At RRC Polytech, Indigenous students have access to Navigation Coaches — your go-to resource for guidance, support, and campus navigation all year long. Whether you need help understanding College processes, accessing community services, finding tutoring, or connecting with other support team members, Navigation Coaches are here to guide you every step of the way.

Your success isn’t just about academics — your health, wellness, and daily life matter too. Navigation Coaches can help you figure out next steps for everything from childcare to technology resources, ensuring you have the support you need to thrive both on campus and beyond. Let us help you make the most of your time at RRC Polytech.

Meet the Navigation Coaches ➔

Do you love cooking and want to prepare for success in the fast-paced food service industry?

The Culinary Skills (Indigenous) program at RRC Polytech is designed to help Indigenous learners develop the knowledge, practical skills, and experience needed to thrive in a variety of food service positions.

This full-time certificate program combines classroom learning, hands-on labs, and work experience to build fundamental culinary techniques, in-depth food knowledge, and introductory business skills. You’ll also gain experience, industry connections, and confidence through a paid co-op work placement. As part of your polytechnic education, you’ll receive industry-relevant certifications and training in food handling, fire safety, first aid, and WHMIS, giving you a strong foundation for your career.

The program incorporates Indigenous content throughout the curriculum and offers pre-employment supports to ensure your success. A special thank you goes to Red River Co-operative Ltd. for their generous support of this program, helping make these opportunities possible for students.

Admission Information

Applicants can apply through Regular Admission or Mature Student Admission pathways.

For Regular Admission, applicants must submit proof of Grade 12 graduation or current enrolment. If applying while enrolled, final grades confirming successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall entry or by the deadline listed in your admission letter. Applicants who need to complete an English Language Assessment should not submit transcripts until requested.

For Mature Student Admission, applicants must be at least 19 years old, have been out of high school for at least one year, and not meet regular admission requirements. Mature applicants must still meet the program’s English Language Requirements.

Read about students’ experiences in the program:

• Culinary Connections: Empowering Youth Through Food, Family and Future Pathways
• Prairie Research Kitchen Partnership: Addressing Food Security for Indigenous Communities Across Manitoba
• Culinary Connections: Empowering Youth Through Food, Family and Future Pathways

Ready to turn your passion for food into a career? Check out the program explorer page for more information and to register for the next intake Fall 2026.

Unlock financial support and celebrate your achievements while pursuing your post-secondary journey.

RRC Polytech offers a wide range of awards, scholarships, and bursaries to help Indigenous students pursue their post-secondary education. These funding opportunities recognize academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need, covering students across a variety of programs, from Carpentry and Nursing to Business, Information Technology, and Engineering. Many awards, such as those listed below, provide financial support while encouraging leadership, resilience, and professional growth.

Some notable Indigenous-specific awards include:

• Bird Indigenous Builders Scholarship – $1,000 for Indigenous Carpentry students nearing the end of their studies with strong academic standing.
• Bird Build Your Future Indigenous Scholarship – $2,000 for Indigenous students in Construction Management or Architectural/Engineering Technology who have completed at least one year with good grades.
• Business Council of Manitoba Indigenous Education Awards – Minimum $2,000 for full-time Indigenous students in need of financial assistance; students can reapply each year.
• CIBC Award – Minimum $2,000 for Indigenous students in Pathway to Business, Creative Arts, and Digital Technology programs; supports school-related expenses.
• Eliza Cummings Machan and Helen Machan Memorial Nursing Award – $1,000 for 3rd-year Indigenous Nursing students with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Grant Thomas Resiliency Award – $1,000 for Indigenous Child and Youth Care students who demonstrate resilience and personal growth.
• IG Wealth Empower Your Tomorrow Indigenous Scholarship – For Indigenous students in Pathway programs in IT or business, supporting tuition, academic expenses, and work-integrated learning.
• Journey Award for Nursing Students – Minimum $1,000 for Indigenous Nursing students who have faced academic or personal challenges, with preference given to those showing resilience.
• Babcock Canada Award for Indigenous Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Students – $5,000 for Indigenous students continuing into the second year of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer program with strong academic progress and community involvement.
• Gil Purcell Memorial Journalism Scholarship – $4,000 for Indigenous students studying journalism in Canada.

Deadlines and eligibility vary, so students should review the award details carefully and submit all required documentation on time. To explore the full list of opportunities and learn how to apply, visit the RRC Polytech Awards, Scholarships, and Bursaries page.

September 22 – 26

Join us for RRC Polytech’s 7th annual Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week.

This week-long series of events invites all students, staff, and faculty to gather, learn, and reflect as we prepare for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) on September 30.

From keynote speakers and sharing circles to workshops, cultural teachings, and conversations with Knowledge Keepers, each session offers an opportunity to deepen understanding, spark dialogue, and bring Truth and Reconciliation into classrooms, workplaces, and beyond.

Everyone is welcome, no registration required (unless noted).

Learn, heal, and connect — together we can create meaningful change.

Check out and subscribe to the Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement blog for the full list of events!

Join us at RRC Polytech for MMF Citizenship and Harvester Card sign-up sessions!

The Manitoba Métis Federation will be on campus September 23 at Notre Dame Campus (West Lot) and September 25 at Exchange District Campus (Atrium) from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. All students can apply free of charge, while staff will need to bring $10 cash for a Citizenship card and $10 for a Harvester card.

Bring these items to your appointment:

• Completed MMF Application Form
• Genealogy documentation (or supporting relative documents)
• Long-form birth or baptismal certificate
• Government-issued ID
• Passport-quality photo (can be taken on-site for free)
• Payment (if applicable)

This is your chance to complete your application in person and get help from MMF representatives. Don’t miss it! Subscribe to the Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement blog for more opportunities like this!

Launch Your Post-Secondary Journey

The College Transition program at RRC Polytech is designed specifically for Indigenous learners who want to explore their potential, connect with communities, and prepare for professional success. Whether you’re just beginning your post-secondary journey or looking to strengthen your skills before entering a full-time program, College Transition offers a supportive, holistic environment to help you thrive.

Through this program, you’ll build versatile skills, knowledge, and competencies that will serve you both in your studies and throughout your career. You’ll investigate potential employment paths, learn more about RRC Polytech’s career-focused opportunities, and gain practical, employer-sought skills that will make you stand out in the workforce.

The College Transition experience combines academic preparation with cultural learning. You’ll focus on strengthening your reading, writing, math, science, and technical skills while deepening your understanding of Indigenous culture. One-on-one mentorship, diverse learning strategies, and a holistic approach ensure that each learner develops both personal and career potential. You’ll also have opportunities to earn certifications, gain hands-on experience through work and volunteer opportunities, and explore pathways to full-time programs at RRC Polytech.

Admission Information

Applicants must submit documentation proving they meet admission requirements within 15 days of applying, unless otherwise noted. If you apply within six weeks of the program start date, documents are due within five days.

For Regular Admission, applicants must provide proof of Grade 12 graduation or enrolment, including one credit in both Grade 12 English (40S) and Grade 12 Math (40S). If applying while still enrolled, final grades confirming successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall entry, or by the deadline in your admission letter.

In addition, applicants are required to complete a prescribed English and Math Skills Assessment at the minimum competency level. This is not due within 30 days of applying and will be requested later by the College.

For Mature Student Admission, applicants must be at least 19 years old, out of high school for at least one year, and not meet the regular admission criteria. High school graduation is not required, but mature applicants must still meet the English Language Requirements and skills assessment requirements listed under Regular Admission.

Read about some of recent students and their journeys:

• Culture and College Transition
• Sparks Fly for College Transition Student in Women of Steel: Forging Forward Program
• Honouring Growth: First Bead Ceremony

Take the first step toward your post-secondary goals today. Check out the College Transition program explorer page for more information and to register for the next intake in Fall 2026.

Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation pursues initiative with RRC Polytech that will change healthcare education delivery across the province

On August 22, a transformative initiative rolled into Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation and the first cohort of students stepped into a classroom-on-wheels. Their first day of Health Care Aide training in Roseau River marked a trailblazing opportunity for healthcare education delivery in the province – a program born from months of collaboration, vision, and dedication.

“I genuinely look forward to coming to class and learning something new every – it’s definitely a great opportunity that everyone should take advantage of. This program is the first of its kind, and we get to be part of history in the making,” said Stacey Patrick, Health Care Aide student.

Read the full story on the MarComm blog.

Join us to celebrate!

As summer turns to fall, the days and nights balance in harmony, reminding us of the cycles of change and renewal. The Fall Equinox is a time to gather in community, reflect on the season’s gifts, and prepare for the months ahead.

RRC Polytech invites students, staff, and community members to join us in honouring this transition with a Pipe Ceremony led by the Elders-in-Residence, followed by a Feast.

Friday, September 19, 2025
10am – Pipe Ceremony
12pm – Feast

Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae
Exchange District Campus

This gathering is open to all. Please remember to bring your Feast Bag as we come together in respect, gratitude, and celebration of the season. No registration is required. If you have any questions, please contact Sara McIvor-Prouty, Manager, Indigenous Student Supports and Community Relations smcivor@rrc.ca.

Funding your education is possible.

Indigenous learners at RRC Polytech have access to a variety of funding options, including bursaries, awards, Band sponsorships, and Métis sponsorships. To explore all available financial supports, eligibility requirements, and application steps, check out our Indigenous Financial Aid guide.

This guide provides clear instructions for connecting with your Band office or Métis Employment & Training (MET) department, submitting required documents, and accessing additional resources such as Manitoba Student Aid, scholarships, and bursaries. It’s your one-stop source for everything you need to fund your education and take the next step toward your goals.

Learn more and get started: Indigenous Financial Aid

Indigenous students at RRC Polytech are invited to attend a Status Card ID Clinic, hosted in partnership with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization. This event is an opportunity to apply for or renew your Status Card with support available to guide you through the process.

• Date: Wednesday, September 17
• Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Location: Indigenous Support Centre (F209)

Appointments are encouraged to ensure you have the correct documentation, but drop-ins will also be accepted.

To book an appointment and confirm the type of ID required for your application, contact
Haley Pratt, Navigation Coach at hpratt2@rrc.ca