All staff and students are invited to join us to celebrate International Inuit Day!

Four College Transition students from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut — Chase Powell, Andrew Owlijoot, Luke Kusugak, and Logan Siksik — will be sharing stories about Inuit culture, teaching a few words in Inuktitut, and leading us in some traditional Inuit games.

We’re excited to welcome guests from the Manitoba Inuit Association, who will be joining in the celebration.

The event will be livestreamed from NDC (F209) to EDC (P407), so students at both campuses can take part.

• Monday, Nov. 7, 2022 • 11am – 1pm
• F209 Notre Dame Campus • P407 Exchange District Campus

Pizza will be provided for lunch!

If you have any questions, please contact Terri-Lynn Anderson at tlanderson@rrc.ca.

Are you ready for Halloween?

Drop by one of the Indigenous Student Support Centres on either campus and see Terri-Lynn Anderson or any support staff to enter the Costume Contest!

• Monday Oct. 31, 2022 • 8:30am – 4pm
• F209 Notre Dame Campus • P407 Exchange District Campus

Choose your category:

• Single costume
• Duo costumes
• Group costumes

Juices boxes, coffee, and candy will be available throughout the day.

Names of winners for the costume contest will be posted in the centre and they will be contacted.

Choices for Indigenous Post-Secondary Education of Manitoba (CIPEM) travels Manitoba to highlight colleges and universities to community.

CIPEM is a committee of representatives from RRC Polytech, University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, Assiniboine Community College, and Brandon University who work together and support each other to recruit Indigenous students from all over Manitoba.

They raise awareness of programs and share personal educational journeys that let students and communities know that no matter where you come from, our educational institutions try to meet the needs of Indigenous learners and communities.  

Earlier this week, our Indigenous Liaison Advisor, Marshall Richard, with members of CIPEM, visited Peguis Central School, Peguis Academic Learning Centre, Verna J. Kirkness Institute of Higher Learning (Fisher River), Fisher River High School, Lake St. Martin First Nation School and Pinaymootang High School. Marshall and other recruiters shared with learners the opportunities and resources they have access to in Manitoba’s post-secondary institutions. 

Education is not always linear, and we want Indigenous learners to know that anyone can go back to school. Life happens. CIPEM connects with students on a personal level and tries to show that there are options for wherever you may be at the moment or in the future.

CIPEM also reviews practical information students can use to plan ahead. RRC Polytech offers introductory programs and Pathway programs that help prepare students for full-time, industry-standard programs. Completion of introductory and Pathway programs can help students bypass waitlists, and they don’t have to decide on a major right away. These courses help students explore their options with culturally-inclusive wrap-around supports.

Getting out in the communities and making those person-to-person connections are what make the biggest impression on future students and their communities. Marshall and the other CIPEM recruiters are heading out again the week of October 31.

Contact Cipem

For more information, you can reach Marshall Richard at indigenous.recruitment@rrc.ca.

RRC Polytechnic’s Indigenous Student Support Team is bringing back R-Crew!

We’re getting back into the swing of things with live events at both campuses and we need your help as students. Bring your perspective and ideas to the team and help make the most memorable year yet!

The Indigenous Student Support Team is looking for five full-time Indigenous students to volunteer at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses. R-Crew Members, or Resource Crew Members, will be directly involved with Indigenous-focused activities and events year-round. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to brainstorm and implement plans, speak and perform at events, and help with logistical set-up and tear-down, among many other tasks and responsibilities. We expect to have weekly or bi-weekly meetings to plan for and work on upcoming events, depending on members’ schedules.

Successful applicants who complete 100 hours of volunteer time between November 2022 and June 2023 will be awarded a $1000 bursary!

Qualified applicants must:

• have a willingness to learn
• possess a strong sense of teamwork and dedication
• have the time and flexibility to work outside of class time hours
• be an Indigenous full-time RRC Polytech student
• be able to serve as an integral part of RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Student Support team.

Please submit your Resume and Cover Letter to: Terri-Lynn Anderson, Events Coordinator, School of Indigenous Education, tlanderson@rrc.ca.

Application Deadline:  Friday, November 4, 2022

Everyone is invited to join the Bannock Babes in The Cave (DM30) at NDC for Drag Bingo on October 20 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm!  

The event, organized by Indigenous Student Supports and the Students’ Association, is in-person and played on electronic devices, so players will need to bring their own phone or laptop that can connect to wifi. Students are welcome to bring their families for a family fun night with performances by the Bannock Babes between rounds. Food and refreshments will be available (bannock dogs anyone?) and prizes to be won! 

Your hosts, the Bannock Babes, are a collective of Indigenous drag artists based in Winnipeg. They blossomed in the spotlight in March 2019 and have since performed for the No Stone Unturned concert, Read by Queens at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and a mural unveiling by artist Peatr Thomas in St. Boniface. The Bannock Babes regularly raise funds for local charities, including the 2 Spirit Pow Wow. You may not see them making bannock, but these babes from three different provinces are hard to forget. 

Entry is free of charge — we just ask attendees to register in advance. We will also be accepting cash donations for the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award through the college or a tin for the bin to help support the Students’ Association hamper program. 

Register now – spots are filling up fast in The Cave, and we don’t want you to miss out. Bring your friends, family, and phone! See you on the 21^st!  

If you have any questions, email Terri-Lynn Anderson at tlanderson@rrc.ca

Pictured above: participants from the red dress pin workshop.

The following message includes topics that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experiences. It is recommended that we all check in on ourselves and access the resources available to us to ensure we are taking good care of our mental health. For mental health and self-care resources, visit here.

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S) released their Final Report in June 2019. The report detailed over 2,380 accounts from family members, survivors of violence, experts and Knowledge Keepers during two years of evidence gathering. Two volumes of the report conclude that persistent human and Indigenous rights violations are the root cause of Canada’s high rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people.

Sections 11.1 – 11.2 call on educators across all levels to provide awareness to the public about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people and about the issues and causes of violence they experience. In this digital age, we have the ability to spread the truth, but we are also at odds with misinformation borne from ignorance and racism. It is our duty to their families and communities to advocate for the truth of Canada’s complacency in crimes against Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people.

Oct. 4, the National Day of Action for MMIWG2S, is dedicated specifically to raise awareness for people to learn more about the violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people and how they can support the 231 Calls to Justice of the National Inquiry’s Final Report.

We encourage staff to use and share resources like Sheila North’s and Leonard Yakir’s documentary 1200+ and its introduction, which the College has free access to until Oct. 9.

The Government of Canada’s National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls always has free resources available, including direct access to the Final Report itself.

Many Indigenous organizations have additional programs that support the National Inquiry and education on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People like the Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc. MMIWG2S and Violence Prevention.

Educating yourself and challenging misinformation will help motivate social and structural change in which Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people and their families won’t have to suffer from violence or injustice.

Staff and students can express their learning efforts by displaying a red dress in their windows, or by visiting the Indigenous Student Support Centre (F209) at the Notre Dame Campus on Oct. 4 to write a message of remembrance or hope on a red dress cutout.

We also acknowledge that this observance may be emotionally taxing, especially for Indigenous employees. Please remember that, outside of formal events in which they agree to participate, our Indigenous colleagues may decline discussing this observance because of its emotional and cultural impact.

We recognize that days/weeks of observance, e.g., Truth and Reconciliation Week and National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit people, may trigger many powerful emotions. It is recommended that you check in on your mental health and use self-care techniques. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out or access any of the following resources:

• Mental Health Coordinator
• Healthy Minds Healthy College
• Homewood Health’s Employee and Family Assistance
• First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline
  • ​​​​​​​1.855.242.3310 or online chat at hopeforwellness.ca
• Klinic Crisis Line (24/7)
  • Phone: 204.786.8686 Toll free: 1.888.322.3019

Self-care is a powerful tool to help us work through emotions and take better care of our minds, bodies and spirits and can come in many forms and is not one-size-fits-all.

• Here are some recommendations:
• Spend time with a loved one
• Phone a friend
• Ask a loved one for a hug
• Read a book, watch a favourite movie, or listen to music
• Go for a walk, do yoga, or exercise
• Take a warm bath or shower
• Cook yourself a nice meal
• Meditation or prayer
• Download a meditation app
• Write in a journal
• Get proper sleep

Come and join us for a fun-filled day of activities, entertainment, and food, while having the opportunity to meet the Indigenous Student Supports Team, fellow students, and to win prizes!

Our Indigenous Support Centres at the Notre Dame Campus and Exchange District Campus will be open for the celebration with baked goods, coffee, pizza, and pop all throughout the day. Special entertainment includes the Walking Wolf Singers from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Notre Dame Campus.

• Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022
• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  Come and go as your schedule allows.
• Locations: Notre Dame Campus (F209) and Exchange District Campus (P407)

The event is free of charge and open to all RRC Polytech students.

For any questions, please contact Event Coordinator, Terri-Lynn Anderson at tlanderson@rrc.ca.

Join us for an evening workshop at the Indigenous Student Support Centre, to create a red dress pin with Gerri-Lee Pangman. The event is intended as a way to connect while opening up a dialogue around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S) folx.

Participants will complete a red dress pin to wear on October 4, to recognize and bring awareness to MMIWG2S.

The event is free of charge and open to RRC Polytech employees and students.

• Date: October 3, 6pm-9pm
• Location: Indigenous Student Support Centre, F209, Notre Dame Campus. Click here for a map.

Food and refreshments will be provided for participants. Advance registration is required as capacity is limited to 20 participants.

For any questions about the workshop, please contact Terri-Lynn Anderson at tlanderson@rrc.ca.

We recognize that this workshop may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experiences. It is recommended that we all check in on ourselves and access the resources available to us to ensure we are taking good care of our mental health.

Can’t attend the workshop?
Leave a message of hope and remembrance on a red dress cutout by visiting the Indigenous Student Support Centre, F209, during Truth and Reconciliation Week, or stop by the Community Kitchen Party from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. outside of the Notre Dame Library on Wednesday, Sept 28.

Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters, takes place annually on September 30 to recognize Residential School survivors as well as those who never made it home. It’s a day to acknowledge this horrific history and move forward on a healing journey as we continue to commit to Truth and Reconciliation.

The “orange shirt” in Orange Shirt Day refers to the new shirt that Phyllis Webstad, Residential School survivor and creator of Orange Shirt Day, was given to her by her grandmother for her first day of school at St. Joseph’s Missions Residential School in British Columbia. When Phyllis got to school, they took away her clothes, including her new shirt.

RRC Polytech staff and students are pictured wearing their orange shirts to honour the Indigenous children, like Phyllis, who were forcibly taken from their homes and the intergenerational impacts of Residential Schools.

This year, orange t-shirts, featuring a design by local artist, Peatr Thomas, were created in partnership by RRC Polytech’s School of Indigenous Education and the Campus Store. The t-shirts are now available at the Exchange District and Notre Dame Campus Stores, with all proceeds going directly to the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, which provides bursaries for Indigenous students studying at the College. Orange shirts sell out every year, so get yours now and wear it on Sept 30.