester and maker, and found-item and ceramics artist. Sara’s maternal grandparents were of Irish and Hungarian descent. Her Métis dad grew up in Carman, Manitoba, with roots in Îlet De Bois. His parents were both from Métis families that span generations. 

She has a Recreation and Community Leadership Diploma from University College of the North (previously Keewatin Community College). 

Sara is a returning staff member (Indigenous Centre Coordinator), Graduation Pow Wow organizer and was a member of the Medicine Wheel Garden, RRC Daycare and Graduation committee member.

Sara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise with 7 years at FortWhyte Farms guiding Indigenous youth from all over Winnipeg, leading various programming connecting youth to the land and helped to create a medicine garden classroom. While at Ndinawe, she brought together culture and recreation in Winnipeg’s North End and spent 6 years in Family and Youth Special Projects on the land, online and in ceremony.

She is so excited to bring her experience and to be back at the College!

RRC Polytech is excited to welcome Grandmother Elder Ivy Chaske to our community!

Grandmother Ivy will be joining the Indigenous Student Support Team once a week to provide additional support to Indigenous students. Join us in the Indigenous Support Centre for a come-and-go Meet and Greet with Grandmother Ivy. Drop by the centre for a chat and some coffee as your schedule allows.

• Wednesday, Jan. 31 • 3pm – 4pm
• P407, Exchange District Campus

About Grandmother Ivy Chaske

Grandmother Elder Ivy is a full-blood Dakota with strong family ties to Sioux Valley First Nation and a connection to Sayisi Dene First Nation through marriage. She was raised in a traditional family and community, grounded in her culture and teachings.

As a Residential School Survivor, Grandmother Ivy is considered a Warrior by her family. She escaped Residential School and made her way to Winnipeg, where she connected with others who had also fled. She endured and overcame life on the streets and the challenges of gang involvement in the city.

Despite these hardships, she completed high school and attended the University of Manitoba. Grandmother Ivy is unapologetic in her belief that Indigenous people do not need colonial validation to prove their intelligence or worth.

She has dedicated her life to serving her people and building a strong urban community for future generations. She is especially proud of helping to organize the first annual walk for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Over the years, she has played a key role in founding numerous organizations and has contributed her knowledge and guidance to schools, post-secondary institutions, health educators, and government departments.

As a Grandmother, she is deeply committed to supporting youth who face barriers, along with the individuals who work alongside them. This work fuels her hope and belief that our young people have the power to change the world.