Gain the technical expertise and industry experience to progress into advanced IT programs.

Take a confident first step toward a career in information technology with RRC Polytech’s Pathway to Information Technology Programs. This preparatory program helps you build the foundational knowledge, technical skills and learning strategies you need to succeed in IT and transition smoothly into a diploma program. You’ll explore essential concepts in IT, including software, hardware, networking, cloud services, cybersecurity, and full-stack development, while developing problem-solving, communication and professional skills that employers value. With hands-on projects, applied learning and wrap-around support, you’ll gain the confidence to progress in your studies and career.

Upon completing this pathway, you’ll be prepared to apply for reserved seats in the following progression programs:

• Application Development and Delivery
• Cybersecurity
• Full Stack Web Development
• IT Operations

These programs equip you with advanced, career-ready skills such as software development, network administration, information security, and cloud management, and include work-integrated learning experiences to build industry connections. Learn from the experiences of past students:

• Connecting Code and Culture
• Finding Footing in Information Technology
• Indigenous High School Students Ace IT at the ACE IT Camp

Take the first step toward your IT career — learn more about the Pathway to Information Technology Programs and register for Fall 2026.

Gwen Cook and Manitoba Moon Voices Inc.

The Gwen Cook Memorial Award was created to honour the memory of Gwen Cook (Bimosekwe) who was a founding Grandmother of the Manitoba Moon Voices Inc.’s (MMVI) Grandmother Advisory Circle.

The Gwen Cook Memorial Award will be presented to an Indigenous woman or gender diverse individual who is enrolled in post-secondary studies in Manitoba, is a member of MMVI, and exemplifies the qualities of the late Gwen Cook.

The $1,000 scholarship is intended for a person who is enrolled in post-secondary studies with a minimum 60% course load (9 credit hours per Fall and Winter term).

How to apply:

Eligible applicants must complete the application and submit it to MMVI

Applications must be received by 4:30pm Friday, January 2, 2026.

Completed applications must include:

• Filled out application
• Essay explaining what traditional leadership means to you and how you put these into practice (500 – 1000 words)
• A copy of most recent transcript
• Proof of Indigenous ancestry
• A letter of recommendation
• A resume

About Gwen Cook

Gwen was a proud Maskgeko Anishibaabe Ikwe who was born in The Pas, MB and grew up in Flin Flon and Cranberry Portage, MB. She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and friend who had a strong and gentle spirit.

Gwen was a leader in the community who adhered to traditional practices, values and leadership. Education was important to Gwen. She attained her Bachelor and Master of Social Work and was pursuing a Doctoral degree before her passing.

Gwen worked in Winnipeg for forty years at various organizations where she loved working with people. She contributed to the community by volunteering on various boards like Ka Ni Kanichihk and the Grandmothers Working for Good Life Council. Gwen was also a committee member of the Master of Social Work Indigenous Knowledge Program (U of M). She provided expertise in social services and shared her traditional knowledge.

Gwen was an active member of the Three Fires Midewin Lodge for over twenty years and was a fourth degree Midewin woman.

Reclamation of the Anishinaabe traditional way of life was essential to Gwen and she encouraged others in their own healing.

Connect with Indigenous counsellors for guidance, care, and success.

College life can be exciting and full of new opportunities, but it can also bring challenges that affect your mental health and well-being. Counselling Services at RRC Polytech are here to support you through personal struggles, help you develop strategies to manage stress, and guide you toward a balanced, fulfilling college experience. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your academic success — it helps you stay focused, resilient, and confident as you navigate your studies and life beyond the classroom.

RRC Polytech offers flexible counselling options via phone or video conferencing, making it easier to access support no matter where you are. For students seeking culturally safe guidance, Indigenous counsellors are available to provide care that respects your values, experiences, and community connections. To meet with an Indigenous counsellor, simply complete the Counselling Services registration form and indicate your preference. Learn more and take the first step toward support at rrc.ca/counselling.

Celebrate Indigenous Creativity at the Indigenous Makers Market

A correction has been made to this blog post. We sincerely apologize to Pitâw Mīno Muskîkî for incorrectly listing them as participating in this event. We regret any inconvenience this error may have caused.

RRC Polytech is proud to host an Indigenous Makers Market on Thursday, December 4, from 10am to 3pm in the Library Hallway at the Notre Dame Campus. This one-day market will bring together handmade works, stories, and community — guided by the vision and leadership of The Ode’imin Collective.

• Thursday, December 4 • 10am – 3pm
• Library Hallway, Mall Level, Notre Dame Campus

We invite students, staff, and community members to stop by the market, meet the makers, and support Indigenous artists. Every purchase directly contributes to sustaining Indigenous creativity, entrepreneurship, and youth mentorship.

For questions, contact Sara McIvor-Prouty at smcivor@rrc.ca.

About The Ode’imin Collective

The Ode’imin Collective Holiday Market is gearing up to brighten the season with a warm, community-focused celebration of Indigenous creativity. This festive market brings together a wide range of handmade goods crafted by talented Indigenous artisans, offering everything from beautiful gifts to meaningful pieces that reflect culture, skill, and story.

More than just a place to shop, the market highlights the incredible talent within the community and creates opportunities to uplift local makers. Visitors can connect with artists, learn about their work, and take home something truly unique. It’s a chance to support Indigenous creators, celebrate their contributions, and share in the spirit of the season.

Electrical Alum Alfred Thompson returns to teach program he took in Fisher River Cree Nation

Alfred Thompson walked into the classroom this past spring for the first time in 11 years – and this time, rather than a student, he was the instructor.

In 2014, Thompson took the Electrical program at the RRC Polytech campus in Fisher River Cree Nation. His interest in the industry grew from the problem solving and independence he gained while working hands-on and the satisfaction of seeing results firsthand. Today, he’s in Peguis First Nation, teaching 14 students in the same five-month Electrical program being offered in community from April – November 2025 with extra time to incorporate student success strategies, including Elder support and Teachings.

“[Teaching is] pretty good – I’m myself around the students now. That first day, though, I was practicing before, and I was like, ‘oh man, I’m really gonna just go talk like this in front of other people.’ I was so nervous,” said Thompson.

Read the full story on the MarComm blog.

Prepare for a rewarding future in healthcare.

Build the knowledge, technical skills and confidence you need to transition into RRC Polytech’s health programs and begin a career helping others.

Through Pathway to Health Programs, you’ll strengthen your academic foundation while exploring the many exciting and in-demand careers in health care and medical technology. You’ll practice hands-on skills, develop strong study habits and connect with supportive instructors who are invested in your success.

This program gives you the chance to discover your strengths, gain practical experience and prepare yourself for the rigorous learning ahead. With tailored supports and opportunities to grow your skills, you’ll set yourself up for success in RRC Polytech’s health sciences programs.

After completing this pathway, you’ll be prepared to apply for limited reserved seats in the following programs:

• Dental Assisting
• Nursing
• Paramedicine – Primary Care Paramedic
• Science Laboratory Technology
• Veterinary Technology
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Medical Radiologic Technology

Read about these Success Stories in Pathway to Health Programs:

Placeholder for story here

Take the first step toward your healthcare career — learn more about the Pathway to Health Programs.

Become a leader in the field of environmental protection 

RRC Polytech is introducing the new Environmental Studies and Land Relations diploma program – a scientific, land-based program that combines environmental science, fieldwork, and Indigenous knowledge in meaningful, practical ways. This program is designed for learners who want to work directly with the land and support communities. Classroom learning blends with land-based experiences, hands-on research, and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities across Manitoba. 

Throughout the program, students gain essential technical abilities in laboratory work, field sampling, safety practices, and wilderness preparedness across seasons. Courses connect environmental testing with Indigenous knowledge, led in partnership with community Knowledge Keepers and industry advisors. Students develop skills in data collection, environmental assessment, and monitoring of land, water, soil, and biodiversity, which will prepare them to support sustainable resource management with cultural respect. Using a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, students will learn to evaluate environmental impacts, work with community frameworks, and consider reconciliation and sovereignty in environmental planning and management. 

The program emphasizes communication and career readiness. Students build practical skills in writing, speaking, digital fluency, and job preparation, including resumes, interviews, and workplace collaboration. These skills support success in the environmental sector and help students navigate evolving roles in conservation, consulting, and community-based research.

Students participate in a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunity, where they will gain real-world experience with community or industry partners. Whether choosing a paid co-op placement or collaborating on a full-term community or industry research project, students will apply their skills in environmental monitoring, conservation, and land stewardship while developing professionalism, collaboration, and confidence in their chosen field. 

Graduates leave with the ability to build relationships with communities, analyze complex environmental issues, collaborate in research, prepare policy recommendations, and support decision-making processes that honour Indigenous rights and land connections. With a strong foundation in science, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and applied fieldwork, the Environmental Studies and Land Relations diploma program equips students to become knowledgeable and ethical environmental practitioners committed to stewardship, sustainability, and reconciliation. 

Courses at-a-glance 

Employment potential 

Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers in: 

• Environmental and resource management for Indigenous communities 

• Environmental education and land-based learning  

• Advocacy and policy work in environmental justice 

• Nonprofit organizations focused on Indigenous rights and environmental protection 

• Government agencies involved in land management, conservation, and sustainable development 

• Academic and research institutions 

Registration 

Applications for Fall 2026 will open in January 2026 when the Program Explorer and Catalogue has been updated. Subscribe to this blog to get automatic updates right to your inbox! Scroll the list and select “Indigenous Education.”

For more information on the application process and admission requirements, contact the Indigenous Academic Advisor at indigenous.advisor@rrc.ca.  

Are you ready to explore a variety of rewarding skilled trades and kickstart your career?

The Introduction to Trades program at RRC Polytech is designed to help Indigenous learners upgrade their knowledge, build specialized skills, and prepare for entry into a trades program of their choice—or start a career right away.

This full-time certificate program emphasizes hands-on, interactive learning in modern shop spaces. You’ll gain practical experience, create projects, and explore a range of technical skills while connecting with experienced instructors, invited speakers, and potential employers. The program also supports your academic growth and career readiness by strengthening skills such as collaboration, note-taking, time management, and professional communication.

Introduction to Trades may also count as credit toward your future trade program, potentially reducing your first-year course load. Prepare to enroll in RRC Polytech programs including:

• Automotive Technician
• Carpentry
• CNC Machinist Technician
• Collision Repair and Refinishing
• Electrical
• Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic
• Marine and Powersports Technician
• Plumbing
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician
• Welding

A special thank you to Qualico Developments Ltd. for their generous support of this program, helping provide an incredible learning experience for students.

Read about the impact of the program and student experiences:

• Qualico’s Groundbreaking Donation Adds to Students’ Incredible Experience in Skilled Trades Education
• Skilled Trades Training Extended to Communities in Lake Manitoba and Sagkeeng First Nations

Start your journey toward a rewarding skilled trades career today. Check out the Introduction to Trades program explorer page for more information and to register for the next intake in Fall 2026.

Each year on November 8, communities across Canada gather for ceremonies and vigils to honour the contributions and sacrifices of Indigenous veterans. These events offer a moment to reflect on the long-overlooked experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s military history.

During wartime, Indigenous soldiers served with courage and distinction. Yet, when they returned home, many faced systemic discrimination. Reserve lands were taken by the government — some later granted to non-Indigenous veterans as farmland — while Indigenous veterans were frequently denied the same benefits and support programs offered to others. In some cases, they were pressured to “enfranchise,” a policy that required them to give up their Indian Status and cultural identity in exchange for Canadian citizenship and its associated rights.

It wasn’t until 1994, when Indigenous veterans and their families began advocating for recognition, that these injustices began to gain wider attention. Their efforts sparked a national conversation and helped pave the way for the commemorations we see today.

Now, Indigenous service members are acknowledged and celebrated at all levels for their vital role in shaping Canada’s military legacy. November 8 is not only a day of remembrance — it’s a call to honour truth, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation.

To recognize, acknowledge, respect and remember what Indigenous veterans did for our country, we are gifting staff & students commemorative pins. 

Pins can be picked up from the Notre Dame Campus Indigenous Student Support Center (F205).

Stop by 12:00pm-2:00pm to collect your pin.

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 ›