Breaking into a career in a chosen industry can be one of the most challenging steps in the education journey.

Thanks to support from RBC, the Indigenous Career Fair is a focal point of discovery, where students can network with each other, alumni, employers, and future career connections.

Every year, Indigenous students from all over the Red River College Polytechnic (the College) walk together through a variety of career options at the Indigenous Career Fair. More than thirty employers attended the Indigenous Career Fair on January 28, offering job openings and career opportunities for students to explore while gaining insight into the current job market and economic landscape. The RBC Headshot Lounge was available in addition to RBC’s event sponsorship, where students could capture professional headshots for their LinkedIn profiles and for other professional uses.

Justin Habinski, an Introduction to Trades and Plumbing graduate, had finished his program the week before but made time to check out the employers that were offering positions.

“I was probably one of the few that showed up after the end of the program,” said Habinski. “I’m glad I went, though – there were a couple of jobs that stuck out and gave me some ideas for my career.”

Providing opportunities for Indigenous students is a vital part of RRC Polytech’s commitment to reconciliation. True reconciliation means walking alongside students, ensuring they have equal access to opportunities while embracing and celebrating Indigenous values, cultures, and traditions.

Guy Gagnon, a second-year Disability and Community Support student, attended the career fair to explore different paths. While he has experience working at a ground level in community support, he aspires to create change at a higher level.

“The career fair was kind of overwhelming at first because there are so many paths to consider, but it was also eye-opening. There were a lot of roles that I’d been in before, and helped me reflect on where I want to make an impact. I think the career fair is a great way for students to either re-evaluate their paths or reaffirm what they want to do with their careers,” said Gagnon.

The event featured an interactive passport students could use as an icebreaker with employers – for every five employers they spoke to, they were entered into a draw. Students had the chance to score some amazing prizes, including a $500 Ticketmaster gift card generously provided by RBC.

“The icebreaker was a really fun incentive – it helped me speak to more employers than I thought I would,” said Keegan Thomas, Indigenous Culinary Skills student and grand prize winner. “I wasn’t expecting to win, but I’m looking forward to using the card for a show, maybe out of province.”

Students had an additional chance to win when they listened to the panel that was held at noon. The panel was led by Kelly Krakalovich, Mentorship Coordinator with the School of Indigenous Education. The panel was featured Darcie Bonwick, an Indigenous Entrepreneur, Mittohnee Pogo’otah; Katelyn Lawson, Relationship Manager, Commercial Banking, RBC; and Craig Fisher, Program Facilitator, School of Indigenous Education, RRC Polytech.

“The panel was a great way to bring together Indigenous professionals at different stages in their careers,” said Craig Fisher. “I was thrilled to be part of an event where students could envision themselves in these roles one day. As an advocate for Indigenous representation in underrepresented industries, I believe it’s essential for students to see and have the opportunity to connect with Indigenous folks who came before them.”

The panel event highlighted the balance between traditional knowledge and contemporary career pathways that Indigenous professionals navigate every day. The discussion explored themes of identity, learning, community impact, and wisdom for future generations. The panelists provided meaningful insight on Indigenous economic development, cultural resilience, and success beyond financial metrics, while demonstrating the value of mentorship and networking opportunities.

“I want to show Indigenous students just how valuable their presence is in industry. Working with First Nations communities as a First Nations woman myself has helped me to make deep connections with the people that I provide services to,” said Katelyn Lawson. “That sense of familiarity – with culture, with the challenges communities face, with the goals they’re working towards – is a powerful bridge, not only for your own career, but for making change in our communities.”

The Indigenous Career Fair reflects RRC Polytech’s commitment to empowering Indigenous students. With RBC’s support, this event leverages our role as an educational institution to foster meaningful, lasting connections between Indigenous students and organizations — creating opportunities that benefit not only the students but also their families, communities, and the broader industry.

Indigenous Culinary Skills students launch annual pop-up diner

The Indigenous Culinary Skills students at RRC Polytech are bringing their talents to the table with the return of their much-anticipated pop-up diner! This hands-on learning experience allows students to showcase their newly acquired culinary skills while serving up delicious breakfast and lunch options for staff and students.

Located in the Prairie Lights Dining Room (Building C – Mall Level) at the Notre Dame Campus, the Wiisinin Diner will officially open its doors with a soft launch on March 13-14 and offering a limited menu.

The full menu will be available starting Tuesday, March 18.

Hours of Operation

Tuesday – Friday, March 18 – April 25*

• Breakfast: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
• Lunch: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

*Soft launch with limited menu items is on Thursday, March 13

For the first time, the Wiisinin Diner will offer point-of-sale service, meaning vouchers are no longer required. Guests can conveniently pay for their meals directly in the Prairie Lights Dining Room.

Important Notes

• Single orders only – No modifications can be accommodated.
• Training environment – As students hone their skills, orders may take longer or have minor errors. Your patience and support are greatly appreciated!

For the full menu, visit the Wiisinin Diner webpage.

You’re invited to join our celebration of the Spring Equinox!

The celebration will begin with a Pipe Ceremony led by the Grandparents-in-Residence in the Roundhouse Auditorium, followed by a Feast to celebrate the season and to feast the RRC Polytech bundles. Open to staff, students, and faculty, this gathering is a chance to connect, learn, and reflect with community.

• Friday, March 21, 2025 – Exchange District Campus, Roundhouse Auditorium, 10 AM – 1 PM
  • 10 AM: Pipe Ceremony
  • 12 PM: Feast

No registration required. Feel free to bring your feast bundle to help reduce waste.

For questions, contact Sara McIvor-Prouty, Events and Facilities Coordination, School of Indigenous Education, at smicvor@rrc.ca.

About the Spring Equinox

The Spring Equinox is the official start of spring, when the north and south poles of the Earth are at equal distances from the Sun, and day and night are equal in length. This year, the Spring Equinox falls on March 20.

We want to see your vision for Truth and Reconciliation reflected in a stunning design.

Every year, RRC Polytech showcases the work of an Indigenous artist on its original Orange Shirt, supporting the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, a bursary awarded to Indigenous students each winter term.

This year, we’re inviting Indigenous students to create a powerful and meaningful design for the Orange Shirt, honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Your artwork could become a symbol of Truth and Reconciliation, featured in the Campus Store and worn by our community.

This is more than just a t-shirt design—it’s a chance to share your voice, amplify Indigenous stories, and stand in solidarity with the ongoing journey of reconciliation. Your design will raise awareness, spark important conversations, and unite our community for this significant day.

The selected design will be featured as this year’s RRC Polytech Original Orange Shirt. The artist will receive a $1,000 prize and their story will be highlighted on our Indigenous blog. The t-shirts will be produced by Red Rebel Armour, owned and operated by Indigenous graduate Sean Rayland-Boubar.

Design guidelines:

Style: Monochromatic line art. Your design should be simple yet profound, using only black and white throughout the design. See past year designs for examples.

Theme: Incorporate elements that represent Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing. This can include symbolic imagery, abstract representations, or meaningful words.

Format: Submit your design in a high-resolution digital format (JPG, PNG, or PDF).

Artist statement: Include a statement (200 – 400 words) explaining what your artwork means to you and how it connects to the themes of Truth and Reconciliation.

Eligibility: Open to all Indigenous students.

Deadline: Wednesday, April 30, 2025

How to submit:

Submit your completed design here. Include your name, student email address, student ID number, artist statement, and design.

Contest Rules:

Please read these rules before entering the online contest. By participating in the contest, you agree to be bound by these Rules and represent that you satisfy all of the requirements below.

No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

1. Eligibility: This contest is open to all legal residents of Canada who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory of residence as of the date of entry. Employees of Red River College Polytechnic and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter. This contest is void where prohibited.
2. How to Enter: No purchase necessary. To be eligible to win the prizes, entries must be completed and received in the format designated below.

All entry information, including the identity of the participant, is subject to verification. By entering the contest, the participant consents to share personal information with Red River College Polytechnic for the purposes of administering the contest and also consents to receive email communications from the College in relation to academic programs, news and events.

All personal information is handled in accordance with Red River College Polytechnic Policy G3— Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy and the RRC Polytech Website Privacy Statement.

Complete and submit an online entry form before the closing date. Limit one entry per person.

• Odds of Winning: Odds of winning the prize are dependent on the decision of the Orange Shirt Design Selection Committee.

• Time Frame: The contest begins at 2:00 p.m. CT on Friday, February 28, 2025, and closes at 3:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. No entries submitted after the close of the contest will be accepted.

• Prize: One winner will receive the following prize: $1,000 and a feature story on the Indigenous Blog.

1. Winner Selection and Notification: Winners will be selected by the Orange Shirt Design Selection Committee at Red River College Polytechnic at 3:30 p.m. CT on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and must correctly answer a time-limited mathematical skill-testing question in order to redeem the prizes as required by the Government of Manitoba. If the winner is unable to answer the skill-testing question, they will be unable to claim the prize and a new winner will be chosen using the same method, excluding all previous winners. The winners will be notified within approximately (1) business day of the selection via either email or telephone. The prize may be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner if: (a) two (2) attempts to contact the winner by phone and/or e-mail within 24 hours are not successful; (2) if required by the contest organizer, any declaration and release forms are not signed and returned within the state time period. The contest organizer reserves the right to cancel the contest if there are no entries received by 12:00 p.m. CT on April 30, 2025.
2. Awarding of the Prize: The winner may be asked to present photo identification as verification to claim the prize. Any federal, provincial or local taxes associated with the receipt or use of the prize are the sole responsibility of the winner. No substitutions or exchanges (including for cash) of the prize will be permitted, except that the contest organizer reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value for any prize. The prize is awarded “as is” and without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Where disclosed, currency is in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stipulated.
3. Declaration of Release: By participating in this contest, entrants agree to release and hold harmless Red River College Polytechnic, and any of its officers, directors, representatives, agents, and employees, from any and all liability from injury, loss or damage of any kind resulting from acceptance, possession, use or misuse of any prize, participation in this contest, any breach of these contest rules, or in any prize-related activity. Each entrant agrees to fully indemnify the Released Parties from any and all claims by third parties relating to the contest, without limitation.
4. Release for Promotional Purposes: Entrance into this contest constitutes permission for Red River College Polytechnic to use the winner’s name, city and provinces/territories of residence and likenesses for purposes of advertising and publicity in any and all media now or hereafter known throughout the world in perpetuity, without further compensation, notification, or permission, unless prohibited by law.
5. Limitation of Liability: By entering the contest, participants agree to accept these official rules and any decisions of the contest organizer, which shall be final in all matters. By entering the contest, participants release the contest organizer from any liability whatsoever, and waive any and all causes of action, related to any claims, costs, injuries, losses, or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with the contest or delivery, misdelivery, acceptance, possession, use of or inability to use any prize. The contest organizer assumes no responsibility for lost, stolen, delayed, damaged or misdirected entries or for any failure, or for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, or computer transmission during the contest period. The contest organizer reserves the right to disqualify any person enters the contest or tries to do so by any means contrary to these rules or which would be unfair to other entrants.
6. Contest Organizer: Red River College Polytechnic, 2055 Notre Dame Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0J9.

For any questions related to the Orange Shirt Contest, please contact Robin Ringland, Indigenous Communications Officer, at rringland@rrc.ca.

Join us for an engaging discussion on the teachings of the Goose Moon (March Full Moon) and seasonal teachings of the Spring Solstice. Open to staff, students, and faculty, this gathering is a chance to connect, learn, and reflect with community.

• Wednesday, March 12 – Exchange District Campus, Room P107, 12 PM – 1 PM
• Thursday, March 27 – Notre Dame Campus, Room F205, 11:30 PM – 12:30 PM

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. No registration required—just drop in and join the conversation!

For questions, contact Terri-Lynn Anderson, Truth and Reconciliation Coordinator, at tlanderson@rrc.ca.

About Ivana Yellowback

Ivana Yellowback is a member of Manto Sipi Cree Nation (Treaty 5) with ties to Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (Treaty 6) and was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Treaty 1). She is an Associate Producer, Writer, and Co-Host of 7th GEN and has acted in DJ Burnt Bannock and Little Bird, all available on APTN Lumi. Ivana is also the co-creator, host, writer, and executive producer of the Indigenous supernatural podcast Creepee Tepee.

Beyond film and media, she is an Executive Training Facilitator with the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute, an Executive Board Member of Sākihiwē Festival, and a Registered Social Worker. She is also a co-creator of miteh atôskê, which offers Indigenous-based healing programs, and is a traditional singer with Kind Hart Women Singers.

Join us for a powerful screening about the resilience of spirit.

This stunning documentary by Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie is a tribute to the resilience of Indigenous people, offering a profound cinematic portrait of community and justice during a time of international reckoning.

Don’t miss this important and moving film. All staff are welcome.

• Thursday, March 20 – Notre Dame Campus, Orange Lecture Theatre, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

This free staff event is hosted by the Truth & Reconciliation team, light snacks and beverages will be provided. Doors will open at 1:00 PM to get refreshments before the screening.

To register, go to HRIS > My Portal > My Learning > Learning Library > More > search SUGARCANE.

If you have any barriers to participation in this session that require accessible accommodations, please contact orgdev@rrc.ca.

About SUGARCANE

In 2021, evidence of unmarked graves was discovered on the grounds of an Indian residential school run by the Catholic Church in Canada. After years of silence, the forced separation, assimilation and abuse many children experienced at these segregated boarding schools was brought to light, sparking a national outcry against a system designed to destroy Indigenous communities.

Set amidst a groundbreaking investigation, SUGARCANE illuminates the beauty of a community breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma and finding the strength to persevere.

As this may be an emotional experience, an Elder will be in attendance to provide support as needed. It is recommended that you afford yourself space to reflect afterwards and if you need additional support, please access our Employee and Family Assistance Program.

The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

Are you a professional looking for a new way to contribute to your community or industry?

Join us for an insightful webinar on the Circle of Friends Mentorship Program at RRC Polytech, a transformative initiative designed to support Indigenous learners throughout their academic journey and into their early careers. This program aims to empower Indigenous students, helping them build confidence, develop skills, and prepare for their future careers.

During this webinar, you will:

• Learn about the program’s goals and structure: Discover how the Circle of Friends Mentorship Program fosters community, builds confidence, and creates lasting connections between students and industry professionals.
• Explore opportunities for involvement: Find out how your company can participate in this initiative by becoming a mentor. Learn how to assess your readiness to support an Indigenous student and meet them where they are at.

This webinar is an excellent opportunity for companies, prospective students, current students, alumni, and community members to learn more about how RRC Polytech is creating a supportive and inclusive environment for Indigenous learners and building the next generation of Indigenous workforce.

Platform: Microsoft Teams
Presenter: Kelly Krakalovich, Mentorship Coordinator

Choose a date that works for you:

• February 18, 1pm – 2pm
• February 26, 10am – 11am
• February 27, 11am – 12pm

Register now to secure your spot and be part of this important conversation about mentorship, community, and the future of Indigenous education at RRC Polytech.

Join the fun and honor Métis culture with exciting events at NDC and EDC!

Wednesday, Feb 12 at EDC (P407)

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

• Moose & Goose Calling Contest – Show off your skills!
• Bannock Break – Pop by for some delicious bannock!

Friday, Feb 14 at NDC (F205)

12:15 PM – 12:45 PM

• Live Performance by Morgan Grace – Watch this talented student from Morgan Grace Music play her fiddle in the Library Hallway!

Don’t miss out—come celebrate, connect, and have a blast!

Whether you feel called to the beat of the drum or are curious about Indigenous culture and arts, everyone is welcome. Bring your hand drum, or feel free to use a community drum available at the centers. It’s going to be a fantastic time, and we’d love to have you join us!

Knowledge Keeper-in-Residence Richard Curé will lead the Drumming Circles and offer Fan Downs. No registration is required. Drop in at the centers any time between 12pm – 4pm. If you have any questions, connect with Sharon Bear, Indigenous Support Centre Coordinator, at sbear40@rrc.ca.

Register today!

The University of Manitoba, Red River College and Global Affairs Canada are delighted to elevate Indigenous voices in international relations for this gathering. Indigenous leaders have a deep diplomatic history and strong global networks. Through this event, students will engage with Indigenous diplomats, politicians and community leaders. This will be a unique opportunity to make lasting connections and learn from leaders committed to strengthening Indigenous relations and diplomatic approaches that are rooted in rich Indigenous history, teachings and cultures.

Join us at the Manitoba Indigenous Diplomacy Forum on Friday, March 14, 2025, and engage with Indigenous leaders today – become a leader tomorrow!

This gathering is all about starting a conversation on Indigenous diplomacy, how leaders have shaped it and how students can be part of its future. It’s a chance to explore global opportunities, connect with Indigenous diplomats, and see how they are driving reconciliation and representation. Whether it’s learning about international relations or finding a path to a career in diplomacy, this is an open door for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. With a strong focus on Manitoba, we are building connections, creating opportunities, and making sure Indigenous voices are heard on the world stage.

The opening ceremonies will kick off at 10:30 AM, with a keynote address focusing on Indigenous Diplomacy – Past, Present, and Future. Following that, at 12:00 PM, there will be a networking lunch with Indigenous diplomats, leaders and politicians, and special guests. At 1:05 PM, the discussion will turn to The Role of Indigenous Youth in International Relations, highlighting the important contributions of young Indigenous voices. The first panel at 1:25 PM will explore Manitoba Indigenous Leadership in International Affairs, and the second panel at 2:50 PM will cover Global Affairs Canada – Indigenous Representation Abroad.

Register with Jessica Bloomfield, Senior Strategic Advisor, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development by email at jbloomfield@rrc.ca with Indigenous Diplomacy Forum – Student Registration as the subject line.

The Indigenous Diplomacy Forum – Global Affairs Canada

Date: Friday, March 14, 2025

Time: 10:30am – 3:40 pm

Location: Manitoba Legislative Building