Connect, learn, and grow through Indigenous guidance and cultural support.

Indigenous worldviews are grounded in relationships—with ourselves, each other, the land, and the Creator—and it is through these connections that wisdom, guidance, and life teachings are shared. At RRC Polytech, Elders, Grandmothers, and Knowledge Keepers play a vital role in supporting students and staff, offering cultural teachings, spiritual guidance, and community-based mentorship that strengthen learning, wellness, and connection to Indigenous ways of knowing. From one-on-one appointments to classroom visits and participation in ceremony, their presence enriches the College community and fosters understanding, respect, and growth for everyone.

The Elders-in-Residence, Grandmothers-in-Residence, and Knowledge Keepers-in-Residence come from diverse Indigenous backgrounds and bring decades of experience in leadership, education, and community service. They are available to meet with students and staff across both the Notre Dame and Exchange District campuses, providing guidance, teachings, and cultural support. To book time with an Elder, Grandmother, or Knowledge Keeper, or to learn more about the program, contact the Indigenous Support Centre Coordinator and plan ahead to ensure a meaningful and respectful experience.

Learn more and book a session ›

Strengthen your math, science and technical skills while exploring the exciting world of engineering technology.

Prepare for success in the engineering technology field by building the academic foundation and essential skills you need to transition into a diploma program. In this preparatory program, you’ll strengthen your knowledge of math, science and technical concepts while developing effective learning strategies, professional communication and problem-solving skills.

Through hands-on projects and applied learning, you’ll explore civil, electrical, mechanical and power engineering technologies — discovering how each area connects to real-world industries and career opportunities. By the end of the program, you’ll be ready to progress into a diploma program with the confidence, skills and support to thrive.

Graduates of Pathway to Engineering Technology Programs can apply for reserved seats in:

• Civil Engineering Technology
• Electrical Engineering Technology
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Power Engineering Technology 4th Class

Read about these Success Stories in Pathway to Engineering Technology Programs:

• His Indigenous Culture Called Him to Be a Land Defender – RRC Polytech and Akman Construction Are Helping Him Get There
• RRC Polytech Pathway Students Set for Success Thanks to Free Laptops from Lenovo

Take the first step toward your engineering career—learn more about the Pathway to Engineering Technology Programs.

Are you ready to take a confident first step toward post-secondary success?

The Pathway to Business, Creative Communications and Digital Technology Programs at RRC Polytech helps Indigenous learners prepare academically, socially, and personally for rewarding careers in business, communications, hospitality, and digital media.

Throughout the program, you’ll strengthen your academic foundation, develop essential technical skills, and practice learning strategies that set you up for success. You’ll also benefit from a supportive community that infuses Indigenous culture into your learning journey and provides wrap-around supports to help you reach your goals.

After completing this pathway, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for reserved seats in the following RRC Polytech programs:

• Business Administration
• Creative Communications
• Digital Media Design
• Hospitality Business Management
• Professional Sales and Strategic Marketing

Admission Information

Applicants must submit proof of meeting admission requirements within 15 days of applying, unless otherwise noted. If applying within six weeks of the program start date, documentation is due within five days.

This program is open only to Manitoba residents of Indigenous ancestry (Status, Non-Status, Inuit, or Métis). Applications from those who do not meet these criteria will be cancelled without a refund of the application fee.

For Regular Admission, applicants must provide proof of Grade 12 graduation or enrolment. If applying while enrolled, official final grades confirming successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall entry, or by the deadline in the admission letter. Proof of Indigenous ancestry is also required.

For Mature Student Admission, applicants must be 19 years or older, have been out of high school for at least one year, and not meet the regular admission requirements. Mature applicants must also provide proof of Indigenous ancestry (Status, Non-Status, Inuit, or Métis).

Discover how the program has already helped learners find strength and opportunity:

• Family Strength Inspires Healing and New Career Path

Take the first step toward your future. Register for the next intake in Fall 2026 — visit the program explorer page for more information.

Indigenous students at RRC Polytech have access to Academic Liaison and Resource Coaches—your personal guides for academic success.

Whether it’s one-on-one tutoring, group sessions, or coaching, these supports help you develop study skills, goal setting strategies, time management, and other tools to excel in your courses with confidence.

Your Academic Liaison & Resource Coach can help you retain information, improve test-taking skills, manage procrastination, and balance student life with self-care. They also provide guidance on how your coursework connects to your career goals and can connect you with additional tutoring services if needed. Reach out to Jeff Boychuk (jboychuk66@rrc.ca) at Notre Dame Campus or Adam Bacchus (abacchus@rrc.ca) at Exchange District Campus to start building the strategies and skills to succeed at RRC Polytech.

Mínwastánikéwin is an Ininimowin word that means ‘to set it right.’

General RRC Polytech Application Required

The deadline to submit applications for the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award is January 31, 2026.

The Mínwastánikéwin Award honors the resilience, strength, and voices of Indigenous students at RRC Polytech. Supported by the College community through campaigns raising awareness of Indigenous-led initiatives like Orange Shirt Day and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People Honouring and Awareness Day, this award celebrates reflection, culture, and the ongoing journey of Truth and Reconciliation.

In 2025, Dakota artist Dasia Chatkana’s Orange Shirt design, showing a trail of footprints into a dark forest, pays tribute to children who survived Residential Schools, while Métis artist Shayre Curé’s Red Shirt, featuring a handprint over a woman’s mouth, honors Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People.

Indigenous full-time students can apply by submitting proof of Indigenous heritage, a General RRC Application, and a one-page essay on what Truth and Reconciliation means to them. The deadline is January 31, 2026, via email to financialaid@rrc.ca. Last year, the award celebrated the voices of Kayla Frobisher and Elizabeth Ford.

For full details, see the Awards, Bursaries, and Scholarships Catalogue.

At RRC Polytech, Indigenous students have access to Navigation Coaches — your go-to resource for guidance, support, and campus navigation all year long. Whether you need help understanding College processes, accessing community services, finding tutoring, or connecting with other support team members, Navigation Coaches are here to guide you every step of the way.

Your success isn’t just about academics — your health, wellness, and daily life matter too. Navigation Coaches can help you figure out next steps for everything from childcare to technology resources, ensuring you have the support you need to thrive both on campus and beyond. Let us help you make the most of your time at RRC Polytech.

Meet the Navigation Coaches ➔

Do you love cooking and want to prepare for success in the fast-paced food service industry?

The Culinary Skills (Indigenous) program at RRC Polytech is designed to help Indigenous learners develop the knowledge, practical skills, and experience needed to thrive in a variety of food service positions.

This full-time certificate program combines classroom learning, hands-on labs, and work experience to build fundamental culinary techniques, in-depth food knowledge, and introductory business skills. You’ll also gain experience, industry connections, and confidence through a paid co-op work placement. As part of your polytechnic education, you’ll receive industry-relevant certifications and training in food handling, fire safety, first aid, and WHMIS, giving you a strong foundation for your career.

The program incorporates Indigenous content throughout the curriculum and offers pre-employment supports to ensure your success. A special thank you goes to Red River Co-operative Ltd. for their generous support of this program, helping make these opportunities possible for students.

Admission Information

Applicants can apply through Regular Admission or Mature Student Admission pathways.

For Regular Admission, applicants must submit proof of Grade 12 graduation or current enrolment. If applying while enrolled, final grades confirming successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall entry or by the deadline listed in your admission letter. Applicants who need to complete an English Language Assessment should not submit transcripts until requested.

For Mature Student Admission, applicants must be at least 19 years old, have been out of high school for at least one year, and not meet regular admission requirements. Mature applicants must still meet the program’s English Language Requirements.

Read about students’ experiences in the program:

• Culinary Connections: Empowering Youth Through Food, Family and Future Pathways
• Prairie Research Kitchen Partnership: Addressing Food Security for Indigenous Communities Across Manitoba
• Culinary Connections: Empowering Youth Through Food, Family and Future Pathways

Ready to turn your passion for food into a career? Check out the program explorer page for more information and to register for the next intake Fall 2026.

Unlock financial support and celebrate your achievements while pursuing your post-secondary journey.

RRC Polytech offers a wide range of awards, scholarships, and bursaries to help Indigenous students pursue their post-secondary education. These funding opportunities recognize academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need, covering students across a variety of programs, from Carpentry and Nursing to Business, Information Technology, and Engineering. Many awards, such as those listed below, provide financial support while encouraging leadership, resilience, and professional growth.

Some notable Indigenous-specific awards include:

• Bird Indigenous Builders Scholarship – $1,000 for Indigenous Carpentry students nearing the end of their studies with strong academic standing.
• Bird Build Your Future Indigenous Scholarship – $2,000 for Indigenous students in Construction Management or Architectural/Engineering Technology who have completed at least one year with good grades.
• Business Council of Manitoba Indigenous Education Awards – Minimum $2,000 for full-time Indigenous students in need of financial assistance; students can reapply each year.
• CIBC Award – Minimum $2,000 for Indigenous students in Pathway to Business, Creative Arts, and Digital Technology programs; supports school-related expenses.
• Eliza Cummings Machan and Helen Machan Memorial Nursing Award – $1,000 for 3rd-year Indigenous Nursing students with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Grant Thomas Resiliency Award – $1,000 for Indigenous Child and Youth Care students who demonstrate resilience and personal growth.
• IG Wealth Empower Your Tomorrow Indigenous Scholarship – For Indigenous students in Pathway programs in IT or business, supporting tuition, academic expenses, and work-integrated learning.
• Journey Award for Nursing Students – Minimum $1,000 for Indigenous Nursing students who have faced academic or personal challenges, with preference given to those showing resilience.
• Babcock Canada Award for Indigenous Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Students – $5,000 for Indigenous students continuing into the second year of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer program with strong academic progress and community involvement.
• Gil Purcell Memorial Journalism Scholarship – $4,000 for Indigenous students studying journalism in Canada.

Deadlines and eligibility vary, so students should review the award details carefully and submit all required documentation on time. To explore the full list of opportunities and learn how to apply, visit the RRC Polytech Awards, Scholarships, and Bursaries page.

Launch Your Post-Secondary Journey

The College Transition program at RRC Polytech is designed specifically for Indigenous learners who want to explore their potential, connect with communities, and prepare for professional success. Whether you’re just beginning your post-secondary journey or looking to strengthen your skills before entering a full-time program, College Transition offers a supportive, holistic environment to help you thrive.

Through this program, you’ll build versatile skills, knowledge, and competencies that will serve you both in your studies and throughout your career. You’ll investigate potential employment paths, learn more about RRC Polytech’s career-focused opportunities, and gain practical, employer-sought skills that will make you stand out in the workforce.

The College Transition experience combines academic preparation with cultural learning. You’ll focus on strengthening your reading, writing, math, science, and technical skills while deepening your understanding of Indigenous culture. One-on-one mentorship, diverse learning strategies, and a holistic approach ensure that each learner develops both personal and career potential. You’ll also have opportunities to earn certifications, gain hands-on experience through work and volunteer opportunities, and explore pathways to full-time programs at RRC Polytech.

Admission Information

Applicants must submit documentation proving they meet admission requirements within 15 days of applying, unless otherwise noted. If you apply within six weeks of the program start date, documents are due within five days.

For Regular Admission, applicants must provide proof of Grade 12 graduation or enrolment, including one credit in both Grade 12 English (40S) and Grade 12 Math (40S). If applying while still enrolled, final grades confirming successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall entry, or by the deadline in your admission letter.

In addition, applicants are required to complete a prescribed English and Math Skills Assessment at the minimum competency level. This is not due within 30 days of applying and will be requested later by the College.

For Mature Student Admission, applicants must be at least 19 years old, out of high school for at least one year, and not meet the regular admission criteria. High school graduation is not required, but mature applicants must still meet the English Language Requirements and skills assessment requirements listed under Regular Admission.

Read about some of recent students and their journeys:

• Culture and College Transition
• Sparks Fly for College Transition Student in Women of Steel: Forging Forward Program
• Honouring Growth: First Bead Ceremony

Take the first step toward your post-secondary goals today. Check out the College Transition program explorer page for more information and to register for the next intake in Fall 2026.

Funding your education is possible.

Indigenous learners at RRC Polytech have access to a variety of funding options, including bursaries, awards, Band sponsorships, and Métis sponsorships. To explore all available financial supports, eligibility requirements, and application steps, check out our Indigenous Financial Aid guide.

This guide provides clear instructions for connecting with your Band office or Métis Employment & Training (MET) department, submitting required documents, and accessing additional resources such as Manitoba Student Aid, scholarships, and bursaries. It’s your one-stop source for everything you need to fund your education and take the next step toward your goals.

Learn more and get started: Indigenous Financial Aid