Sistering Indigenous and Western Science (SINEWS) is a paid mentorship program for female-identifying students. SINEWS supports pairs of students in the development and implementation of projects that address the needs of Indigenous communities. Selected projects will focus on braiding traditional Indigenous knowledge with western scientific methods under the guidance of experienced research scientists, Elders, and community knowledge keepers. At least one member of each pair needs to be Indigenous to qualify for this program.

Register for the SINEWS Information Session on Monday, December 12 at 1:30 pm!

This information session will cover the fundamental aspects of the SINEWS program and the application details. The presentation and slideshow will be about 30 minutes and time will be allotted at the end for a Q&A.

For more information and to apply to SINEWS, visit the Government of Canada website Sistering Indigenous and Western Science program (nrcan.gc.ca).

For Indigenous students at RRC Polytech living with disabilities, the observance of Indigenous Disability Awareness Month has potential to be a turning point for the College. Offiially adopted in Manitoba in 2021, this year is the first time the College marked the observance.

Teddy Lands (they/them, she/her), a Creative Communications student living with visible and invisible disabilities, says recognizing the intersection between Indigeneity and disability is important to address the unique issues and layered experiences that many Indigenous people living with disabilities face in every day life.

“If I’m having a hard day and people see me staggering a little bit while walking, or my eyes start wandering, they make assumptions about me because I’m Indigenous. It doesn’t occur to them first that I might have a disability,” says Lands.

According to the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability, Indigenous people were more likely to have one or more disabilities than non-Indigenous people. Disabilities across the board ranged from pain-related conditions and mobility problems to mental health and cognition issues.

Compassion is a huge outcome of raising awareness on disability, especially during Indigenous Disability Awareness Month. Offering help to someone that appears to be having difficulty managing on their own can directly challenge the stereotypes and assumptions people living with disabilities might face.

Lands used Accessibility Services when they entered Creative Communications last year and has since had a range of options to help them be successful—from switching to the part time stream of the program, to regular check-ins with a counsellor, the program coordinator and instructors.

“The network I built at the College is as important as the support network I have at home,” says Lands.

Instructors are provided with information and resources on how to best accommodate student needs, like implementing the use of assistive technology, having accessibility staff to take notes for students, or allowing extensions for assignments and tests, among the many other options. Having that two-way communication helps Lands stay in class.

Lands says observances like Indigenous Disability Awareness Month can help catalyze systemic change as people learn more about how having disabilities and being Indigenous can impact a person’s life. Ensuring people can get access to the resources they need, even if that means going into a deficit, means that decision makers will see the need for these services and act on it.

“Support services should do away with standardized tests,” says Lands, noting standardized evaluations, like IQ tests, don’t necessarily reflect the intelligence of people who don’t fit those standards, whether it’s cultural- or ability-based differences.

“I’ve met people with two-digit IQs who are the most brilliant people I’ve ever met. Just because they’re not textbook smart, doesn’t mean they’re not intelligent. I have cognitive issues that affect my ability to perform academically—doesn’t mean that what I have to contribute isn’t valuable,” says Lands.

Lands, who has dyslexia and other cognitive impairments, says that developing relationships and communicating regularly with instructors, staff, and peers really helps to alleviate the pressure they’re under to perform at the same capacity as those who don’t use accommodations. A program like Creative Communications can be especially challenging for people with cognitive disabilities.

Kelly Stifora, Program Coordinator for Creative Communications, says support is very individualized and that instructors and students both rely on counsellors to coordinate solutions for meeting student needs.

“Students need a lot of resilience to be successful, even without the need for accommodations. It’s a matter of leveling the playing field for those students that need those accommodations,” says Stifora. “Academically speaking, students who have accommodations for their needs are just as successful as students who don’t use accommodations,” says Stifora.

Additionally, 4 Seasons of Reconciliation training is mandatory for all RRC Polytech staff and faculty to acquire a baseline knowledge of the initiatives in Truth and Reconciliation at the College and how these initiatives contribute to the healing of Indigenous peoples in our community. This training is supplemented by voluntary professional development opportunities, like the blanket exercise.

As for Teddy Lands, they say the current approach is a good start and has been working for them so far.

“After CreComm, I want to use my diploma and my experience in social work to influence change in education policies to be more forgiving for people with disabilities and cultural differences. It’s not just for me, but for my daughter and others living with disabilities, Indigenous or not,” says Lands.

For now, raising awareness during Indigenous Disability Awareness month is the first step in making sure students know that supports are available for them.

Students, staff and faculty can visit Accessibility Services at the College’s Winnipeg campuses in person Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm in room D102 at the Notre Dame Campus and in room P210 at the Roblin Centre. Accessibility Services has a page on RRC Polytech’s website to find more information on their services or to book appointments virtually. Staff members who need accommodations to work can contact their immediate supervisors or the Supportive Employment Program.

If you’d like to contribute to future professional development opportunities, the Diversity Self-Identification Survey helps the College to get a better picture of where we can provide more supports and better inform EDI initiatives. Click here to get started.

If you or someone you know someone is struggling to maintain steady work or stay in school, the Compass Skills Program can help.

Compass Skills is a free, paid 10-week course with potential for post-program financial assistance for education or employment.

Learners will gain the skills they need to enter post-secondary education or the workforce. They’ll learn how to manage their resources, self-reflect and plan for the future, and have access to culturally-inclusive supports for a holistic experience.

Compass Skills focuses on personal and professional growth. The program is not designed to put the pressure of grades or competition on learners. Compass Skills is designed with learners’ success in mind.

The Compass Skills program is delivered 25 hours a week, or five hours per day, Monday to Friday, which can be flexible based on learners’ needs. Childcare support options are available to help learners find the time to learn and grow.

Compass Skills participants will receive a living wage to support them while they learn. They’ll get training in first aid and mental health first aid, Manitoba Health Certified Food Handler Training, and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Compass Skills will help learners access the class 5 learner’s driver’s license handbook, the Canadian Adult Achievement Test Level C (CAAT), the CliftonStrengths Test, and criminal record checks.

Compass Skills introduces participants to life skills that aren’t necessarily reflected in the standard education system and would otherwise be inaccessible without first having someone to show them how to nurture these skills.

When does Compass Skills start?

Compass Skills starts Monday January 9, 2023, and runs until Friday, March 17, 2023.

Who can apply?

Compass Skills is offered to learners ages 18 – 30, who are Indigenous (First Nations status, First Nations non-status, Inuit, Métis), and not already in education or employment. Access to a laptop or computer is required to participate fully.

Transcripts, textbooks, references, and payments are not required.

If you or anyone you know is ready to apply to Compass Skills, check out the program page here for more information and to apply.

If you have any questions, contact Monica Morin, Program Manager, at momorin@rrc.ca.

Join us in NDC’s Indigenous Support Centre for a Holiday Craft Making Family Fun Night! Supplies for the holiday crafts will be provided, and refreshments and snacks will be available. All staff and students are welcome to bring their families and friends for a night of holiday creativity!

When: 5 pm – 8 pm, Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Where: Indigenous Support Centre F209, Notre Dame Campus

Send an email to Terri-Lynn at tlanderson@rrc.ca to register.

Pathway to IT Programs is still accepting applications all December long! When you submit your application, remember that you also need to provide proof that you have submitted all the required documents:

• High school transcript, or proof of enrolment in high school
• Transcripts from any other post-secondary you may have attended
• The application

The enrolment fee is waived until the second semester, so you don’t need to include any proof of payment in your proof of submission.

**From today, proof of submission is required within 5 days of submitting your application.**

If you submitted your application before November 28, you still have 30 days to submit your proof of submission.

If you need assistance with organizing your proof of submission, talk to Marshall Richard, Indigenous Liaison Advisor at indigenous@rrc.ca and he can help you out.

Check out this blog post for supplemental information and a tutorial to fill out the application, or visit the Program Information page directly to get started on your application!

Register now for an on-demand Information Session presented by Jamie Chahine, Manager, Access Pathway Programs and Marshall Richard, Indigenous Liaison Advisor!

If you have any questions, you can contact Marshall at indigenous@rrc.ca.

We are currently accepting applications for the Pathway to IT Programs for the Winter term that starts on Monday, January 3, 2023. You can access the application on the Pathway to IT Programs webpage when you’re ready to apply!

Movement and Wellness with Yoga Instructor Dawn Chartrand on Nov. 30 will be postponed until the new year due to unforeseen circumstances.

Date and time will be forthcoming in January. Location will remain in the Roundhouse Auditorium at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae.

We’ll keep attendees on the register until the new date is available and be in contact to ensure they can attend. No need to re-register. New attendees can register with Terri-Lynn tlanderson@rrc.ca when the new date becomes available.

To receive up-to-date information on events, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and hit the subscribe button to receive updates to the blog right to your inbox.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We hope to see you in January 2023!

Please see the new schedule as updated in February 2023.

Join us for Sweat Lodges in the Medicine Wheel Garden with Elder Paul Guimond!

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 to our blog for reminders of upcoming Sweats and any schedule changes!

Sweat Lodge Ceremonies are a way to heal oneself and connect with all four parts of the self: the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Limit of 20 participants per Lodge. Register now! 

You’re invited to participate in a Sweat Lodge Ceremony, hosted by Elder-in-Residence, Paul Guimond. Indigenous and Non-Indigenous students will have the opportunity to connect spiritually through a Ceremonial Sweat Lodge, followed by a Feast on Tuesday, November 22 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  To register, please send an email to Stephanie Wright at sdwright@rrc.ca with the following information:

• Name
• Student number
• Any dietary restrictions for the Feast

When: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November  22, 2022

Where: Medicine Wheel Garden and Sweat Lodge Facilities at the Notre Dame Campus

Elder Paul joined RRC Polytech in 2018 as an Elder-in-Residence and has since hosted many traditional ceremonies and Sweat Lodges across the College in addition to offering the Indigenous Worldview through Indigenous Teachings and Sharing Circles. He’s a Sundance Bundle Carrier (Chief), Sweat Lodge Bundle Carrier (Water drum) and Dark Room Bundle Carrier. He is an active Elder with Addictions Foundation of Manitoba and Sagkeeng Child & Family Services and offers healing, spiritual growth, and personal development through ceremony, programming, and establishing healthy relationships. To learn more about Elder Paul and connect, please see his profile on our website.

Sweat Lodge Ceremonies are a way to heal oneself and connect with all four parts of the self: the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Register now! Limit of 20 participants per Lodge.

If you’re into tech and wondering if a career in IT would be a good fit for you, try answering these questions:

• Are you curious?
• Do you think of creative solutions to problems in your everyday life?
• Does your family ask you to troubleshoot their electronics for them?
• Do you enjoy collaborating with others and working in a team?
• Do you like playing video games and want to know how they work?
• Are you interested in having your own online store?
• Do you want to start an online business?
• Do you have great ideas for telling stories through digital mediums?
• Do you see websites or online services and think, “I can do this better”?

If you answered “Yes!” to any of the above questions, Pathway to IT Programs can help you find the best program to achieve your career goals and develop your tech skills! You could literally get a job and get paid for doing the above, and we want to help get you there!

Committing to a full-time diploma program is a huge decision. You could spend a lot of time, money, and effort before even knowing what you want to do with your career. With Pathways, you can explore the different options in a specific industry while preparing for the overall dedication and hard work that come with college diploma programs.

It’s like taking a dip in the shallow end of the education pool to adjust to the temperature, stretch your muscles, and get warmed up. When you’re finished, you’ll be ready to jump off the diving board into the deep end of college, where you’ll get the qualifications and confidence you need to land a fulfilling, profitable career in information technology.

Pathway to IT Programs preps you for Business Information Technology, Information Security, and/or IT Operations and makes you eligible for one of five reserved seats in each of these programs so you don’t have to sit on a waitlist.

We’re offering individual courses to high school students as a trial for the Pathway and to help build an understanding of how Pathways can help you get the experience you need to succeed in college.

Sign up here to receive an on-demand Information Session for the Pathway to IT Programs.

Pathway to IT Courses

First term (4 months)

• Communication Strategies: Improves your person-to-person communication by teaching strategic communication practices like: knowing what you want to say, how to say it, and the best way to get someone to understand you.
• Introduction to Business Computing: Shows you how to use Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and how you can use these for work.
• IT Service Management: Teaches you how to meet the needs of a business, how to train customers on using new technology, and how to troubleshoot common IT problems.
• IT Foundations: Introduces you to typical IT departments and the roles of various IT professionals. You’ll also learn things like software and app development, installing additional devices to computers like printers, and how computers physically operate.
• Introduction to Professional Studies: Teaches you everything you need to know for college that no one ever thinks to teach, like setting goals, improving time management, developing studying and test-taking skills, understanding self-assessment and reflective practice, and developing critical thinking.

Second term (4 months)

• Introduction to Program Logic: Introduces you to programming and Boolean operations.
• Customer Experience: teaches you the “value delivery model”, prepares you for scenarios with customers through role playing and simulations, and introduces you to conflict management techniques.
• Security Foundations: Shows you how to assess digital security, monitor digital threats, and respond to specific events.
• Sprint to Innovate: This is a work-integrated learning experience where you can apply everything you learned in your other courses to develop solutions for clients’ IT challenges.
• Introduction to Computer Technology Professions: Introduces you to a range of professions within IT and you can learn about different career options.

If you’re ready to apply for the Pathway to IT Programs, email Indigenous Liaison Advisor Marshall Richard at marichard@rrc.ca or indigenous@rrc.ca. Or you can fill out the PDF form and submit it to the Student Service Centre at documents@rrc.ca.

Application Tutorial

Apply to the Pathway to IT Programs in 20 minutes!

Step 1: You can view the PDF Application here and follow along. You can fill it out in the browser or download it and fill it out in an application like Adobe Acrobat.

This is what the first page looks like. There are four pages in total and we’ll go through one by one.

Step 2: The box at the top labelled “OFFICE USE ONLY” you don’t need to fill out.

Step 3: Read the text in the light red box on the left. Not everything will apply to this program, but make sure you understand the parts that apply to you:

Step 4: Below the red box, indicate that you are applying for the Pathway to IT Programs.

Note: this is the first time we are doing this program, so you won’t need the re-admission field. You can apply the Transfer Student field if you are switching programs, but if you aren’t already in a college program, don’t worry about it. Finally, the Pathway to IT is a full-time program and you will get a Certificate of Completion when you finish that will qualify you for one of the reserved seats in an IT Program, so you don’t want to be an Undeclared Student.

Anything that doesn’t apply to you, you can leave blank.

Step 5: Next to the light red box on the right will be the section for your legal name. Enter all that applies. If something doesn’t apply, you can leave it blank or N/A for “not applicable”.

Step 6: The next section will be your Social Insurance Number (SIN). Make sure you don’t leave your computer unattended while you are filling this section out. Don’t worry about the spacing in the form; as long as the information is accurate, it doesn’t need to fill the whole line.

Step 7: The next section is your birthdate. Use the month/day/year format. Jane here was born on January 1, 1999.

Step 8: The next section is your home address. A reminder that this program is only open to Indigenous People from Canada. Please indicate where in Manitoba you are from.

Note: the “city” field is a little wonky. Don’t worry, we’ll still be able to understand the community name! Jane here is from Selkirk. Again, don’t worry about the spacing in the field, as long as the information is accurate, we’ll understand.

Step 9: The final section of the first page is giving us permission to send you emails. This is the most efficient way of getting information to you since it’s instantaneous and we don’t have to play phone tag in your busy schedule!

Step 10: Onto page two! Here’s what it looks like.

Step 11: On page two, the first section on the left is Emergency Contact information. This is the person we will contact if you’re involved in an emergency.

Step 12: The next section below is “Other information”. It’s a rundown of your citizenship, what you did in the past year, and why you want to attend RRC Polytech.

Since Pathway programs are only open to people of Canadian Indigenous ancestry, don’t worry about filling out the part about country of origin/date of entry/other citizenship. Indicate that you have Canadian citizenship. You can choose multiple options for “What influenced you to apply to RRC Polytech?”

The answers for “What was your main activity in the last year?” and “What influenced you to apply to RRC Polytech?” won’t influence your acceptance into the program.

Step 13: The next section is Additional Information. This is where you declare that you are of Indigenous ancestry: First Nations status, First Nations non-status, Metis, or Inuit. You also may indicate your gender: female, male, or another gender identity, which encompasses Two Spirit, nonbinary, transgender, etc.

You may indicate if you have a disability that can be accommodated through Accessibility Services to ensure that you have the opportunity to participate in class at the same capacity as your peers.

Step 14: The next section, at the top of page two on the right, is the English Language Requirements. Indicate if English is the first language you learned and what language is the language you use in everyday life.

In the next part of this section, indicate if you have finished high school.

If you completed high school in Manitoba, say “yes” and move to the next page.

If you went to school in Manitoba/Canada but didn’t graduate, select the second option and move to the next page.

If you didn’t complete high school in Manitoba, indicate “No” and answer the questions to the best of your ability in the next part.

If you graduated high school in the US, indicate which school you went to.

If you went to school in Manitoba but did not graduate, indicate the extent to which you completed your education or if you have an English Language Assessment.

Step 15: On to page three! We are halfway done. Here’s what page three looks like.

Step 16: The light red box on the top left is a continuation from the previous page’s section “English Language Requirements Important Exceptions”, which is a list of programs that are not eligible for the Manitoba High School and Post-Secondary English Language Requirements options. No action is needed here.

The first section on page three that you need to fill out is Educational Background. This is where you indicate what high school and/or any post-secondaries you attended. There are two sections for post-secondaries in case you attended more than one.

Step 17: The next section is on the right, just below the second “College/University Attended” in a light red box. You don’t need to fill out anything here, just make sure you read and understand the submission of required documentation.

Step 18: The next section is an agreement that you understand the conditions of the application. Read over it carefully then check “Yes” in the boxes throughout the section on page 4.

(This is where it continues onto page four.)

Step 19: On to page four!

Now that you have checked the “Yes” boxes in the “Please affirm before submitting your application” section, you can sign the form with your signature.

Do not type in your name. Please either print the sheets to sign then scan them and upload to your computer, scan your signature and paste it into the document, or create a digital signature in Google Docs or Adobe Acrobat. Linked here are tutorials on both creating a digital signature in Google Docs and using the scanner on iPhones in the Notes app.

Step 20: The next section is the information for the application fee. Since Pathway to IT has had its fees waived, you don’t need to worry about this section.

Step 21: Now you submit your application and documentation!

Download your application and save it to your computer so you have a digital copy.

If you want to submit this application in person, you can print at home and bring it to any of the locations listed in this section.

You can also email your application to documents@rrc.ca. If you need any help with the application or locating financial aid, you can always email Indigenous Liaison Advisor Marshall Richard at marichard@rrc.ca or indigenous@rrc.ca.

And that’s it! Remember to submit the documentation within the timeframe indicated, for example: if you apply on November 28, 2022, you have until December 28, 2022 to submit proof of completion. If you apply on November 30, 2022, you’ll need to provide proof by December 5, 2022.

We can’t wait to see you in January!