Truth and Reconciliation Week is a collaboration between the Students’ Association and Indigenous Student Supports and Community Relations. Beginning with Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters, and closing on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Honouring and Awareness Day, this week is dedicated to learning about Indigenous culture and history and starting a conversation around Truth and Reconciliation and the 94 Calls to Action. All are welcome to participate in special events and join the conversation. Every Child Matters shirts and MMIWG shirts are available for purchase at the Campus Store.

We will be asking staff and students to help us collect Messages of Reconciliation on red paper dresses at both campuses (in the Library Hallway and Roblin Atrium) leading up to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Honouring and Awareness Day on Friday, Oct 4. We hope to fill the hallway with red dresses. At the end of the week, the SA will mail the messages to the federal government.

More detail about specific events and topics can be found at the bottom of this post.

Notre Dame Campus Events

All week long in the Library Hall, there will be information and activities to learn more about TRC and Indigenous culture and issues.

You’ll also find more information about the Moose Hide Campaign, a grassroots movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys who are standing up against violence towards women and children. Wearing this moose hide signifies your commitment to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in your life and to work together to end violence against women and children.

Monday, Sept 30

Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters
Wear an Orange Shirt to honour the survivors of the Canadian Residential School System.

Guest Speaker: Kim Wheeler
Community Economic Development students host Kim Wheeler for a discussion on Canada’s Residential School System and Orange Shirt Day.
9:30 am – 11 am | eTV Studio, GM31
Live streamed to all campuses.

Traditional Sharing Circle: Understanding the Effects of Residential Schools
11 am – 12 pm | Indigenous Support Centre, F209
All are welcome!

Movie Monday: Truth and Reconciliation Edition
*Dance Me Outside with special guest Ryan Black
12 pm – 1 pm | The Cave
Free popcorn and beverages.
*Please note: content may be triggering.

Tuesday, Oct 1

Guest Speaker: Travis Bighetty, Bear Clan Patrol Inc.
12 pm – 1 pm | The Cave
Live stream option available. (See below for Live Stream instructions.)

Wednesday, Oct 2

Learn to Make a Dream Catcher
Supplies and snacks will be provided. Limited supplies – available on a first come, first served basis.
4 pm – 7 pm | The Cave

Thursday, Oct 3

RRCSA Spectrum Grand Opening
Join us for the official opening and blessing of the Spectrum space: a safe place for LGBQT2S people and their allies to spend time in.
11:50 am | Indigenous Support Centre, F209: Smudge
12:15 am | Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Friday, Oct 4

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Honouring and Awareness Day
We invite staff and students to wear red in recognition of MMIWG.

This River with special guest Erika MacPherson
A 20 minute short documentary on the devastating experience of searching for a loved one who didn’t come home.
11 am – 11:30 am | Indigenous Support Centre, F209

Indigenous Market
Enjoy some wild rice pudding, bannock, performances, and support Indigenous artisans.
11 am – 2 pm | Library Hallway

Exchange District Campus Events

Monday, Sept 30

Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters
Wear an Orange Shirt to honour the survivors of the Canadian Residential School System.

Traditional Sharing Circle: Understanding the Effects of Residential Schools
11 am – 12 pm | Indigenous Support Centre, P407
All are welcome!

Tuesday, Oct 1

Learn to Make a Dream Catcher
Supplies and snacks will be provided. Limited supplies – available on a first come, first served basis.
4 pm – 7 pm | P107

Wednesday, Oct 2

Guest Speaker: Travis Bighetty, Bear Clan Patrol Inc.
Free Pizza
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | P107

Friday, Oct 4

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Honouring and Awareness Day
We invite staff and students to wear red in recognition of MMIWG.

Red Dress Pin Making
Join us for bannock and pin making.
Indigenous Support Centre, P407

About Orange Shirt Day:
The annual Orange Shirt Day on September 30th opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of Residential Schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the intergenerational effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind that affect all. A discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for reconciliation. A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected. Every Child Matters, even if they are an adult, from now on. Former student Phyllis (Jack) Webstad told her story of her first day at Residential School when her shiny new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, was taken from her as a six-year old girl.

About Residential Schools:
If you would like to learn more about the history of the Canadian Residential School System, please visit 100yearsofloss.ca for an interactive timeline of events.

About Dance Me Outside:
For anyone who has never lived within the boundaries of a First Nation Reserve, life on a Reserve is quite different from a regular town or city. This superb film will give you a glimpse into “the life.”
This Canadian drama based on a book by W.P. Kinsella, examines the tension between Native Canadians and Anglos in Canada from a Native perspective. Silas Crow, who lives on a Northern Ontario reserve, wants to take a mechanic’s course in Toronto with his friend Frank Fencepost. But before he can enroll, the teen must write a short narrative describing his home. The film is a series of alternatively poignant vignettes from Crow’s narrative.

Live Streaming:
Follow this link to view the live streaming presentation: live.etvlabs.com
Click on the ‘Live Stream’ graphic to play. No username or password is required. The stream will go live shortly before the presentation begins.
During the live presentation, you are encouraged to ask questions or add comments. To do so, please click on the “word bubble” icon found on the bottom right of the player. Please include your name, email address (if you require a follow-up response), and a subject heading.
Note: You can also use the “word bubble” to report any technical issues.

About Bear Clan Patrol:
The concept behind the Bear Clan Patrol, is community people working with the community to provide personal security in the inner city in a non-threatening, non-violent, non-judgmental and supportive way. Currently there are well over 1,500 men and women involved with the Patrol on a volunteer basis. This Winnipeg community safety model has proven to be affective and has been implemented in several cities, towns and communities as a means to making city streets safer.

About MMIWG Awareness Day:
More than 1,200 Indigenous women and girls in Canada have gone missing or been murdered since 1980. According to Statistics Canada, Indigenous women and girls make up four per cent of the total Canadian female population, represent 10 per cent of missing women and, on average, 16 per cent of female homicide cases, a number that fluctuates and was as high as 21 per cent in 2014.

The Legislative Assembly of Manitoba has named October 4 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Honouring and Awareness Day whereas vigils honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls are held across Canada each year, raising public awareness and building a movement of social change in respect of violence against Indigenous women and girls.

To learn more, visit:

• Government of Canada Backgrounder – National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
• National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Website

About This River:
When the body of a 14-year-old girl was pulled from Winnipeg’s Red River in 2014, it sparked a public outcry and renewed calls for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women. It also galvanized a small group of Winnipeg citizens, who took action and formed Drag the Red. This grassroots collective of volunteers searches the Red River and its banks for clues that might answer some of the questions surrounding the disappearances and murders. For more information, visit cbc.ca/shortdocs/shorts/this-river

For more information about Truth and Reconciliation Week, contact Sue Thiebaut at 204.632.2106 or sthiebaut@rrc.ca

Truth and Reconciliation Week may be triggering. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Indigenous Student Support Wellness Counselors if you or someone you know needs to speak to someone. Contact Morgan at 204.632.3773 or mpaul50@rrc.ca, or visit rrc.ca/counselling

This September, connect with Indigenous Student Supports and Community Relations with fall events to kick off the new school year! Learn more about our supports, services, and Indigenous culture. All students, staff and faculty are welcome!

Exchange District Campus 
Meet and Greet 
Thursday, September 5 | 12 pm – 3 pm 
Indigenous Support Centre, P407
Stay for tea and bannock. Meet with staff and learn about the services and supports available to you!

Notre Dame Campus
Welcoming Celebration
Friday, September 13 | 11:30 am – 1 pm
Indigenous Support Centre, F209
Join us for free pizza, fun games and prizes, and a chance to meet students, staff and instructors from Indigenous Education.

Notre Dame Campus
Fall Equinox Pipe Ceremony and Feast
Wednesday, September 25
11 am: Pipe Ceremony
Noon: Feast
Indigenous Support Centre, F209
Join us for a traditional pipe ceremony and feast in recognition of the Fall Equinox. We invite all pipe carriers to take part in the pipe ceremony.

For more information, contact Sue Thiebaut at 204.632.2106 or email sthiebaut@rrc.ca

As part of its ongoing commitment to advancing Indigenous achievement, Red River will launch a new preparatory program at the Exchange District Campus this fall: Pathway to Business, Creative Communications and Digital Technology Programs.

“We want to ensure Indigenous students have the opportunity to grow into all industry sectors,” says Rebecca Chartrand, Executive Director, Indigenous Strategy. “This new program will transition Indigenous learners into business, hospitality, marketing and communications, media production, and digital media design programs. We continue to look to community and industry to see where needs are and what we can do make Indigenous learners successful.”

Pathways are exploratory and preparatory programs that provide Indigenous Manitobans with the skills and supports required to transition into selected RRC programs by increasing their academic, personal, social and financial readiness.

When students have selected a career path and are ready to transition into a RRC program, Pathways offer the added benefit of reserved seats for Indigenous students, in an effort to remove the barrier of long program wait lists.

In addition to the newest Pathway, RRC’s School of Indigenous Education also offers a Pathway to Engineering Technology Programs (Civil, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering) and a Pathway to Health Programs (Dental Assisting, Nursing, Paramedicine, Science Laboratory Technology, or Veterinary Technology).

“Strong program development at the post-secondary level is key to growing Indigenous people into all industries,” says Chartrand. “Our role as a College is to enhance the environment supporting Indigenous learners, and to build the bridges that fill the gaps to support economic reconciliation by creating opportunities for training that will lead to meaningful employment.”

RRC is fully committed to providing the student-centred and culturally relevant wraparound supports required to help aspiring students successfully transition from community to classroom to career. Pathway students have access to the supports all Indigenous students have at RRC, including one-on-one counselling, assistance with day care and housing, financial literacy workshops, academic and resource coaching, coursespecific tutoring, access to Elders, and cultural activities such as ceremonies and teachings.

“When I first came to the College and was a Pathway student, they provided me a stepping stone with the academic supports and the peer tutoring, which I found really helpful,” says April Seenie, Pathway to Health graduate.

“It was very important. When our people see our people working in a field, it gives them a sense of pride. Seeing more and more representation gives hope because you can say, ‘If this person can do it, I can do it too.’”

Pathway to Business, Creative Communications and Digital Technology Programs is a nine month pathway to the following RRC programs:

• Business Administration
• Business Information Technology
• Commerce Industry Sales and Marketing
• Creative Communications
• Digital Media Design
• Hospitality and Tourism Management

For additional information, including fees and admission requirements, support with applications or academic advising, email indigrecruit@rrc.ca or call 204.632.2483. Ask us about bursaries to cover the cost of tuition and books!

Future, current and graduated Indigenous students were invited to sit down with Red River College’s Indigenous Transition to Employment department and Akman Construction Ltd. for Careers in Construction, a round table discussion about Winnipeg’s growing construction sector. Held at the The Roblin Centre, the event also offered the opportunity to learn more about and RRC’s Indigenous Education programs and supports.

“These types of events are important because they create awareness for our industry partners as to some of the challenges they are going to encounter as they work through their Indigenous employment strategies: to know where Indigenous students are, what’s the skill level they have and what are some of the challenges they are having getting into the workforce,” says Frank Parkes, Transition to Employment Manager. “It also teaches our staff what the student’s perceptions of themselves are. To have these kinds of dialogues between our staff, students and industry partners really builds bridges that normally wouldn’t be there.”

The recently established Indigenous Transition to Employment department is part of RRC’s expanding Indigenous Student Supports and offers services such as resume and cover letter writing, and mock interviews to current and graduated Indigenous learners who are about to enter the workforce. The department also seeks to build relationships with industry to create a seamless transition from the classroom to career. Careers in Construction is one type of event they have hosted this year, along with industry specific job fairs.

“I think attendees got to see beyond the fear of the interview. They got to see the people who are behind the interviews and what motivates them. I find so many students are apprehensive about interviews or they don’t even apply for jobs because they really think that it’s beyond their skill level or they think or that person isn’t going to like them.”

“Events like this really tear down walls and will make students more comfortable when they go into an interview. I really enjoy seeing students understand the human side of the interview, the job and the career, and how it really is a people process and not just a system.”

Akman Construction Ltd. offered insight about the industry and what opportunities are available to Indigenous people in the trades. This event is just one example how Akman and RRC are partnering to advance Indigenous achievement.

With the Innovation Centre building project at the Exchange District Campus, RRC and Akman Construction have developed an Indigenous Training Program to grow Indigenous grads into the work force and build sustainability for generations to come. This program is a two prong approach: Akman will seek to collaborate with the trade base to ensure a certain percentage of the entire construction workforce are Indigenous workers or visible minorities, and partner with the existing RRC Indigenous educational programs in this initiative to provide further training opportunities for students and grads.

“Akman Construction has proudly partnered with Red River College to provide an Indigenous Employment Strategy at the Innovation Centre project,” says Jared Akman, Director of Operations, Akman Construction Ltd. “We are passionate about the program goals and committed to a successful outcome – ensuring lasting careers for our participants. We thank the College for their support in this important initiative.”

Akman has greatly surpassed their initial goal at the Innovation Centre site with 52% of the workforce self-declaring Indigenous. Grads of the Intro to Trades program, a 5-month preparatory sampler of the trades, are already reaping the benefits of this program with employment in the flag person position, an entry level position that is exposed to various positions and trades.

To connect with the Indigenous Transition to Employment department, contact Cari-Ann Page at cpage70@rrc.ca or 204-632-2418.

David Beaudin, Instructor and Program Coordinator; Sabrina Laroque; Polly Bergen, Manitoba Hydro; Maxine Critch, Instructor; James Slade, Instructor; Alexander Ring; and Thomas Bjorklund

Congratulations to Introduction to Trades students Thomas Bjorklund, Sabrina Laroque, and Alexander Ring!

On Thursday, June 13th, Manitoba Hydro visited RRC’s School of Indigenous Education to award the Introduction to Trades Award to support three students with their continued education.

“It feels great, like all my hard work is paying off. I can’t express my gratitude enough,” says Ring. “It’s going to make a huge difference for me. Everything helps and it’s all going towards my education.”

Introduction to Trades is one of RRC’s longest running Indigenous Education programs and provides students with the skills and knowledge to successfully transition into eleven different trades programs at Red River College. By creating specialized programs like Intro to Trades, the College is building bridges to advance Indigenous achievement so students can transition successfully from community to classroom to career.

“I learned a lot of fundamental job skills that I hadn’t learned before. It’s all applicable, and a lot of hands on work; there’s was a lot that I could put in my employment portfolio.”

Ring originally had plans of going into refrigeration, but through the Intro to Trades program he was able to explore all his options. He excelled in math and science so his instructor suggested a career in Engineering.

Now Ring is enrolled in the Pathway to Engineering Technology programs for fall 2019, another Indigenous Education program that prepares and transitions students into either Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering Technology programs.

“I could never even picture myself doing something like [engineering], but I definitely gained a lot of confidence and inspiration through this program. James, our teacher, definitely inspired me. I’ve gotten a lot more career minded in this program,” says Ring.

“I think it’s a great program, especially if you want to get into a trade. It’s a great way to get a head start. You get a better fundamental overview, not just one specific trade.”

For more information on RRC’s Indigenous Education programs, visit rrc.ca/indigenous

Indigenous Language student

In honour of 2019 being the International Year of Indigenous Languages, Red River College is expanding its Indigenous Language offerings by launching a new program aimed at preserving the Cree language.

The Indigenous Language – Cree program is part of the College’s ongoing commitment to advancing Indigenous achievement and supporting language revitalization.

“When you have a language, it’s like having gold in a vault. It’s very precious. It has a value,” says Ida Bear, a Cree instructor at RRC for 22 years. “It doesn’t have a monetary value, but it has a spiritual value.”

Originally from Norway House Cree Nation, Bear has been an instructor and Indigenous language advocate for over 50 years. She is a vivid storyteller who brings language instruction to life and uses many techniques to support language training, including art, music and land-based learning.

Recently, the University of Winnipeg bestowed an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Bear for her lifelong commitment to Indigenous language education.

“Everybody uses language; it has a function for communication, it’s a social institution, it’s a political institution, and it’s also personal for self-esteem,” she says.

For Bear, teaching Indigenous languages is very personal, and will become even more so this fall when she begins teaching her people’s first language as part of the newly launched program.

“Language needs to be protected,” says Bear. “In our societies, we were gifted with language as we were gifted with colour and our talents. For some, [that talent is] words, and I find that to be very spiritual.”

The Indigenous Language – Cree program will follow a similar model as RRC’s existing Indigenous Language – Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) program. Both will be full-time, year-long certificate programs that use land-based learning experiences and focus on the social, cultural and historical significance of Indigenous peoples in Canada and abroad.

“Strong program development at the post-secondary level is key to growing Indigenous people into all industries,” says Rebecca Chartrand, RRC’s Executive Director, Indigenous Strategy.

“We are committed to language revitalization, and our programs support language initiatives and train educators in the K-12 school system as well as community based programs. Our next step will focus on early childhood education, and as we move forward, we will continue to work with our elders, community partners and industry to see where the needs are and what we can do make Indigenous learners successful.”

Indigenous language programs are offered at RRC’s Notre Dame Campus, and include two three week practicum placements.

For additional program information, click here, email indigrecruit@rrc.ca or contact our Indigenous Liaison Advisor at 204.632.2483.

This Friday, June 21, is National Indigenous Peoples Day!

There are many ways to celebrate and learn more about Indigenous culture. To start the day’s festivities, RRC’s Indigenous Student Supports department will give away Tobacco Plants at 10 am at the Ceremonial Grounds at the North West corner of Notre Dame Campus.

Tobacco is one of the most sacred medicines, and students and staff at the College use Tobacco as a gift for Elders or Knowledge Keepers to thank them for their time or teaching, as well as in ceremony. In an effort to be more sustainable, reduce costs, and to re-establish a spiritual relationship with the plant, the departments is growing their first crop of Tobacco in the Green House here at RRC. The plants are now 11 weeks old, and we have plenty to share! Come down, say hi, and get your own Tobacco plant this Friday!

National Indigenous Peoples Day Manitoba Events:

This list may not contain every event happening for National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Learn about Red River College’s Construction and Trades programs and meet with industry representatives from Akman Construction and the Manitoba Construction Sector Council to discuss Winnipeg’s growing construction sector. Akman Construction will present their exciting new Indigenous Employment Strategy.

Red River College students and trades alumni are encouraged to attend.
Please bring your resume and portfolio.

June 17, 2019 | 5 – 8:30PM
160 Princess Street, Exchange District Campus Dining Room – Main Level 

Door prizes available. Refreshments provided.

For more information, please contact Frank Parkes at fparkes@rrc.ca.

Are you thinking about enrolling in one of Red River College’s Indigenous Education programs? You may be eligible to get your books and tuition covered by a RRC Indspire Building Brighter Futures Bursary!

Applications for the Indspire bursary are open until June 15, so don’t wait to apply! Start your education in a supportive environment grounded in Indigenous worldviews.

You can start your Indspire application online at indspire.ca, or contact Frank Parkes, Transition to Employment Manager, at fparkes@rrc.ca or 204.632.2534 to start your bursary application. Bursaries are available on a first qualified, first allocated basis.

For additional program information or to start your College applications, email indigrecruit@rrc.ca or contact our Indigenous Liaison Advisor at 204.632.2483.

Keep reading for available Indigenous Education programs.

NEW: Pathway to Business, Creative Communications and Digital Technology Programs

Explore your options and prepare to select a career path in business, hospitality, communications, marketing, journalism, media production, digital media design and more. Gain the skills to succeed in a supportive and inclusive environment infused with Indigenous culture.

Visit rrc.ca/indigenous/pathway-to-business-creative-communications-digital-technology

Pathway to Engineering Technology Programs

Start your career in engineering today with the Pathway to Engineering Technology Program! This Pathway provides Indigenous Manitobans with preparation for the Civil, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering Technology programs at Red River College, by increasing their academic, personal, social and financial readiness.

Watch program video.

Visit rrc.ca/indigenous/access-pathway-to-engineering-technology

NEW: Indigenous Language – Cree
Learn the fundamentals of reading, writing and speaking Cree through a program grounded in Indigenous worldviews. Help support reconciliation and meet language revitalization needs within Manitoba communities by acquiring the skills to achieve successful employment.

Visit rrc.ca/indigenous/indigenous-language-cree

Social Innovation

How do you want your world to be? Social innovation brings new perspectives to existing ways of decision-making in today’s world. In this program, you will discover the tremendous capacities of communities and individuals looking to initiate systems change. In your second year of studies, specialize in either Community Development or Social Entrepreneurship.

Visit rrc.ca/indigenous/socialinnovation

Learning a new language can be a daunting task, but RRC’s Indigenous Language (Ojibwe) students have found a way to not only make their own learning fun but to share what they’ve learned with others.

During their studies, students Dave Bird, Joy Phillips, Sherri Shorting and Gil Keeper came together to form their own musical group called Nagamoodaa!, which means “Let’s All Sing.” With support and guidance from their instructor Ida Bear, they created their own original children’s songs in Ojibwe – including lyrics, melodies, and accompanying guitar music. Although it was not required as part of their studies, these students felt they needed to record their songs and create a CD entitled Maajii’am (Start Singing).

“We found that it was important to record these songs as they are a fun and entertaining tool in language acquisition,” says Phillips. “Since we are on the journey to relearn the language of our grandparents, which was taken from us, we all felt it was important to do what we can to help in the language revitalization efforts. These songs have helped us learn Ojibwe as we have gone through the process of writing, recording and singing the songs.”

Phillips is an elementary school teacher and she hopes that the CD will be a helpful instructor tool for other language teachers.

“The songs are geared towards kids, because of the content and repetition, but we have found that these work great for any age and beginning level of fluency. Teachers can use the song structures to introduce phrases and conversation patterns, as a lot of the songs have proper grammatical tenses that can be used in everyday conversation.”

Phillips uses the Weather Song as an example.

“This songs talks about the weather for yesterday, today and tomorrow and includes the question and answer in the correct tense.”

Aaniin gaa ezhiwebag bijiinago? / What was the weather yesterday?
Da Gisina na? / Was it cold?

Aaniin wii ezhiwebag waabang? / What will the weather be tomorrow ?
Wii gimiwan na? / Will it rain tomorrow?

CDs can be purchased for $20 by contacting the group via their Facebook page Nagamoodaa – Learning Ojibwe through Song.

Maajii’am (Start Singing) songs include: Asabikeshin (Spider Song), Agindaaso/Awesin (Counting/Animals), Gaagweskaayaq (Seasons Song), Waawaatesi (Firefly Song), Colours Song, Aaniin Ezhiwebag? (What it the weather? / Weather Song), Aande Onjii’an? (Where do you live? / Directions Song), and Nibaa Ni-Abinoonjii (Sleep My Child – Lullaby).

The students would like to give special thanks and appreciation to their language instructor and mentor Ida Bear and Red River College.

For more information on RRC’s Indigenous Language programs, visit rrc.ca/indigenous