Inspiring stories from RRC’s Indigenous Alumni

How do successful people get to where they are? What did that journey look like? What did they learn and how did they stay the course? What does it mean to be an Indigenous student in post-secondary?

The Stay the Course speaker series is a hand from one generation to the next, hosted by Carla Kematch, Manager, Truth and Reconciliation and Community & Engagement. Every month, incredible RRC Indigenous Alumni share their experiences on their journey to success. Advancing Indigenous achievement at RRC means listening to Indigenous stories. This is just one of the many ways we can embed the efforts of Truth and Reconciliation in our daily lives.

Judy Klassen

Judy Klassen was raised in St. Theresa Point First Nation and was the second eldest child to Charles and the late Lillian Wood. Both her parents attained their Bachelor of Education when she was young and became teachers in their home reserve. She grew up in her parent’s businesses throughout her young life. Her parents inspired her to get an education and their teachings taught her how to be self-reliant. Judy became an entrepreneur herself at a very young age by making and selling her native beaded crafts.

Judy went on to having six kids of her own, started many businesses throughout her life in St. Theresa Point but had to leave for higher education as she still wanted to attend post-secondary. She enrolled at Red River College in Steinbach and obtained a two-year business studies diploma, for which she made the Dean’s List. She was fueled by the knowledge that she easily handled a demanding family life, held a part-time job, plus she also took in three teenage nephews. With a total of nine kids in tow, she enrolled in the I.H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba, graduating in 2013 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) Degree.

She went back to work in Steinbach and was working as a junior accountant when she was asked to run for political office. She took on a long-standing incumbent and won the seat as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Kewatinook. It was within this role that Judy became the first ever First Nation female Interim Leader for a provincial party, the Manitoba Liberals, across Canada.

She then decided to toss her hat into the federal ring in hopes of knocking out the long-time incumbent there, but it was a successful failure. She shook up the North, but it simply wasn’t in the cards. She then was asked to run for Chief of her home reserve but decided to start off by running for Council. She became the Head Councillor but had to resign when one of her children developed a serious medical condition.

Judy loves the return to a private life, reconnecting with friends and family and is enjoying the peace that that brings. She is currently the Director for Greenville Place Inc. here in Winnipeg and is having a ball.

Inspiring stories from RRC’s Indigenous Alumni

How do successful people get to where they are? What did that journey look like? What did they learn and how did they stay the course? What does it mean to be an Indigenous student in post-secondary?

The Stay the Course speaker series is a hand from one generation to the next, hosted by Carla Kematch, Manager, Truth and Reconciliation and Community & Engagement. Every month, incredible RRC Indigenous Alumni share their experiences on their journey to success. Advancing Indigenous achievement at RRC means listening to Indigenous stories. This is just one of the many ways we can embed the efforts of Truth and Reconciliation in our daily lives.

Arlene Flatfoot

Our first featured speaker is Arlene Flatfoot, an Anishinabe from the Ebb and Flow Ojibway Nation in Treaty Two Territory. After graduating from Ebb and Flow School in 1986, Arlene enrolled in the Secretary Machine Transcription course at Red River Community College. Her 2-year-old daughter was enrolled in the day care centre while she attended classes. It was extremely difficult for Arlene to leave her home reserve for a city that she did not know well. Being a young mother, Arlene was persistent to complete her course at RRC so that she could provide a good upbringing for her daughter. She always tries to live a life of pino-pimatiswin for children and her grandchildren. She will be graduating in October 2020 with a Master’s Degree in the area of Language and Literacy from The University of Manitoba.

Watch Here

Password: uVRm7Jcu

Are you ready to paint? Take some time to heal your spirit with a painting demonstration with artist Gayle Sinclair. Gayle walks us through her process and teaches us some new techniques using only three colours. This event is presented as part of Truth and Reconciliation Week.

From Norway House Cree Nation, artist Gayle Sinclaire has pursued the use of colour through oils and acrylics on canvas and paper for the last 37 years. Initially self-taught, at the age of 14 she sold her first oil painting. After completing high school in 1986, she had gone on to study at the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Manitoba. During her studies, Gayle rapidly advanced her technique, concerning herself with composition, content, treatment of light and the placement and use of vibrant colours.

Content became the most important theme of her work: the image has to carry the real of mystery, deeply embedding hidden messages of spirituality and culture. Through all the creative experiences, Gayle has developed a unique painting style. Currently she paints and continues to trail blaze. As a most compelling artist, her soul-filled efforts have been exhibited widely in both solo and group shows through Canada, the United States and Europe. Gayle’s work, not surprisingly, focuses primarily on women and children, affirming the importance of strength women in the Aboriginal culture and celebrating the family unit. Most works also have a literal or symbolic connection with nature, such as birds, leaves, and water, which injects a strong spiritual quality to her art. In the fall of 2003, she was one of seven artists chosen for the Image Makers First Nation Art Exhibit in Los Angeles. Most recently. She has completed a commission for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Her work is in the collections of the Manitoba Assembly of Chiefs, the community offices in Norway House and Cross Lake, and the homes and offices of numerous private patrons

Truth and Reconciliation Week
September 28 – October 2

Gi wii ko mi goo (join us in Ojibwe) for our second annual Truth and Reconciliation Week. You will be guided through an exploration of local Indigenous cultures, histories, themes, and issues to help you deepen your understanding of Truth and Reconciliation and respectful cultural awareness. All are welcome to participate in special events and join the conversation.

This an important week as Wednesday, Sept 30 is Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters, and Sunday, Oct 4 is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day.

We hope you will walk with us.

Freedom Road
Available for viewing on demand
Enter password: RRC

We are  thrilled to present the National Film Board of Canada’s Freedom Road. Please feel free to share the password, the more the merrier. We will close TRC week on Friday, Oct 2 with a Freedom Road live panel discussion at noon over WebEx.

Friday, October 2
Freedom Road Panel Discussion – Live on WebEx | 12:00 pm CST

After watching Freedom Road, join us for a live panel discussion. Bring your questions!

• Angelina McLeod, Film Director and SL40 Band Council Member (Education Portfolio)
• Daryl Redsky, film participant, SL40 community member and lead on the Freedom Road initiative, founding member Kenora Bear Clan Patrol
• Alicia Smith, NFB Producer

Freedom Road is a five-part documentary series that tells the inspiring story of Shoal Lake 40 Anishinaabe First Nation and their battle to build a road, after their community was forcibly relocated and cut off from the mainland over 100 years ago, so that water could be diverted to the city of Winnipeg. Director and Shoal Lake 40 member Angelina McLeod uses an innovative, community-driven approach to storytelling that highlights the community’s dignity, strength and perseverance, as they take back control of their narrative and their future in the process of building Freedom Road.

Truth and Reconciliation Week 2020 Schedule

Monday, September 28

Opening Honour Song with Co Co Ray Stevenson
Available for viewing on demand

Singer and composer Co Co Ray Stevenson opens up the week with an Honour Song.

Spirit and Intent of Treaties: Discussion with Elder Harry Bone
Available for viewing on demand

Enter password: zM#$S&t5

We hear Treaty Land Acknowledgements in introductions and at events all the time, but what is the history and importance of Treaties?

Elder Harry Bone has worked tirelessly and quietly throughout his life to bolster Indigenous rights. He is a member of Keeseekoowenin Ojibway Nation, where he served as a Chief and Director of Education. He also worked as a CEO at the West Region Tribal Council and as a Director of the Manitoba Indian Education Authority. Elder Bone was also a Director of Native Programs for the Federal Government and he served as a Vice-President of Aboriginal Cultural Centres of Canada. Elder Bone is currently a member of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Elders Council where he continues to be the Chairperson of his colleagues.

Tuesday, September 29

Jingle Dress Teaching
Available for viewing on demand

You may have seen jingle dresses, but where do they come from, and what does it mean? Jingle Dress Dancer Sherry Starr shares an origin story and gives us a demonstration.

Did you know? Winnipeg Streets & Neighbourhoods with Louis Riel Institute
Available for viewing on demand

How well do you know your Winnipeg history? Shirley Delorme Russell, Instructor of Métis Culture & History at the Louis Riel Institute, give us insight on the historical significance to names of streets and neighbourhoods, including 7 Oaks, Kildonans, fur trade and more as part of their Red River Cart Adventures series.

Wednesday, September 30

Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters

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.

You can support the Orange Shirt Day Organization by purchasing a shirt Every Child Matters shirt by Red Rebel Armor , a clothing line by RRC Social Innovation and Community Development student Sean Rayland.

Paint with Gayle Sinclair
Available for viewing on demand 

Password: uVRm7Jcu

Are you ready to paint? Take some time to heal your spirit with a painting demonstration with artist Gayle Sinclair.

From Norway House Cree Nation, artist Gayle Sinclaire has pursued the use of colour through oils and acrylics on canvas and paper for the last 37 years. Her work is in the collections of the Manitoba Assembly of Chiefs, the community offices in Norway House and Cross Lake, and the homes and offices of numerous private patrons.

Thursday, October 1 | 6 – 9 pm

Winnipeg Art Gallery Film Night: The Decolonizing Lens 
TUNNIIT: Retracing the Lines of Inuit Tattoos and Wearing My Culture

We are partnering with the Winnipeg Art Gallery on the next Decolonizing Lens screening of TUNNIIT: Retracing the Lines of Inuit Tattoos and Wearing My Culture themed around the new exhibit Inuk Style. Live discussion to follow with the directors Alethea Arnaquq-Baril and Ulivia Lay Thomassie.

LOCATION
Winnipeg Art Gallery • 300 Memorial Boulevard

5:30 pm • Doors Open
6 pm • Sneak peek at Inuk Style, followed by the screening
Panel discussion to follow

FREE entry, or watch a live stream on the WAG Facebook Page

Click here for more information and to watch trailers. 

Friday, October 2

Elder Paul Guimond Honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Available for viewing on demand

Our very own Elder Paul Guimond shares a message and song with us to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day.

Freedom Road Panel Discussion – Live on WebEx | 12:00 pm

After watching Freedom Road, join us for a live panel discussion. Bring your questions!

Explore Further

RRC Library has compiled three “cinematic journeys” that address topics central to Truth and Reconciliation Week. Miigwech to our friends in the RRC Library!

More Information on Truth and Reconciliation Week Guests and Topics

Elder Harry Bone

Elder Harry Bone has worked tirelessly and quietly throughout his life to bolster Indigenous rights.

He is a member of Keeseekoowenin Ojibway Nation, where he served as a Chief and Director of Education. He also worked as a CEO at the West Region Tribal Council and as a Director of the Manitoba Indian Education Authority. While a graduate student in political studies at University of Manitoba he was a Student Advisor and Lecturer. Elder Bone was also a Director of Native Programs for the Federal Government and he served as a Vice-President of Aboriginal Cultural Centres of Canada. Elder Bone is currently a member of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Elders Council where he continues to be the Chairperson of his colleagues.

Elder Bone’s expertise in First Nations governance at the community level is well regarded. He has led delegations that have met with all levels of government and has been instrumental in furthering many projects for the benefit of all Manitobans, such as the Oral History Project and the Historical Atlas of First Nations in Manitoba. Elder Bone and Elder Doris Pratt co-authored Untuwe Pi Kin He – Who We are: Treaty Elders’ Teachings Volume, a book that documents the traditional laws and customs of Indigenous peoples in Manitoba in a way that is accessible to all interested readers; it is not a revision of history but rather a retelling of history from Indigenous historians, giving them an opportunity to reclaim words and inject new power into them. Like Elder Bone, the book aims to inspire people through compassion, reason, humility and human dignity.

His distinguished achievements in leadership, scholarship and public service have been widely recognized by the many individuals and communities who have touched by his work. The University of Manitoba honoured Elder Bone with an Honorary Doctor of Law degree for his tireless and trendsetting work that continues to advance Aboriginal education in Canada.

In December 2017, Elder Bone was announced as an appointee to the Order of Canada “for his contributions to advancing Indigenous education and preserving traditional laws, and for creating bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and communities.”

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 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

Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement is proud to introduce our 2020-2021 exploration.

We are shifting our events and special initiatives online to allow us to continue to promote respectful cultural awareness safely. Throughout this academic year, we will be inviting some special guest speakers, sharing resources, and hosting activities that will engage the College community in conversation and deepen your understanding of Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous cultures.

We invite you to begin by watching our “What Does Truth and Reconciliation mean to you” video featuring conversations with RRC staff and students:

This video introduces a three-part video series that we can find on our new TRC web page.

• New TRC Web Page
  • Here you will find information, videos, and resources to use. Like the journey of TRC, this webpage will continue to grow and change with us, so please feel free to check back in the future.
• Stay the Course Speaker Series
  • This series is a hand from one generation to the next. Every third Friday of the month, starting Sept. 25, join us live over the lunch hour on WebEx as we hear from some RRC Indigenous Alumni on their journey to success. (Tell your students!)
• Truth and Reconciliation Week 2020 – Sept. 28-Oct. 4
  • This an important week as Wednesday, Sept. 30 is Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters, and Sunday, Oct. 4 is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day. Throughout the week, you will be guided through a voyage of local Indigenous cultures and themes. We will receive a teaching on Treaties with Elder Harry Bone, learn about Pow Wow regalia, paint along with artist Jackie Traverse, and much more.

We are so excited to also present the National Film Board of Canada’s Freedom Road, a five-part documentary series that tells the inspiring story of Shoal Lake 40. We will be sharing the link and password so you can watch at home. (Please feel free to share, the more the merrier.) We will end the week with a Freedom Road live panel discussion over WebEx. Get ready by watching the trailer here:

The best way to keep up to date on TRC is to subscribe to receive the Indigenous Education news feed. We hope you will walk with us. Click here to subscribe.

This July, Red River College’s School of Indigenous Education is launching a free online course all about creating social change.

“At RRC, we’re committed to advancing Indigenous achievement. One facet of this strategy is developing the learning opportunities Indigenous students desire and by creating the environment students need to succeed,” says Isabel Bright, Dean, School of Indigenous Education. “We are constantly trying to adapt, and this course provides a unique opportunity for remote learners in this new digital age. With this course being online, it really opens it up to potential students across the province. Social Innovation is a relatively new concept in post-secondary, so this is a great way for people to get an-depth understanding of this sector and see if it’s something they would like to pursue in a full-time program.”

Social Innovation Foundations runs July 20 to August 14, 2020, and does not have a set schedule, so students can log in when it works for them. The intensive 15 hours per week course can also be applied towards the Social Innovation and Community Development diploma program.

“During the pandemic, we have seen our Social Innovation and Community Development students take these new skills into their home communities to lead, organize and support the people in their communities. With this type of training, we’re really going to see an emergence of recent graduates become the change makers we need in our society,” continues Bright.

Social innovators explore social opportunities and use creativity to turn these opportunities into reality. Students will explore how new ideas are created, developed, and applied to promote change that can affect the world for the better. This course introduces students to social ideas in action, but also to the leaders impacting the social innovation sector.

Through activity-based projects, reading, videos, dialogue and discussion boards, students will look at social inequities, global issues, sustainability, and defining social problems.

“A big theme throughout the course is creativity. How do we creatively come up with solutions to common problems? We are going to be really digging into what research has been done into a specific challenge and discussing what has been tried before; has it worked? Has it not worked? What have we seen in our own communities that has worked really well,” says Instructor Mike Tutthill.

“When we talk about Social Innovation, we often talk about it being the forefront of Community Development. It’s the intersection of some of the principals we use in business and community development and really merging those two things together to get the best bang for our buck in terms of community investments so we’re doing programs that work.”

Tutthill says he hopes students to bring their own perspectives, issues that are important to them, and their lived experience to the classroom as well.

“There will be lots of chances to communicate together online. We’ll be sharing some of the challenges different communities are having and some of the great things they are seeing. Who are the people doing amazing things in their communities locally, nationally, and globally. Maybe it’s someone’s kokum.”

Tutthill says this course is for anyone who is interested in creating change. “Whether you want to create change from being an activist, running for office, working at your local community health centre doing programming, starting a business or maybe you’re interested in working with a group of people in your community to start a co-op.”

Although students registering are not required to be Indigenous, the course is offered through the School of Indigenous Education and there will be a focus on Indigenous innovators, issues, communities and Truth and Reconciliation.

“No matter who enters this program, we always hope that people will go out into the world and be able to think about how they will bring Indigenous ways of knowing into the decisions they are making and the programs they are doing.”

For more information, visit rrc.ca/indigenous/social-innovation-foundations

Limited space available.

Friday, June 26, 2020 | 11 am
Red River College – Indigenous Education Facebook Page

Join Indigenous Language Instructor Corey Whitford and Indigenous Liaison Advisor Monica Morin for a live Q+A on Facebook to get an in-depth look at our Indigenous Language programs offered in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) and Inninew (Cree). Find out more about what classes will look like this fall, what you can expect to learn and what you need to get started. Plus, we’ll start off with Ojibwe word of the day!

Click here for the Facebook event.

RRC Virtual Indigenous Celebration
Friday, June 5, 2020 | 12:00 pm
Red River College – Indigenous Education Facebook Page

“RRC’s annual Pow Wow has been a point of pride for the College for nearly 20 years and has been a tremendous way to honour, celebrate, and make Indigenous culture more accessible for the College community. Although we are not yet able to be together physically, we still are, and will always be, dedicated to advancing Indigenous achievement and embedding Indigenous ways of knowing and being,” says Isabel Bright, Acting Dean, School of Indigenous Education. “We want to ensure we are doing what we can to help students celebrate important milestones and reminds them that they are part of a community.”

Our annual Indigenous student celebration is moving online! We are excited to create a virtual place that makes our students feel special, honours their achievements, and holds space for Indigenous culture and teachings. Join us Friday, June 5 for a Facebook live stream featuring some special performances on the Indigenous Education Facebook page.

Although we can’t all be together, we can find ways to celebrate and mark this special occasion. If you’d like to host your own Celebration at home, or create a special moment for yourself to honour your journey, we’ve included some ways that can add to your celebrations – online and offline.

• Instagram users: search “RRC” in stickers when posting to your stories for our Virtual Indigenous Celebration sticker. We love that this sticker has a heart/drum beat and a nod to the medicine wheel! Tag @redrivercollege in your stories in this Friday so we can share and bring our Celebration onto Instagram. To Indigenous students who registered: we would love to see you wearing your RRC Indigenous stole when you receive it in the mail.
• Update your Facebook picture picture with our new profile picture frame.
• Make your own bannock with “Cooking with the Coyote” Corey Whitford, Indigenous Language Instructor.
• Make Cedar Tea.
• Sew your own ribbon skirt with Wellness Advisor Donna Glover.
• Download these colouring sheets by Anishinabee artist Jackie Traverse to create some art!
• Miss visiting our Indigenous spaces at the College? Take yourself on a 360 tour of the Medicine Wheel Garden and Notre Dame Indigenous Support Centre.

Registration is now closed to be included in the Virtual Indigenous Celebration, but students can still register to receive a mailed gift by visiting rrc.ca/indigenous/virtual-celebration until June 19.

Our annual Indigenous student celebration is moving online! We are excited to create a virtual place that makes our students feel special, honours their achievements, and holds space for Indigenous culture and teachings. Join us Friday, June 5 at noon for a Virtual Indigenous Celebration Facebook live stream featuring some special performances on the Indigenous Education Facebook page.

Get ready to host your own at home celebration by making bannock with a recipe from our own “Cooking with the Coyote” Corey Whitford, Indigenous Language Instructor. We are so excited he is sharing his bannock secrets with us!

“The art of making a delicious bannock as follows:

• In a medium bowl, eye ball all of your ingredients, just like my koko used to do it.
• First, put around three cups of flour.
• Add half a tablespoon of salt and a full tablespoon of baking powder. Stir all the dry ingredients in the bowl.
• Now make a well in the center of your bowl by pushing all the mixed flour towards the edge.
• Next, add about a cup and a half of warm water.
• This next step is the most critical part of the journey to a well-made bannock. Gently use a spoon to begin scraping small portions of the wall of the bowl – be sure to take only small increments each time. Make sure to do this until all the flour is combined into the water.
• When you are done mixing thoroughly and all flour is mixed in; it should be a thick medium texture.
• Start folding the dough right inside the bowl about twenty times or until it feels like it is not sticky.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Celsius.
• Pull out the dough from the mixing bowl and put it on a lightly floured area of your counter and begin flattening it with a flat patting down movement.
• This is the part where you don’t want to knead the dough too much because if you do… your bannock will become real hard. So make sure that you knead the dough only about 3-4 times, it should not take too long to do.
• Place it on a baking tray, then take a fork and start poking holes in the flat kneaded dough.
• Put the baking tray in the oven for about 23-25 minutes. It should rise and turn into a golden brown colour as it bakes.
• Take it out and slather it with butter all over; stand it up on the kitchen counter for about 10 minutes.
• After ten minutes of standing, rip-off a giant piece of bannock; put butter on it, and then slather it again with raspberry jam.

And there you go a-la-bakwezhigan!”

Winnipeg artist Jackie Traverse and her publisher Fernwood Publishing have released six free printable colouring sheets from her colouring books Sacred Feminine and IKWE for a relaxing stay-at-home activity for kids and adults. The beautiful images feature Ojibwe Florals, Courage from the Seven Teachings, selections “Honouring Women, Life Givers, and Water Protectors,” and more.

Click here to download the colouring sheets.

The Anishinabee artist’s work was recently unveiled as one of the main design features of the College’s new 100,000 square-foot Innovation Centre, currently under construction on in the Exchange District. The piece will span approximately 1,000 square-feet across the inside and outside of the building’s fourth floor ceiling, and will be visible from blocks away.

Now we can all have a piece of her artwork in our homes!

Miigwech!