Unleash your creativity while learning about one of Manitoba’s most iconic figures!

This hands-on workshop invites students of all levels to dive into the life and legacy of Louis Riel — Métis leader, visionary, and the founding father of Manitoba.

Through the creation of a paper collage, you’ll explore Red River Métis history, celebrate Riel’s impact on Métis identity and rights, and honour his role in shaping our province. Come away with a deeper understanding of Métis pride and a piece of art that tells a powerful story.

Register for the Collage Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 16 by emailing Terri-Lynn at tlanderson@rrc.ca.

• Thursday, Feb. 16 • 4:30pm – 6pm
• E235, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus

About the Louis Riel Institute

The Louis Riel Institute is the official educational and cultural arm of the Manitoba Métis Federation. It was incorporated in 1988 and formally recognized by the Manitoba Legislature in 1995. The Institute is dedicated to promoting Métis history, culture, language, and identity through education.

It offers a range of programs and services, including cultural workshops, Michif language support, adult learning programs, and educational bursaries. The Institute also operates out of Riel House National Historic Site, where it delivers culturally focused programming that brings Métis heritage to life.

Through its work, the Louis Riel Institute empowers Métis citizens, families, and communities by fostering cultural pride and supporting lifelong learning.

Métis jigging is a high-energy dance that ensures mental and physical fitness.

Jigging has brought Métis people together for generations — it’s more than just dance, it’s a celebration of identity, community, and resilience.

Join us at the Indigenous Support Centre for Jig ’n’ Time, an energetic evening of jigging and square dancing led by renowned instructor Dean Davis. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned stepper, come connect through rhythm, laughter, and tradition as part of our Louis Riel Day celebrations.

Dean has taught dancers of all ages across Manitoba — many of whom have gone on to become champion performers. Through weekly lessons at the Métis Club and workshops in schools, he continues to pass down the joy and cultural power of dance to the next generation.

So grab your dancing shoes — let’s keep the tradition alive, one step at a time!

• Wednesday, Feb. 15 • 5pm – 8pm
• F209, Notre Dame Campus

Register for the Jig ‘n’ Time workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 15 by emailing Terri-Lynn at tlanderson@rrc.ca.

About Dean Davis

Dancing has been a huge part of Dean’s life for the last 20 years and for the last decade, he has trained dancers of all ages and levels in cultural Métis jigging and square dancing.

Dean has performed over 400 shows as a square dancer with well-known groups such as the Asham Stompers and the Métis Club Traditional Dancers. He has danced in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba and made appearances in Saskatchewan, Ontario, Alberta, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

His own training began at the age of 40 at the Métis Club of Winnipeg, where he learned to jig and later began dancing with the Asham Stompers. The Asham Stompers are a synonymous dance group showcasing the Métis jig internationally.

Beadwork is more than just decoration!

It’s a deeply rooted Indigenous art form that tells stories, preserves culture, and connects generations. Join us in the Indigenous Support Centre for a hands-on Beading Workshop led by Jennine Krauchi, a celebrated Métis beadwork artist known around the world for her stunning, traditional floral designs.

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced beader, this is a rare opportunity to learn from a master and explore the rich history and meaning behind this beautiful art form. All materials provided – everyone is welcome!

• Tuesday, Feb. 14 • 4:30pm – 7:30pm
• F209, Notre Dame Campus

Register for the Beading Workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 14 by emailing Terri-Lynn at tlanderson@rrc.ca.

About Jennine Krauchi

Jennine Krauchi is a Métis beadwork artist and designer. She produces clothing and creates replicas for organizations like the Manitoba Museum, Parks Canada, The Canadian Museum of History, The Canadian Museum for Human Rights and many more around the world, including those in places like Scotland, France and the USA.

Jennine teaches beadwork, quillwork and moccasin and mukluk making.  She teaches in schools and at festivals throughout Canada, and has had the opportunity to teach in Europe.

Most recently, Jennine participated in two exhibits: A Hard Birth at the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Radical Stitch at the MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina.

Kick off the Louis Riel Day celebrations with us!

On Monday, Feb. 13 at 11am in the South Gym at Notre Dame Campus, an information gallery will be presented by the Manitoba Métis Federation.

Students and staff are invited to enter a draw for a free bus pass for March and other goodies!

We’re pleased to welcome the Minister of Education and Co-Minister of Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Strategy Agreement, Joan Ledoux, to give a keynote. Joan Ledoux is a cabinet member of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) for The Pas region and the Chair of the Louis Riel Institute (LRI).

No registration required to attend.

Like everyone else, life’s path has taken me down the road of trials, tribulations, hardships, and successes, but through these lived experiences, I have gained the ability, skills, and knowledge to be effective and efficient in sharing what I have to offer you.

 It has made me who I am today. I am honored to serve as the voice of our Métis Government of Manitoba.

Joan Ledoux

About Joan Ledoux

Joan has served three terms on the MMF Cabinet and previously chaired the Flin Flon Local, the Indian & Métis Friendship Centre, and the Provincial Management Board. Originally from Camperville, she earned a Bachelor of Education from Brandon University and worked for federal and provincial governments for 26 years before retiring from Manitoba Hydro in 2012.

As a proud Métis woman, Joan is dedicated to serving her community and advancing priorities like education and employment. She continues to showcase Métis culture and history, including through a memoir she’s writing for her family. Her work reflects a deep commitment to reconciliation and nation-to-nation relationships.

January has ended, the bundles have rested, and Sweat Lodges will resume for the new year.

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!

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! 

Join us to celebrate Louis Riel Day and Métis culture with a week of activities leading up to Monday, February 20!

Learn to bead and jig while experiencing Métis art forms in collage and fiddling!

Notre Dame Campus

• Monday, Feb. 13: South Gym, 11am – 2pm
  Manitoba Métis Federation gallery with keynote from the Minister of Provincial Education and Métis Employment & Training (MET) Joan Ledoux
• Tuesday, Feb. 14: F209, 4:30pm – 7:30pm
  Beading Workshop with Métis artist Jennine Krauchi
• Wednesday, Feb. 15: F209, 5pm – 8pm
  Jigging Workshop with Dean Davis from the Métis Club Traditional Dancers

Exchange District Campus

• Thursday, Feb. 16: Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae, E235, 4:30pm – 6pm
  Louis Riel Collage Workshop facilitated by the Louis Riel Institute
• Friday, Feb. 17: Roblin Centre in the Atrium, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
  Fiddle and guitar performance by Jason Lepine and Ben Page with tea and Bannock
• Monday, Feb. 20: Louis Riel Day
  RRC Polytech campuses closed

Please email Terri-Lynn Anderson at tlanderson@rrc.ca to register for the workshops on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Subscribe here for up-to-date information!

Are you looking for new ways to engage your body?

Join Indigenous Yoga instructor Dawn Chartrand for an evening of Yoga with an Indigenous infusion! Her practice focuses on introducing Indigenous people to healing and wellness through art and Yoga.

• Thursday, Feb. 2 • 6pm – 8pm
• Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus

All attendees can register by emailing Terri-Lynn Anderson at tlanderson@rrc.ca. Register now – space is limited!

About Dawn Chartrand

Dawn Marie Chartrand is a visual artist, musical entertainer, and yoga instructor.  She is a proud wife, mom of 4 and grandmother of 9, and is a member of Rolling River First Nation in Manitoba.

Dawn started painting in 2017 and was immediately drawn to creating Indigenous themed art. Dawn considers painting to be a very special form of wellness and self-care, and she has sold many of her paintings throughout Canada. Dawn offers painting and wellness workshops as a means of introducing others to the healing properties of creating art.

After 10 years of practicing yoga and driven by the low representation of Indigenous people in mainstream yoga classes, Dawn studied to become a yoga instructor and completed her training in May 2022. She has now launched her own yoga business, “OM-Digenous Yoga & Wellness”, and teaches several yoga classes per week with special focus on drawing Indigenous participants. Dawn’s intention is to create a safe and accessible environment where Indigenous people can feel welcome to participate, learn, and benefit from regular yoga practice.

With over 30 employers with job openings, we encourage all Indigenous students from around the College to attend!

Bring your resume and check out the booths!

Click here to see the list of job openings with each employer.

The Indigenous Career Fair will be open from 11am to 4pm, with a Panel Discussion at 12pm in the Roundhouse Auditorium and a lunch at 1pm. See the programming post for more details.

See you there!

Join us for a Panel Discussion at noon during the Indigenous Career Fair!

In the Roundhouse Auditorium at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, panelists, guided by our student hosts, will discuss what you can expect when you enter the workforce from their perspectives in different industries across Winnipeg. RRC Polytech partnered with the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce to make this event possible.

Panel Members

Brikena Dibra • Registered Nurse

Brikena is a Registered Nurse from Peguis, Manitoba. She is a College Transition alumna and graduated from RRC Polytech’s Nursing Program in 2021

Her grandparents raised her because of the hardships her parents endured due to intergenerational trauma. Brikena faced many tough roads on her journey to becoming a nurse, but found a meaningful place for herself at the College through the Indigenous Support Centre.

Brikena is now a Community Health Nurse with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the Manitoba Métis Federation. In the community, she helps to promote the health of the most vulnerable populations in Winnipeg and the Interlake.

“As a community health nurse, I try to think back to my roots. When working with our people, as an Indigenous person, I remember the teachings from my grandparents and Elders: to care for people the way I would want my family treated, and to promote health to all in a holistic manner. “

Brikena Dibra

Miranda Harper • Commercial Cash Management Manager

Miranda graduated from the College Prep for Aboriginal Students, now College Transition, with honors in the early 2000’s. She works as a Commercial Cash Management Manager with the First Nations Bank of Canada. She is responsible for the bank’s commercial business products and services all across Canada.

Miranda is a musician and when she’s not managing the First Nations Bank of Canada’s commercial cash, she sings and plays drums in an all-female band.

Theressa Thompson • Educational Assistant

Born and raised in Winnipeg, MB., Theressa is a member of Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation in Treaty 1 Territory.

Theressa is a College Transition (formerly APCET) graduate and interned for the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce for a few consecutive summers. She is currently working as an Educational Assistant at Gordon Bell High School as part of the Winnipeg School Division. This is her fourth year as an EA.

She’s working towards her teaching degree and is a third-year student in the Community Aboriginal Teacher Education Program at the University of Winnipeg. She aims to have her Bachelor of Arts in English by the end of this academic year (fingers crossed!). Theressa enjoys film, music, snacking, and spending quality time with her two children, Adelaide and Scotty, and her husband Andreas when not in work- or student-mode.

Renata Meconse • Board Member

Renata is a proud Anishinaabe Ikwe who lives in Winnipeg and is from Pinaymootang First Nation in Treaty 2 Territory. She has focused her career on communications primarily with the Indigenous community in Manitoba. She has worked with a number of Indigenous organizations in Manitoba, provincial and federal governments and the private sector.

As an artist and entrepreneur, Renata and her business partner have planned several Indigenous Arts Markets in Winnipeg since 2018. Their goal is to build economic opportunities for local Indigenous artisans and small businesses by providing culturally-safe and welcoming spaces where customers can also shop local and Indigenous!

Renata is a board member of the MB Indigenous Chamber of Commerce and is a Creative Communications graduate from RRC Polytech. She credits the great career opportunities she’s had to her education at RRC Polytech and the time she invested in herself and her professional development.

Student Hosts

Jo-Ann Johnson • Tour Guide for Notre Dame Campus

Jo-Ann is a Métis student in her second year of Community Development. She’s passionate about education and tourism to promote Truth and Reconciliation.

When Jo-Ann isn’t on campus studying, you will find her on a geocaching adventure or singing karaoke with friends.

We can’t wait to see you at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae on Wednesday the 18^th! To pre-register and be entered to win a $50.00 SkipTheDishes gift card, visit the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce’s website.

For more information about the Indigenous Career Fair programming and employer booths, check out this blog post! If you want some tips and advice to prepare, check out this post!

Join us for a meet-and-greet with Knowledge Keeper Richard Curé!

Grab a coffee, introduce yourself, and have a chat at either of the Indigenous Support Centres! Read more about Richard and his role as a Knowledge Keeper here!