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

RRC Polytech introduced the award in December 2019 and presented the first award in January 2020. The College has since presented the award to three Indigenous students over the past three years. For 2023, two recipients will be selected to each receive the $1000 bursary.

The Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award was made possible through the generous support of RRC students, staff and faculty supporting campaigns at the RRC Campus Store that bring awareness to Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous issues such as Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Honouring and Awareness Day.

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 full-time Indigenous students who have a stake in Truth and Reconciliation and a personal connection to the intergenerational effects of colonialism. 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, 2023.  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.

The previous recipients of the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award were Morgan Barbanchon (2019-20), Chasline Spence (2020-21), and Naomi Henderson (2021-22).

It’s 2023 and we hope everyone had a safe and relaxing winter break.

Most classes started up again today, so here’s a look at upcoming events and observations for January:

• Our first-ever cohort for Pathway to IT Programs starts today! Welcome future IT students!
• Today is the first anniversary of Jamie Wilson becoming the VP, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech!
• Tomorrow is National Ribbon Skirt Day, and we invite everyone to wear their ribbon skirt! We’re planning a ribbon skirt-making workshop! More information to come.
• We’ll be hosting meet-and-greets with our new Knowledge Keeper Richard Curé in the next couple weeks at both campuses! Stay tuned for more details.
• RRC Polytech and the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce are hosting an Indigenous Student Career Fair on January 18! There will be opportunities for networking, interviews, and headshots. Keep an eye on our blog for more information and to pre-register.
• Next week, the winter cohort for Compass Skills starts!
• Elders and Knowledge Keepers rest their bundles for January, so the Sweat Lodge schedule will resume in February.

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The semester is wrapping up for most classes this week and we just wanted to give a shout-out to all our amazing students!

You did it, and we can’t wait to see you next year! Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect when you return in 2023:

• Classes start Tuesday, January 3, including our first-ever Pathway to IT cohort!
• The 2023 cohort for Compass Skills starts Monday, January 9!
• January 4 is National Ribbon Skirt Day, and we’ll be planning a ribbon skirt-making workshop in early January!
• We’ll host a meet-and-greet with the new Knowledge Keeper, Richard Curé, a couple of weeks into January at both Indigenous Support Centres!
• Elders and Knowledge Keepers rest their bundles in January, so Sweats will resume in February!
• Get your applications in for the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award before January 15. The recipients will be selected in late January!

Happy holidays, stay warm and safe, and get lots of rest!

RRC Polytech and the School of Indigenous Education are pleased to welcome Knowledge Keeper Richard Curé to our community!

This past summer, Richard conducted a Drum Making Workshop to create beautiful drums that now hang in our Indigenous Support Centre at Notre Dame Campus. He has also worked with Elder Paul in Sagkeeng First Nation for many years.

Richard will work alongside Elder Paul and our Indigenous Student Support Team on campus to support RRC Polytech students, staff, and community partners and members. He will work in the same capacity as Elder Paul once he has become accustomed to the many ways our Elders and Knowledge Keepers support our community. Right now, Richard will be on campus Thursdays and Fridays from 8am to 4pm in the Elder’s Office in F209.

Richard also joined the Knowledge Keepers Council, where Knowledge Keepers and Elders from the community are invited to consult on various decisions related to the College’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

We look forward to hosting a meet and greet in early January in the Indigenous Support Centre F209, so check back for more details in the new year.

If you’d like to learn more about Richard and his role as a Knowledge Keeper, read his bio on our website. If you see Richard on campus, say hi!

The Resource Crew, or R-Crew, helps with activities and events throughout the year.

R-Crew members are amazing students who go beyond their regular studies to support their fellow Indigenous students. They work closely with the Indigenous Student Support Team to plan events, perform, and take care of everything from set-up to clean-up.

They’re always ready to help students – whether you’re new to college or have been around a while – find your way and feel comfortable on campus.

If you see an R-Crew member, don’t hesitate to say hi – they’re here to make sure you have a great college experience!

NDC R-Crew

Hello! My name is Aleesha Wood, and I am from St. Theresa Point First Nation in Island Lake, MB.

I decided to join R-Crew to get the full college experience and to gain skills from the Support Centre. I’ll be happy to help in any way I can and to support in the Indigenous Support Centre!

If you see me, come say hi.

My name is Andrea, and I am an Ojibway Ikwe from Sagkeeng First Nation and Little Black River First Nation. Attending school definitely has overwhelming moments. Having a comfortable and safe space to decompress helps alleviate the stress — I found this relief at the Indigenous Support Centre.

As a newly selected R-Crew member, this opportunity allows me to contribute to the awesome services, activities, and events that the circle of staff coordinates.

EDC R-Crew

My name is Sharon-Rose Bear and my Spirit Name is Flying High Eagle Woman. I am a Cree woman from Muskoday First Nation Saskatchewan, but I was raised here in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I’m a second-year Community Development student here at RRC Polytech, and I also want to pursue a diploma in Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship. I hope to work in the inner city because I grew up there and that area resonates with me.

I am an Indigenous woman who wears many hats, and I have had to learn to manage these hats to become a successful student, mother, and now R-Crew member. If you see me around, don’t be afraid to say hi! I look forward to representing our Indigenous Support Centre.

Thank you!

Sharon-Rose Bear (Flying High Eagle Woman)

Boozhoo! My name is Teddy and I’m in Creative Communications (CreComm) as a part-time student.

I am from Lac Seul Ontario (Treaty 3) but I grew up in Winnipeg. I am active in RRC Polytech Students’ Association as a Student Rep. I am also a new R-Crew team member. I look forward to getting to know you and being an Indigenous student support.

I have a background in social work and I enjoy meeting people and helping where I can. If you need help on campus I am usually found in the Indigenous Student Lounge on EDC in P407 or wheeling my backpack around the halls. Miigwetch.

The Sweat Lodge Ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 13 has been moved to Friday, Dec. 16.

Sweats take place at 1 pm in the Medicine Wheel Garden at the Notre Dame Campus. To register, email Stephanie at sdwright@rrc.ca. Subscribe here for reminders of upcoming Sweats and any schedule changes!

Are you ready for Halloween?

Drop by one of the Indigenous Student Support Centres on either campus and see Terri-Lynn Anderson or any support staff to enter the Costume Contest!

• Monday Oct. 31, 2022 • 8:30am – 4pm
• F209 Notre Dame Campus • P407 Exchange District Campus

Choose your category:

• Single costume
• Duo costumes
• Group costumes

Juices boxes, coffee, and candy will be available throughout the day.

Names of winners for the costume contest will be posted in the centre and they will be contacted.

Choices for Indigenous Post-Secondary Education of Manitoba (CIPEM) travels Manitoba to highlight colleges and universities to community.

CIPEM is a committee of representatives from RRC Polytech, University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, Assiniboine Community College, and Brandon University who work together and support each other to recruit Indigenous students from all over Manitoba.

They raise awareness of programs and share personal educational journeys that let students and communities know that no matter where you come from, our educational institutions try to meet the needs of Indigenous learners and communities.  

Earlier this week, our Indigenous Liaison Advisor, Marshall Richard, with members of CIPEM, visited Peguis Central School, Peguis Academic Learning Centre, Verna J. Kirkness Institute of Higher Learning (Fisher River), Fisher River High School, Lake St. Martin First Nation School and Pinaymootang High School. Marshall and other recruiters shared with learners the opportunities and resources they have access to in Manitoba’s post-secondary institutions. 

Education is not always linear, and we want Indigenous learners to know that anyone can go back to school. Life happens. CIPEM connects with students on a personal level and tries to show that there are options for wherever you may be at the moment or in the future.

CIPEM also reviews practical information students can use to plan ahead. RRC Polytech offers introductory programs and Pathway programs that help prepare students for full-time, industry-standard programs. Completion of introductory and Pathway programs can help students bypass waitlists, and they don’t have to decide on a major right away. These courses help students explore their options with culturally-inclusive wrap-around supports.

Getting out in the communities and making those person-to-person connections are what make the biggest impression on future students and their communities. Marshall and the other CIPEM recruiters are heading out again the week of October 31.

Contact Cipem

For more information, you can reach Marshall Richard at indigenous.recruitment@rrc.ca.

RRC Polytechnic’s Indigenous Student Support Team is bringing back R-Crew!

We’re getting back into the swing of things with live events at both campuses and we need your help as students. Bring your perspective and ideas to the team and help make the most memorable year yet!

The Indigenous Student Support Team is looking for five full-time Indigenous students to volunteer at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses. R-Crew Members, or Resource Crew Members, will be directly involved with Indigenous-focused activities and events year-round. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to brainstorm and implement plans, speak and perform at events, and help with logistical set-up and tear-down, among many other tasks and responsibilities. We expect to have weekly or bi-weekly meetings to plan for and work on upcoming events, depending on members’ schedules.

Successful applicants who complete 100 hours of volunteer time between November 2022 and June 2023 will be awarded a $1000 bursary!

Qualified applicants must:

• have a willingness to learn
• possess a strong sense of teamwork and dedication
• have the time and flexibility to work outside of class time hours
• be an Indigenous full-time RRC Polytech student
• be able to serve as an integral part of RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Student Support team.

Please submit your Resume and Cover Letter to: Terri-Lynn Anderson, Events Coordinator, School of Indigenous Education, tlanderson@rrc.ca.

Application Deadline:  Friday, November 4, 2022

Everyone is invited to join the Bannock Babes in The Cave (DM30) at NDC for Drag Bingo on October 20 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm!  

The event, organized by Indigenous Student Supports and the Students’ Association, is in-person and played on electronic devices, so players will need to bring their own phone or laptop that can connect to wifi. Students are welcome to bring their families for a family fun night with performances by the Bannock Babes between rounds. Food and refreshments will be available (bannock dogs anyone?) and prizes to be won! 

Your hosts, the Bannock Babes, are a collective of Indigenous drag artists based in Winnipeg. They blossomed in the spotlight in March 2019 and have since performed for the No Stone Unturned concert, Read by Queens at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and a mural unveiling by artist Peatr Thomas in St. Boniface. The Bannock Babes regularly raise funds for local charities, including the 2 Spirit Pow Wow. You may not see them making bannock, but these babes from three different provinces are hard to forget. 

Entry is free of charge — we just ask attendees to register in advance. We will also be accepting cash donations for the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award through the college or a tin for the bin to help support the Students’ Association hamper program. 

Register now – spots are filling up fast in The Cave, and we don’t want you to miss out. Bring your friends, family, and phone! See you on the 21^st!  

If you have any questions, email Terri-Lynn Anderson at tlanderson@rrc.ca