Red River College’s School of Indigenous Education is pleased to announce the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award in partnership with the Red River College Campus Store to support Indigenous learners. This new award came together from RRC students, staff and faculty purchasing specially designed t-shirts at the Campus Store that bring awareness to Indigenous issues.

“This is really a grassroots initiative. Students, staff and faculty have created this new award from the ground up. We didn’t know what to expect, so this has been a really amazing surprise,” says Carla Kematch, Manager, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement. “Because these funds were raised from products that raise awareness of Indigenous issues, we really want to gift the award to an Indigenous student who embraces the efforts of Truth and Reconciliation and has been effected by the intergenerational impacts of colonialism. We want to extend a hand and lift up those who need it most.”

During the College’s first Truth and Reconciliation Week, where various events were offered to engage staff and students in Truth and Reconciliation topics and Indigenous culture, the Campus Store sold two t-shirt designs: Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The funds raised were sufficient to create a new award with plans to continue for years to come.

Valued at $1,000, the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award aims to support full-time Indigenous students who have a stake in Truth and Reconciliation. Mínwastánikéwin is a Cree word that means ‘to set it right.’

Recipients will be selected based on an essay response: What Does Truth and Reconciliation Mean to You?

To be eligible, applicants are required to submit a General RRC Application, proof of Indigenous heritage, and a one-page essay submission. Deadline for application is January 15, 2019.

To learn more about the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, visit rrc.ca/awards

We believe that what we’re doing is working when it comes to fostering an environment where our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, but we also believe we can and must do more to expand and enhance initiatives supporting our College community, as well as acknowledge and celebrate the unique differences that makes Red River Colleges so special.

Historically, Indigenous people faced barriers in the workplace and educational institutions. Declaring your Indigenous status — First Nations, Métis and Inuit — allows Red River College to maintain accurate information, supports the development of strategies, programming and practices, ensures under-represented groups are given the opportunity to participate equitably, and tells the College community you are proud to be Indigenous!

Here’s why some of your friends and peers are proud to declare their Indigenous identity:

I Am Métis

I am Métis and very proud of my strong Métis heritage, which guides my values. I believe strongly in my culture and the importance of working together for the success and empowerment of the next seven generations.

Tracy Brant
Pathway Liaison, School of Indigenous Education

I Am Algonquian, French Canadian and Polish

There was a time when I was afraid to say who I am when I was required to self-declare — now, with pride I check off the boxes for woman and Indigenous person. I have realized it does matter to represent who you are, as my roots and gender are who I am and are important.

Monica Morin
Indigenous Liaison, Indigenous Student Support and Community Relations

I Am Cree and Métis

It’s important to hold on to my Cree and Métis ancestral heritage — and to pass on the value of knowing where we come from and our history to our students — so we can move forward in a proud and meaningful manner.

I am an RRC alumnus and I want to show our students there is a path that can help them move forward in their academic journey and into a better life.

Marshall “Shash” Richard
Navigation Coach, Indigenous Student Support and Community Relations

I Am Anishinaabe, Inninew and Métis

I am a proud Anishinaabe, Inninew and Métis woman. I want people to know that I am proud of my heritage and that I play a significant role in creating training and employment opportunities for students. I also want to help demystify stereotypes. I am Indigenous, I am educated, and I am making a difference.

Rebecca Chartrand
Executive Director, Indigenous Strategy

I Am Ojbwe

Maria Morrison nindizhinikaaz. Mishkosiminiziibiing nindoonjibaa. I am a mixed-blood Ojbwe woman and a band member of Big Grassy River First Nation in Treaty #3. Some aspects of how I define myself have changed over time, like becoming a mother or RRC employee, but my Indigenous identity has been with me all along and is an evolving journey of discovery and learning. Being proud of the uniqueness of who you are is key to confidence and happiness in all that you do.

Maria Morrison
Director, Indigenous Student Support and Community Relations

I Am Cree

I am very proud of my Cree culture and history here in Manitoba.

Despite the many challenges I have encountered in establishing my connections to my culture, I believe that encouraging diversity at the College will help all of us appreciate our own culture and encourage others to go back to their roots to find out more about where they came from. To me, diversity provides different solutions to the same problem and a chance to explore each other’s unique perspectives.

Frank Parkes
Transition to Employment Manager, Indigenous Student Support and Community Relations

If you’d like to self-declare your diversity, contact Priyani Mediwake, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, or fill out a form in person at the Indigenous Support Centers (F205 NDC, P407 EDC).

Find out more about our Diversity Matters campaign ›

When RRC student Sean Rayland decided to start his sober journey, he wanted to find clothing that supported his new path. Unable to find what he was looking for, Rayland started his own line of apparel featuring empowering messages of community, spirituality and sobriety.

Rayland started his clothing brand Red Rebel Armour a little over a year ago. Without much prior experience, he taught himself graphic design and learned how to screen print t-shirt designs by watching YouTube tutorials.

Rayland enrolled in the Social Innovation and Community Development program at Red River College, which has allowed him to build his brand and business further while obtaining the support of his culture. He says that before coming to Red River College, he was vaguely aware of the Indigenous Student Supports offered, but was unaware of the full breadth that is available. Spending time with the Indigenous Supports has allowed Rayland to stay connected with his culture and spirituality during his schooling, which has been instrumental in his path to recovery.

The Social Innovation and Community Development is a new two-year program that explores community engagement, sustainable development, empowerment, inclusiveness, environmental stewardship, reconciliation and social activism. With a focus on self-reflection and embedded with Indigenous teaching, ceremony and ways of knowing, the program teaches students about themselves, their potential, and their community.

Rayland says that his favourite thing about the program is the strong sense of community that has been built up. He says that RRC is an excellent environment of culture and a safe haven for sobriety. “So far, it’s beautiful. It’s awesome.”

Rayland has made sure that all of the clothing comes from producers that are sustainable for the environment. He says that it’s essential to him to treat the environment with care and respect, and that he wants to do his part. He says, “I care about my earth, and I care about humanity.”

The various designs on the clothing of Red Rebel Armour have Indigenous words and phrases on them. He says, “You can’t have [Indigenous] language without culture, and you can’t have culture without language.”

Rayland says that it’s important for him to incorporate messages of strength and spirituality in his clothing because, “it’s the way I think and the way I live. I want my clothes to reflect that.”

Rayland says that if he could send one message to those struggling out there, he would tell them that, “every day you wake up, you have a chance to be reborn.” He hopes that his clothing and inspiring messages will help those who are in situations similar to where he was.

Rayland currently runs Red Rebel Armour as a full-time job, but with the help of the Social Innovation program, he plans to expand the scope of his business, adding new designs and eventually adding more kinds of products. He hopes that his messages of hope will reach those who need them and inspire others to support those in need.

He would strongly encourage anyone thinking about enrolling in the Social Innovation program to join. He said that with the support and education they provided, he will be able to continue building his brand in the best way possible.

To learn more about the Social Innovation and Community Development program visit rrc.ca/indigenous/socialinnovation

Indigenous Student Support and Community Relations invites you to a traditional pipe ceremony and feast in recognition of the Winter Solstice.

Gatherings for the Winter Solstice bring comfort, warmth, and people together to share stories, laughter and of course, food. In Indigenous culture, winter represents an ancestral spirit, so reflecting on the past by sharing stories and thanking our ancestors is an important part of honouring where we’re from, especially as we plan for the cold months ahead.

If you’re wondering what the Pipe Ceremony is all about, Elder-in-Residence Paul Guimond says, “it was always the pipe that brought people together. The pipe’s stone represents strength, and that stone has been here for a long time, so it has a lot of stories. The wood that’s attached to that pipe represents the connection to the spirit that connects to the creator. So if you put those two together and put our first medicine in the pipe, which is tobacco, then that smoke takes the message to the creator.”

The Winter Solstice celebrations offer RRC students and staff an opportunity to learn more about and participate in the Indigenous ceremonies that take place at the college, visit the Support Centres, and meet staff.

Notre Dame Campus
F205, Indigenous Support Centre
Tuesday, Dec 10
10:30 am – Pipe Ceremony
12:00 pm – Feast

Exchange District Campus
P407, Indigenous Support Centre
Thursday, Dec 12
10:30 am – Pipe Ceremony
12:00 pm – Feast

For more information, contact Sue Thiebaut at 204-632-2106 or sthiebaut@rrc.ca.

We invite all pipe carriers to take part in the pipe ceremony. Pipe carriers to contact Donna Glover at 204-632-2333 or dglover30@rrc.ca.

Due to the warm weather affecting supplies, please be advised of new dates for these workshops.

RRC students are invited to create birch bark baskets in a two part series at both the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses. All skill levels welcome. Light lunch provided.

F205, Notre Dame Campus
Indigenous Support Centre
Part 1: Tuesday, Nov. 26 | 11am – 1pm
Part 2: Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 11am – 1pm

P407, Exchange District Campus
Indigenous Support Centre
Part 1: Friday, Nov. 29 | 11am – 1pm
Part 2: Friday, Dec. 6 | 11am – 1pm

For more information, contact Sue Thiebaut at sthiebaut@rrc.ca or 204-632-2106.

Red River College is pleased to announce a Truth and Reconciliation initiative to provide employees with deeper training and education on Indigenous decolonization and reconciliation through the Kairos Blanket Exercise.

This past spring, 40 Indigenous and non-Indigenous RRC staff and faculty were trained as facilitators to assist the College in reaching their goal of having 500 RRC staff experience the Kairos Blanket Exercise. For the next phase, we are looking for Indigenous Staff and Faculty to be trained as lead facilitators for this exercise.

The Blanket Exercise requires multiple facilitators, ideally a minimum of 4 for each delivery: 1 Indigenous lead facilitator, an additional 2 – 3 helpers, and an Elder/Knowledge Keeper. Therefore, we require 20 Indigenous lead facilitators. Faculty and staff will be selected across a range of departments to become facilitators. This number is critical to maximize the flexibility and available resources to deliver the exercise at the intended scale, while also building our own internal capacity and skills.

RRC is joining a wide-reaching movement of people and post-secondary institutes across Canada who are stepping up to commit to the truth and healing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Our commitment comes directly from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action as well as the “Blueprint” commitment signed by RRC and other Manitoba post-secondary institutions in 2016. It is also part of the commitments in our 2016-2021 Strategic Plan and Academic and Research Plan.

The goal of this commitment is to strengthen our skills in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights and anti-racism to benefit our students, our fellow staff, and our communities. It also aims to educate staff and students on Canada’s true history and accurately reflect the diversity and distinctness of Indigenous people and the impacts of Canada’s historical knowledge that can sometimes perpetuate and fuel ignorance, discrimination and racism.

The School for Indigenous Education (SIE) and the Centre for Learning and Program Excellence are collaborating to lead this initiative with Carla Kematch, the College’s first-ever Manager, Truth & Reconciliation and Community Engagement.

To ensure RRC staff and faculty understand the current, deep-rooted systemic issues of Canada’s Indigenous issues, the exercise has been customized to incorporate local history and experiences as well as a clan bartering simulation experience that builds on local Anishinaabe history, governance and economic bartering systems.

The Blanket Exercise is a role-playing exercise and can be emotional and impactful for some participants. For this reason, participants will be supported in trauma-informed care principles with Indigenous Cultural supports. For more information on the workshop and how we plan to deliver it to employees (which may be different from your previous experience), see the attached FAQ document to this email.

What is Being Requested of You?

It is important lead facilitators represent a wide range of academic and non-academic areas at the College, and that they have an interest in delivering training that supports Truth and Reconciliation.

Please consider putting forth your name, as a candidate to become a lead Indigenous facilitator. The training will take 2 days to complete on November 12th and 13th.

As a facilitator, you will be required to lead 2 -3 exercises per year with approximately 40 RRC staff and faculty participating per session. Each 1 day session will have co-facilitators to assist you, along with an Elder or Knowledge Keeper.

Costs for the facilitator training will be funded centrally; no funding will be required from your department area.

Click here for The Blanket Exercise FAQ – RRC Employees.

Carla Kematch will be the contact person if you are interested in this opportunity to become a Lead Indigenous Facilitator. Please do not hesitate to contact her with questions you may have.

Carla Kematch | Manager, Truth & Reconciliation and Community Engagement
204-632-2148 | cakematch@rrc.ca

Curious about a career in Engineering Technology? Prospective Indigenous applicants are invited to a Pathway to Engineering Technology Programs Information Session. Meet instructors, current and former students, understand the opportunities the Pathway Program model offers, and learn more about Engineering Technology programs at RRC. Light snack and refreshments will be provided.

Indigenous Education Pathway to Engineering Technology Programs Information Session
November 21 – 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Indigenous Support Centre, F209
Notre Dame Campus

For additional information, please email indigrecruit@rrc.ca or call 204.632.2483.

At a gathering at Red River College’s Notre Dame Campus, both staff from RRC and Urban Circle Training Centre Inc. came together to kick off a uniquely renewed partnership that will strengthen ties between the two organizations to maximize opportunities for Indigenous students.

“This partnership has a very rich history. Urban Circle has been working hard to revitalize our community and ensure that there are opportunities for Indigenous learners,” said Rebecca Chartrand, RRC Executive Director, Indigenous Strategy. “I have family members who have benefited directly from some of the programs Urban Circle offers. They are really helping to restore dignity and create the space for people who need it the most.”

“This is a very important, historical pilot project that we are venturing into,” says Haven Stumpf, Urban Circle Executive Director. “We’ve been in partnership since 1996, and with the forming of our new partnership, RRC has truly stepped up to fill these obligations of closing these gaps with full participation and full consent from Urban Circle Training Centre.”

“We are so excited to build these new relationships and to be able to share our experiences and knowledge with one another. This will strengthen all of us to work together and to reach the goals of increasing indigenous participation in post-secondary education as well as increasing indigenous achievement and success in our community.”

The partnership will build upon the successes and expertise of both educational facilities to enhance Indigenous graduation rates through collaborative community-based programming and the unique approach of Urban Circles’ holistic delivery methods.

Jaime Richard, who has been working with the community through her work at RRC for nearly 14 years, has stepped into a newly created position – Manager, External Indigenous Relations and Partnerships – to streamline existing aspects of the relationship and strengthen plans for the future.

“The fact that this new, historic position exists, and the fact that the college is committing in this way to this long-standing relationship, is huge. I have had a relationship with Urban Circle prior to starting in this role and I just love the fact that I get to facilitate that relationship and help bring our two organizations closer together,” says Richard. “I want to help promote the successes of our students, which ultimately brings those successes to our communities and those students becoming role models. I’m just so delighted to be involved in a part of that.”

“Jaime brings much wisdom, support, understanding and passion for working with our indigenous students, staff and community and also representing Red River College,” continues Stumpf. “She is truly one who works with her heart to get that job done, and Red River College is very fortunate to have someone like her. She is truly an asset.”

The revitalized and enhanced partnership is in line with RRC’s strategic goal to Advance Indigenous Achievement as well as the College’s commitment as one of nine post-secondary signatories of the Manitoba Education Blueprint, a response to the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Report.

To learn more about Urban Circle Training Centre programs, visit urbancircletraining.com

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