June 21 is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year and, despite the beautiful weather for the last few weeks, the official start of summer. After this day, the Earth begins its slow retreat away from the sun.

Many Indigenous nations around Turtle Island recognize the significance of the season through ceremony and celebration, Pow Wows, feasts and cultural gatherings. Many communities and organizations proudly host events showcasing vibrant Indigenous cultures from dawn until dusk.

June is the Strawberry Moon, in recognition of the strawberries that have sprung from the ground and the orange moon that transforms to red. Ode’imin, the heart berry, the strawberry in us, is reflected in the month of June. As the year ripens, June ushers in July’s Berry Moon, miinan.

Elder-in-Residence Paul Guimond says that this time of year, we acknowledge the connection between all things through the strawberries, the plants, the trees around us. Everything is fully grown and life is in full swing.

“The tree we stand with, celebrate and appreciate—it is rooted to the ground. We acknowledge all the Earth, the plant life. Its roots reach all the world, its branches reach out towards the Sky World, to the moon and the stars, the sun and the planets. The Tree World: it’s never just one group of trees growing somewhere. Many different trees take up space together. It shows us that we can grow together, shows us how we can exist together.”

Elder-in-Residence Paul Guimond

RRC Polytech in years past has hosted ceremony with the Elder-in-Residence and staff and students at Notre Dame Campus to celebrate the summer solstice and Indigenous Peoples Day. This year, the Indigenous Student Support Team tried a new approach; the team, with Elder Paul, organized a bus tour for staff and students to participate in events in Winnipeg and the surrounding region. Two buses will shuttle participants to the Manitoba Métis Federation celebration in Selkirk for the morning and the Wa-Say Healing Centre Pow Wow at The Forks for the afternoon. Check back here later this week to read how it went!

Three students from RRC Polytech’s Social Innovation and Community Development program have been accepted into Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)’s Sistering Indigenous and Western Science Program (SINEWS), one of eight national teams accepted for 2023.

SINEWS provides mentorship and supports to pairs of students or recent graduates to increase engagement with Indigenous and non-Indigenous women in scientific disciplines, and one team member must be Indigenous.

The program made an exception for the RRC Polytech team of three: Sharon-Rose Bear, a Cree woman from Muskoday First Nation in Saskatoon, Brooke Hardling-Boboski from Winnipeg, and Tayla Fernandes Agostinho, an international student from Brazil.

“It’s a major step up to be working with government scientists on a real community research project,” said Bear. “The three of us know our different passions, strengths, and weakness and we are much more confident to take this on as a full team.”

Supporting Indigenous communities

The team is responsible for proposing, developing, implementing, and reporting on research projects over four to eight months and integrating traditional Indigenous knowledge and research practices into western science for a more holistic approach to their research. The RRC Polytech team will focus their project on researching solid waste management practices.

“I’m really keen to work with Elders to learn how solid waste is affecting their community, and how their waste management practices have changed over time,” said Bear. “We also want to discover the impact that these practices are having on the environment.”

The students receive hands-on support and guidance from the SINEWS secretariat, Elder-in-Residence, NRCan scientists, and community Knowledge Keepers. SINEWS provides each student group with a $10,000 budget for research expenses and a $4,000 training allowance. All resulting research will be owned and used by the Indigenous community partner.

Jamie Wolfe, SINEWS Program Manager, noted the “reverse mentorship” that the students provide to existing employees and mentors.

“They often bring fresh perspectives on how to approach the research in culturally appropriate ways, as well as establishing respectful relationship-building practices and ethics protocols while engaging with communities,” said Wolfe.

Indigenous education and mentorship at RRC Polytech

Bear – a single mom of two – just finished her second year of Social Innovation and Community Development and plans to enter the Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship program next year.

On top of her academic studies, Bear volunteered with RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Student Support & Community Relations R-Crew over the past year, where she supported and encouraged other Indigenous students while assisting with various duties.

“With R-Crew, I’ve been able to interact with Elders and advisors on a regular basis who, along with several influential instructors, have been mentors or role models for me,” said Bear. “They’ve given me the support to be a successful student and the confidence to take on an opportunity like SINEWS and be excited for my career.”

One of those role models has been Indigenous Education instructor and official SINEWS mentor Ginger Arnold, who identified the opportunity and supported the students in applying for the program.

“This is such an exciting opportunity for students to elevate their skills and experience while getting their foot in the door with the federal government and making a real impact on an Indigenous community,” said Arnold.

Practicing Truth and Reconciliation

Bear acknowledged that it is not uncommon for non-Indigenous students to have negative pre-conceptions about Indigenous people, “but usually once they learn the historical Indigenous context, such as what is taught at RRC Polytech, it opens their eyes.”

Bear believes reconciliation is a two-way street.

“Personally, working with people who come from different cultures with different worldviews has really benefited me – it helps me open my mind to see from other perspectives, and see the bigger picture.”

RRC Polytech’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026 prioritizes Indigenous achievement with its second strategic commitment: Embedding Truth and Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in everything the College does.

“Indigenous knowledge is integral to approaching research holistically and ethically, especially when it affects Indigenous communities; Indigenous RRC Polytech students are actively changing the way we do things and think about things, and it’s amazing to see that extend to industry and community,” said Jamie Wilson, VP, Indigenous Strategy, Research, and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

Identifying these opportunities and encouraging students to pursue them are just one facet of supporting Indigenous achievement. As a polytechnic, RRC Polytech provides students with the training and experiential learning opportunities they need to start making an imminent difference before they even graduate and make the impact they want to see in the world.

Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) raised the three flags in an act of unity, pride and inclusivity to mark the beginning of National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month. The Treaty One flag, Red River Métis flag and RRC Polytech’s new Pride flag will now fly year-round at the Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg to acknowledge the history of the land, respect for the treaties made on the land, and representation of the people who live here.

“RRC Polytech is committed to enacting Truth and Reconciliation and equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. A large part of that is creating representation and inclusive spaces on our campuses,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech. “By raising these three flags we are demonstrating to staff, students and community members that this is a place where you belong. We know that there are still institutions and situations where 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous and Métis people don’t feel welcome or recognized – but at RRC Polytech we are giving a firm message that everybody belongs and is welcome here.”

The three flags were raised with support from Joan Ledoux, Minister of Provincial Education at the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) – the National Government of the Red River Métis; David Beaudin, Associate Minister of Provincial Education at the MMF; Knowledge Keepers Barbara Bruce and Albert Mcleod, Vic Savino, Director of Communications at Treaty One and Elders and Knowledge Keepers from Treaty One Territory; and members of the RRC Polytech community.

Treaty One Flag

Treaty One represents Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) and Nehiyaw (Cree) original peoples of the territory of present-day southern Manitoba, including the Forks at the Assiniboine and Red rivers which was a vital trade and gathering site.

Treaty One Nation is composed of the seven First Nations who are signatories to the first of the numbered Treaties, originally signed on August 3, 1871, at Lower Fort Garry after several days of discussions and ceremonies.

“I am extremely proud to see RRC Polytech raise our Treaty One flag on their campus today. Despite the spirit and intent of the Treaty, which has benefitted the people of Manitoba for over 150 years, we were continuously denied of our rights, our titles, our jurisdictions, our culture, our language, and our children,” said Chief Gordon Bluesky of Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation and Treaty One Chairperson.

“Despite our darker periods of history, we are still standing strong, and each one of these flag-raising ceremonies is a concrete, tangible expression to our Treaty Partners that we are still here. Today, we can all look forward to a brighter future for the next generations, and feel the pride in sharing the history of Indigenous peoples on this land. Through these actions of reconciliation, our young Indigenous learners have a very bright future ahead.”

The Treaty One Nations flag was designed to incorporate the original spirit and intent of the Treaties: green, to represent the grass; blue, to represent the waters; and yellow to represent the sun. The red represents the circle of life and the red people who inhabit this land. Lastly, the seven points around the sun represent the seven signatory First Nations of Treaty No. 1.

RRC Polytech recognizes in its land acknowledgement that the land we use is the land of the Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené and that Treaty One is the agreement that allows us the live the way we do.

Red River Métis Flag

The Red River Métis have a rich and important history, language, and culture. The Red River Settlement – now Winnipeg – is the heart of the Red River Métis Homeland and the birthplace of the Nation.  

“The Red River Métis have been fighting to have our rich culture, heritage and history recognized and respected for over 200 years. Manitoba is the only province in Canada to have been brought into confederation by an Indigenous Nation with the signing of the Manitoba Act in 1870, intertwining the history of the Red River Métis with the history of Manitoba. Today, the MMF, the National Government of the Red River Métis, has made great strides in advancing our Nation and regaining our rightful place in Canada’s confederation. This flag-raising today is one small step toward a brighter future for our Red River Métis Youth, ensuring that they know their identity is recognized and celebrated as they achieve their educational goals at this institution,” said Minister Joan Ledoux, Minister of Provincial Education and Associate Minister of Métis Employment & Training at the Manitoba Métis Federation.

RRC Polytech recognizes the impact that the Red River Métis had in the formation of this city, province, and country. The Red River Métis were instrumental in confederation and fought battles to retain their rights throughout history – in the courtroom, in houses of government, and on the battlefield. 

RRC Polytech Pride Flag

Last year RRC Polytech revealed the design of its new Pride Flag, which was painted on pedestrian walkways at the Notre Dame Campus, Exchange District Campus, and Portage la Prairie Campus. Moving forward, the flag will also be raised at RRC Polytech’s Paterson GlobalFoods Institute throughout the month of June.

The College’s Pride design is an evolution of the Progress Pride flag that includes representation for all 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex and Asexual) community members, and includes specific Indigenous elements.  It was created through engagement with RRC Polytech’s Knowledge Keepers Council, with a strong lead from Two Spirit and Métis Elder Barbara Bruce, and Two Spirit and Cree/ Métis Elder Albert McLeod.

RRC Polytech’s Pride design includes the following elements:

• The triangle represents the badge LGBT prisoners were forced to wear in Nazi concentration camps.
• Moving the triangle to the bottom maintains this meaning, but also forms a tepee, which is a shelter shape historically used by many First Nations people in Manitoba and shows the upward momentum of the movement.
• The Medicine Wheel incorporates traditional Indigenous knowledge and teachings.
• The purple and yellow circles around the Medicine Wheel recognize intersex folx.
  

By combining these elements and colours and displaying them in prominent locations, the Pride design has been created to represent all human beings, and welcome everyone on Indigenous lands.

“The Pride design was developed collaboratively across the College, carefully considering the meaning of all elements of the design, such as the colours, location of the chevron, and centering and orienting the Medicine Wheel”,” says Vera Godavari, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist. “At RRC Polytech we are committed to our reconciliation journey as we walk the path of understanding, respect and advocacy with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. As learning organization, we celebrate our progress and continue our dedication to this important work through these ongoing initiatives.”

In addition to consulting with RRC Polytech’s Knowledge Keepers’ Council, Students Association, and its Gender and Sexual Identities working group, RRC Polytech also worked with the Rainbow Resource Centre on the evolution of the College’s Pride design.

The flags can now be seen flying on the front lawn of Notre Dame Campus.

Thursday May 11, 2023

The Moose Hide Campaign began in 2011 when Paul and Raven Lacerte were hunting moose along the Highway 16 between the cities of Prince George and Prince Rupert in British Columbia, a stretch of road otherwise known as the Highway of Tears. Though the number is disputed, many women have gone missing or were murdered along this highway, many of whom were Indigenous.

The father and daughter felt deeply connected to the Carrier land around them and considered ways they could act, ways they could prevent future violence against women and girls. That morning, Raven caught a moose.

Since that hunting trip, the grassroots Moose Hide Campaign has bloomed into a national movement to raise awareness of the violence against Indigenous women and children and a solemn promise to not perpetuate that cyclic violence and grief.

“When we ask men and boys to become involved, we want them to feel like we’re calling them in rather than we’re calling them out.”

– National Youth Ambassador, Sage Lacerte

This year, people from all walks of life are invited to participate in the Moose Hide Campaign Day on May 11, in-person in Victoria, B.C. or virtually from anywhere. The Moose Hide Campaign has scheduled a sunrise ceremony livestream, a general plenary livestream, multiple live virtual workshops, a livestream of the Walk to End Violence Against Women and Children in Victoria, B.C., and a fast-breaking ceremony livestream. Participants can register here.

“Healthy, loving masculinity; that’s the antidote.”

– CEO of Moose Hide Campaign, David Stevenson

As of this year, the Moose Hide Campaign has given out its four millionth pin. Raven Lacerte says the moose hide represents a piece of medicine from the land and signifies a commitment to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in your life.

Staff and students can pick up moose hide pins from either Indigenous Support Centre (F209 at NDC and P407 at EDC) to wear to show support of the campaign and as symbol of their promise to not perpetuate violence against women and children.

This week, hundreds of staff, students, industry partners and community members came together to celebrate Indigenous Food, Fashion, and Music at the second annual RBC Reaction by Collision Community Event. Hosted at RRC Polytech’s Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, the event showcased Indigenous culture and arts in Manitoba and highlighted the importance of creating space for Indigenous entrepreneurship.

“The longstanding friendship between RBC and RRC Polytech and the spirit of community and collaboration connects us back to our strategic commitment of reconciliation, our shared journey, where Indigenous leadership and guidance take the lead and work with us to guide us on the best way forward, together,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech, during his speech to start the event.

The event treated guests to delectable cuisines from local chefs, a haute couture fashion show featuring student models, a crafters’ market with local artisans and businesses, a panel discussion, and a drumming performance from student-led Indigenous culture group OGICHIDAA. Juno-award nominated Indian City capped off the spectacular event as the grand finale.

“What each of our partnering initiatives and programs have in common is that they drive human connection,” Herb ZoBell, Vice President, Commercial Financial Services, Indigenous Markets at RBC, said. “They provide unique channels for people to connect with their ideas, and most importantly, with one another.”

RBC Reaction by Collision is designed to converge industry, academia, and students to grow networks, seek advice, and launch careers. RBC Future Launch found that 85 per cent of all jobs are found through the strength of a network and not through the resume.

RRC Polytech students volunteered to model some of the pieces featured during the event. Kylla Harper, from the Pathway to Health Programs, was one of the students who modelled Gayle Gruben’s Inuit designs.

“It was very nerve-racking waiting backstage for my turn, but as I walked on the catwalk, my confidence grew,” Kylla said. “I loved seeing different Indigenous cultures represented. It goes to show that we have so much to explore still within our own communities.”

Since the event, Kylla has received an outpouring of support from her circle, which she said has made her “smile with pride.”

Miranda Harper, an RRC Polytech alumni and drummer in the local rock band Venus Man Trap, took part in the event’s panel discussion and shared her experience as an Indigenous musician with students and community members.

“For me, I make music to feed my soul. I never look at the fame and fortune of it because I feel like it can take something away from what you do,” Miranda said. She reminisced during the panel about one of the best gigs she’s ever done:  National Aboriginal Day in the early 2000s at The Forks, where she played to just five people.

The event was held at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, a building named by Elders-in-Residence and translates to, “Where Creator Sits – Brings Light.” The building was designed with the intent to bring together the community, to build connections and create bridges. The College commissioned Indigenous artists Jackie Traverse, who attended the event, and KC Adams for artwork on the fourth-floor ceiling and the Roundhouse Auditorium, respectively.

With RBC’s support of RRC Polytech’s In Front of What’s Ahead comprehensive Campaign, the College has been able to provide students with the Indigenous Pathway to Information Technology Program, access to Ten Thousand Coffees Mentorship program, and projects like the Reaction by Collision events series. Collaborative events with RBC like Reaction by Collision have helped more than 5,000 students network with industry professionals and community leaders in Manitoba.

Join R-Crew in F209 on Thursday, April 27 from 5pm-8pm for a Paint Night with local artist Cheryle Dreaver.

“I haven’t taught the moccasin one as a paint night, but I would like to in acknowledgement of all the little ones recovered at residential schools across Canada. The rooting and flowering is about grounding and life. I could see this as a powerful teacher and meaningful to all participants.”

Cheryle Dreaver

Paint supplies and light refreshments will be provided.

When: 5pm-8pm, Thursday, April 27

Where: F209, NDC

To register, please email Terri-Lynn at tlanderson@rrc.ca.

Indian City

Indian City is a fusion of pop, folk, and rock with an ever-rotating roster of talent. The Winnipeg-based band features different Indigenous superstars with each album, bringing together a masterful mix of energies to every recording and each live performance while expressing the modern conscience of Indigenous People. The band was founded in 2012 by the late Vince Fontaine.

Indian City’s fourth album and Fontaine’s final project, Code Red, is a 2023 Juno Nominee for the Contemporary Indigenous Group of the Year Award. In the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #83, Indian City invited non-Indigenous artists like Jim Cuddy, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Chris Burke-Gaffney to collaborate on Code Red.

In the spring of 2022, Warner Music Canada signed with Indian City shortly after Fontaine’s passing in January. The band pre-released “Star People”, “Wannabe”, and “The Path” each with their own music videos before Code Red was re-released on September 30, 2022, to coincide with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Indian City has been recognized on the international stage since its founding in 2012, and has been honoured with several awards, including the Western Canadian Music Award, the Indian Summer Music Award, the Native American Music Award, and the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Award, among many others.

On April 19, 2023, Indian City’s lineup at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae will feature Jay Bodner, Neewa Mason, Gabrielle Fontaine, Pamela Davis, Lawrence “Spatch” Mulhall, and Rich Reid. Join us for Indigenous Food, Fashion, and Music: an RBC Reaction by Collision Community Event and witness Indian City’s stellar energy onstage. For more information, check out the program post for the 2023 RBC Reaction by Collision.

Language connects us and moves us forward. Students who join Introduction to Anishinaabemowin will be guided by language instructor Corey Whitford in developing language skills in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) through Anishinaabe cultural worldview and teachings.

“I get to teach the language and fundamentals, which in turn will teach the next generation. We’re ensuring the continuity of the language,” said Corey Whitford.

The course focuses on the language and culture of the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe. Students will practice the alphabet, develop understanding of the double vowel system, learn basic grammatical structures and establish basic writing skills while experiencing and engaging unique, authentic practices like developing personalized greetings, learning traditional songs, and having basic conversations.

“If you’re Indigenous and you’ve never had an Indigenous language course taught to you, this will definitely inspire you to anchor into your roots,” said Corey. “It’ll allow you to feel connected to your ancestors. A lot of us are trying to learn how to be Anishinaabe and speak Ojibwe and I want to invite everyone to come and learn the alphabet, learn how to express emotion in the language, learn how to use emphatic expressions properly, and learn how to honour your ancestors.”

Classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday between May 2 – June 20. Connect with friends, family, and members of your community in your traditional language in a fun and welcoming environment focused on practicing and experiencing Anishinaabemowin.

No books or supplies needed.

Details:
LANG-1038 An Introduction to Anishinaabemowin
May 2, 2023 to June 20, 2023- Tuesday and Thursday, 5-8pm
Where: Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae, 319 Elgin Ave., Winnipeg, MB
Instructor: Corey Whitford
Cost: $252.00

Register online:
Learners can register here. If your fee is being covered by a sponsor, have your sponsor fill in and fax the sponsorship form and we can send them an invoice.

Register in person:
Learners can register in person at the Notre Dame Campus at D101 or our office E113 with cheque or money order. E113 does not take cash, so learners with an exact amount in cash may be able to pay in D101 or Building C on the 2nd floor at the Finance Office to pay after being registered.

Dawn Harris

Dawn Harris’s journey into fashion started when she envisioned her children and grandchildren (her babies, as she calls them!) lighting up the stage with their jigging, dressed to the nines in custom-fit, splendid outfits that matched their personalities and performances.

Dawn is a self-taught seamstress. She picked up the discipline from her mother Hilda, who’d sewn custom clothes for her and her twin sister growing up. Once she had her own children, Dawn decided that she wanted to contribute to her mother’s legacy—the legacy from which she drew inspiration, developed her own skill, and found artistic strength.

Designs by Dawn began in 2004 after Dawn started making square dancing outfits for her babies to wear onstage while they performed the Red River Metis Jig and square danced. The outfits in stores just didn’t have the striking personalities to match her babies’ performances, so she took the initiative to create the perfect outfits to complement their brilliant dancing.

Shortly after starting her brand, Dawn received orders to make custom traditional clothing: Ceremonial clothing like ribbon skirts and skirts and Pow Wow outfits like grass dancers, jingle dresses and fancy shawls. Designs by Dawn also started doing custom orders for weddings and square dance outfits for different communities around the world.

Designs by Dawn creates a variety of clothing and the brand’s main mission is to ensure the clothing is comfortable and custom-fitted to every body that wears them. Each order is created from Dawn’s own vision and her greatest accomplishment is knowing that her passion and gift for sewing brings happiness to people around the world.

Join Dawn at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae on April 19, 2023 for Indigenous Food, Fashion, and Music: an RBC Reaction by Collision Community Event and enjoy her brilliant jig and square dance fashion on the runway. For more information, check out the program post for the 2023 RBC Reaction by Collision.

Gayle Gruben

Gayle Gruben’s work reflects her dedication to causes that are deeply ingrained in community. In 2022, she created an amauti (a woman’s parka with a pouch in which to carry a baby) to memorialize the loved ones identified with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People and to honour their families. Gayle worked closely with families to properly commemorate their loved ones, and the amauti was featured in an exhibition at the Winnipeg Art Gallery in November 2022.

Gayle has been an artisan for 33 years, creating traditional Inuit garments with furs and hides. She is Inuvialuk and from Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, in the Invialuit Settlement Region of the western arctic. Gayle credits her discipline to her grandmother and her mother-in-law, who taught her the way to make traditional Inuit clothing, and to the College of the North Atlantic’s Textile and Fabrication program in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where she learned technical skills for pattern-making.

A mother to three adult children and grandmother to six grandchildren, Gayle is proud to share her Inuvialuit culture and traditions with anyone willing to learn. She had lived in many different provinces throughout her life before making Steinbach, Manitoba her home.

Join Gayle at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae on April 19, 2023 for Indigenous Food, Fashion, and Music: an RBC Reaction by Collision Community Event and encounter Inuit fashion right here in the heart of Canada. For more information, check out the program post for the 2023 RBC Reaction by Collision.