As of 2022, January 4 has been recognized as National Ribbon Skirt Day in Canada. Senator Mary Jane McCallum was inspired to put forth a bill in 2021 to officially recognize the day after a young Indigenous woman was told her ribbon skirt “did not meet the formal requirements” during a school event.

Today, we honour the history of the ribbon skirt, which is traditionally worn in ceremonies and at special events by Indigenous women. The ribbon skirt, with its unique patterns and colours, represents the identity, diversity and strength of the person wearing it.

Acknowledging National Ribbon Skirt Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the importance of Indigenous traditions and culture, which for decades were banished through colonialism and assimilation policies.

Ribbon Skirt Craft Workshop

Students and staff are invited to join Sara McIvor-Prouty for a Ribbon Skirt Craft Workshop, today from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in the Indigenous Student Support Centre, F209, Notre Dame Campus. All supplies will be provided. Registration not required; spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

For any questions about the workshop, please email Sara at smcivor@rrc.ca.

Join us in the Indigenous Support Centre F209 to celebrate the Winter Solstice with a Pipe Ceremony and Feast. The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year and is the point at which the Earth begins its return to the sun. The Winter Solstice typically occurs on December 21, but we invite everyone to celebrate with us on December 7 before classes come to a close.

No registration is required—everyone is welcome.

Date:     Thursday, December 7

Time:     10:00 am – Pipe Ceremony

               12:00 pm – Feast

“Boozhoo! Anang Makwa Dizhninikaaz. Peguis ni doonjii.”

Hello! My Spirit Name is Star Bear. I am from Peguis First Nation.

This is the introduction that Wyatt Sutherland learned to greet people with in Anishinaabemowin. Sutherland, a second-year Business Administration student from Peguis First Nation, has family members who are fluent in Anishinaabemowin. He took the opportunity last spring to attend RRC Polytech’s pilot course for Introduction to Anishinaabemowin to better understand his mother tongue among fellow learners.

RRC Polytech launched the pilot course Introduction to Anishinaabemowin in April 2023, which took place at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae at the Exchange District Campus, the name of which means Where Creator Sits – Brings the Light in Anishinaabemowin. Students learned basic greetings, alphabet systems and cultural and linguistic protocols over eight weeks.

“Even after completing the course, I use my flashcards and practice with my brother. Now that I know where to access language resources and how to use them, I feel much more confident,” said Sutherland.

Sutherland, with his classmates, learned how to greet people with their given names and Spirit Names and where they’re from—a traditional way to connect with others in the language. They learned over 140 vocabulary words and phrases that created the base upon which further language knowledge could be built.

Barrier-free access to language education is foundational to cultural reclamation and reconciliation. CWB Financial Group recognized the generational impact this course has and as they strive to create inclusive spaces for success and growth, they partnered with RRC Polytech to ensure the next cohort of students in Introduction to Anishinaabemowin have free tuition. They prioritize community investments focused on removing barriers for those pursuing skill development and learning and mentorship opportunities.

Corey Whitford, Anishinaabemowin Instructor, delivered lessons in the Sandy Bay dialect while acknowledging and honouring the various regional differences and dialects among the many Anishinaabemowin-speaking communities throughout Manitoba and surrounding areas.

“That first cohort really shaped the way that I teach my classes now,” said Whitford. “I’ve learned that you have to really engage the senses, to keep that retention. I’ve taken my classes to the Manitoba Museum, Giizhigooweyaabikwe Park or Painted Sky Woman Park, and I’m amazed every time by just how immersed they are in the content—not just the language itself, but the cultural and traditional knowledge.”

Whitford says his lesson plan includes going on field trips, dabbling in art with painting jars, playing traditional and contemporary games, sharing and preparing recipes, and listening to and singing songs. He teaches the course as an evening course on a registration basis and as an elective in the Social Innovation and Community Development program. He credits his grandmother, Kookum Victoria, with his inspiration and motivation to share the language with as many people as possible in as many ways as possible.

“Kookum Victoria was an extraordinary orator—Elders would call on her for her prayers, she was a poet. Her words were comforting and colourful, they expressed something beautiful that couldn’t have had the same weight if they were articulated in English. It was her gift,” Whitford said. “I can’t wait to see the next generation of poets. I want to help them get there.”

Whitford says he plans to continue to evolve the course as it progresses and hopes to one day also offer Introduction to Anishinaabemowin in live hybrid classes to reach more students.

Sutherland says his favourite aspect of the introductory course was the sense of comradery that bloomed from the small class and interactive lessons. He’s looking forward to the future progression course, Conversational Anishinaabemowin.

“Humour and joy are a huge part of the culture, despite the focus that exists on Indigenous hardship—we’re still here, and we get through trauma through our relationships and humour,” said Sutherland.

As a life-long learner and as an Indigenous person, Sutherland hopes that future Introduction to Anishinaabemowin students seize the opportunity to embrace the cultural depth that comes with reclaiming language.

“Try to be in the moment. The beautiful thing about learning the language is that: respect is inherent. There are no words for ‘you’re welcome,’ because thanks is always given,” said Sutherland.

Come to the Indigenous Support Centre to make soup and connect with other students!

Drop in between 4pm and 6pm to prepare delicious soup on these Tuesdays in November:

• Tuesday, November 14
• Tuesday, November 21
• Tuesday, November 28

Ingredients and utensils will be provided. Feel free to bring your friends and family – no registration is required. Enjoy your soup in the centre or bring take-home containers to enjoy at home.

Miigwech miinawaa awii giizhoozi gakina! Thank you and stay warm, everyone!

Many Canadians recognize and honour November 11 every year to mark the armistice signed between nations at the end of World War I and the sacrifices that Canadians have made in armed conflict in the last century. It’s a solemn legacy that many Canadians regard with great pride and sorrow.

In 1994, Indigenous veterans advocated to be acknowledged after being excluded from recognition in Remembrance Day activities, despite the service they provided to Canada during wartime. Since then, November 8 has been observed as National Indigenous Veterans’ Day, a lesser-known observance to specifically recognize the contributions and sacrifices of Indigenous soldiers.

Before his career in education and post-secondary leadership, Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech spent 9 years serving in both the US and Canadian Armed Forces – he says that his time in the military was the most formative time of his life, one that influenced his position as a leader today.

Wilson, who’s from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, grew up in a non-military family, but says his community has a proud history of serving during times of war.

“It’s an honourable thing to put your community ahead of yourself for the greater good. There are still young people back home that look to pursue military service—I’d support anyone that wanted to pursue it,” said Wilson.

Wilson had already earned his teaching credential in education when he began considering a career in the military.

In 1992, Wilson Sundanced in North Dakota with an Indigenous man whom he learned served in the US Special Operations—Wilson recalls being surprised that this laid-back, down-to-earth, traditional  dancer willingly served in the US military while remaining true to who he was. Hearing about his fellow Sundancer’s experience reignited Jamie’s lifelong interest in joining the military.

Under the Jay Treaty of 1794, Wilson, as a First Nations person, could travel and work in the United States with the same rights as a US citizen. Wilson spoke with a recruiter and joined the US army in 1994. He completed his basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia and was assigned a contract to attend selection with the 75^th Ranger Regiment – a light infantry unit and special operations force within the United States Army Special Operations Command where he ended up spending two years serving. He says in that time, he experienced the toughest training conditions that forced him past his limits—limits he didn’t know could be exceeded.

“There were periods where we’d train constantly, for days straight—with a cumulative of 4-5 hours’ sleep the whole time. Going sometimes to the point of hallucination—some guys were walking and sleeping at the same time.”

Wilson noted that had he not Sundanced prior to joining the military, the experience would have been far more grueling.

“I used to do full Sundance for four full days—no eating or drinking water the whole time. I remember my military buddy, after the Sundance, was like ‘let’s run down to the [Missouri] river for the final ceremony; it’s only two miles away.’ We were dehydrated and hungry (I lost about 20 pounds in 4 days each time I danced), but I agreed—we ran there, and that made me realize the mental strength we have: you’re capable of more than you think.”

After returning to Canada, Wilson joined the Canadian Forces as a reserve infantry officer based in Edmonton for seven years. Looking back, Wilson acknowledged the hardship that soldiers go through to serve having experienced it firsthand in both the US and Canadian militaries, and the particular adversity that Indigenous soldiers and veterans have faced throughout history.

Wilson says that the leadership demonstrated in the military was more diverse than he expected—some of the best leaders he had were the ones that defied his expectations. Wilson says their abilities to serve as leaders were evidently forged from their abilities to support the people around them.

“It taught me to lean into myself more, to be more confident in who I am. It taught me to be a better parent, brother and leader. I learned to let myself make mistakes—they put you in uncomfortable situations to force you to grow and adapt. To be a good leader, you have to know how to be a good follower—you have to learn how to support those around you,” said Wilson.

For Wilson, National Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day is about recognizing the sacrifice of men and women who put their lives on the line.

“Whether it is serving overseas or local issues like flooding or fire, soldiers, sailors, airmen and women answer the call and exemplify selflessness by putting the greater good ahead of one’s self and personal needs every day to serve those around them.”

Many people express their support for National Indigenous Veterans Day by wearing beaded poppies created by Indigenous artists. Wilson encourages the community to show support by wearing a beaded poppy while also making a donation the Royal Canadian Legion, as every donation made for the yearly poppies goes toward programs that support veterans.

A History of Indigenous Veterans Serving In Canada

It wasn’t until 1994, Indigenous veterans and their families advocated for their recognition that Canadian society became conscious of the mistreatment that Indigenous soldiers faced when they returned home: Canada expropriated immense amounts of reserve lands during wartime, some of which was awarded as farmland to non-Indigenous veterans for their service; Indigenous veterans were often denied full veterans’ benefits and support programs afforded to non-Indigenous veterans; some were forced to “enfranchise” (meaning they became Canadian citizens with all the rights and privileges of citizens if they gave up their Indian Status and their identities).

Today, Indigenous people are recognized and honoured at all levels for their contributions to Canada during war. November 8^th sees hundreds of ceremonies and vigils around the country to acknowledge the history that encompasses the Indigenous experience in the Canadian military.

Learn more about National Indigenous Veterans’ Day on the Library blog or check out these resources:

• Indigenous Veterans – Veterans Affairs Canada
• First Nations in Canada (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca)
• Civilization.ca – History of the Vote – Chronicle, A spotlight on 1920-1997 (historymuseum.ca)
• Why some Indigenous people chose to go to war for Canada | Folio (ualberta.ca)
• Indigenous Veterans Day Resource (trentu.ca)
• Support for Veterans (legion.ca)

In 2006, the Inuit Circumpolar Council established November 7 as International Inuit Day. More than 70,000 Inuit people live in Canada, with 69 percent living within Inuit Nunangat, northern Canada, composed of four distinct regions, Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, Nunavut and Inuvialuit.

On International Inuit Day, we invite you to celebrate the diversity of Inuit cultures and communities, and honour Inuit voices through listening and learning. Below are a few resources to support your learning:

Manitoba is home to the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq, which has one of the world’s largest collections of contemporary Inuit art, bringing close to 5,000 stone carvings to light in its visible vault. Explore the stunning collection of Inuit art in the heart of downtown Winnipeg – the first floor (includes the visible vault) is always FREE to visit. This Sunday, November 12 is free admission from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at WAG-Qaumajuq, so check out more exhibitions, including Inuit Sanaugangit: Art Across Time.

International Inuit Day is also a time to recognize how the way of life continues to change for Inuit peoples as the landscape literally and figuratively transforms. Read A balancing act between the two worlds: What it means to be Inuit, via Nunavut News.

Last year, RRC Polytech celebrated National Inuit Day with students, staff, faculty, and members of the Manitoba Inuit Association. College Transition students shared about their culture and life in Rankin Inlet with the College community. Read the full story here.

Make your own ribbon skirt for Ceremony and everyday wear with Angela Antoine!

Students are invited to join us in the Indigenous Support Centre F209 for a Ribbon Skirt Workshop Series led by Angela Antoine, Director of Indigenous Services at the Behavioral Health Foundation, on Nov. 9, 16, and 23 from 4pm – 6pm.

Supplies for skirt-making will be provided—please ensure that you are able to attend all three sessions as seats are limited to 20.

Please send an email to Holly Scherban, Indigenous Support Centre Coordinator at hscherban@rrc.ca to register.

• Date: Nov. 9, 16, and 23
• Time: 4pm – 6pm
• Place: Indigenous Support Centre F209, Notre Dame Campus

A message from Angela:

The College is invited to participate in the annual Thrive Week hosted by Campus Well-being and the Students’ Association! Thrive Week is a time to focus on the importance of balance and self-care in developing positive mental health that supports success in learning and working. All events are free and open to students and staff.

Participate in one of our events offered virtually or in-person: Don Amero – Keynote presentation, Hip Hop Challenge, Self-Defense Demo, Therapy Dogs, Explore the Universe Planetarium show, Mini Golf, Indigenous Infused Yoga, Movie and Popcorn Lunch, Library Puzzles/Adult Colouring stations and a Birds Hill Provincial Park hike. Check out the full Campus Well-being schedule for details and registration links.

Door prizes are available at most events – register and participate to win!

For questions or accessibility needs, please contact Kristi Dorian. 

Keynote Speaker (EDC and Virtual)

Join Campus Well-Being and the Students’ Association in welcoming local musician, writer and speaker, Don Amero for Thrive Week’s keynote presentation in-person and live-streamed. Light refreshments provided and Don Amero Swag Bag door prize.

Thursday, November 9, 2023, 12pm to 1pm, in the Roundhouse Auditorium, Exchange District Campus, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae.

Check out the full Campus Well-being schedule for details and registration links.

This past September, the Knowledge Keepers Council reconvened to advise on initiatives at the College related to Truth and Reconciliation. The Knowledge Keepers Council has provided many different areas of the College with cultural and strategic direction based on traditional and scholarly perspectives of ethics, concepts, and practices of reconciliation.

The College community is invited to a come-and-go Meet-and-Greet with the Knowledge Keepers Council on Thursday, November 16, in E155 at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae from 2pm to 4pm at the Exchange District Campus. You’re welcome to drop by between to introduce yourself and get to know the Knowledge Keepers over a cup of coffee and snacks.

We’re proud to work with respected Elders and Knowledge Keepers from a wide range of communities with diverse experiences. The insight they have provided to the College has made our approach to Truth and Reconciliation stronger, and we look forward to a long and enriching relationship based on the spirit of reciprocity and respect.

The Knowledge Keepers Council is interdepartmentally sponsored through Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement, Human Resources, the School of Indigenous Education, and Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development.

Meet the Knowledge Keepers Council

Paul Guimond

Paul Guimond is part of the Turtle Clan and his Spirit Name is Okonace (Little Eagle Bone). He lives with his wife Kim in Sagkeeng First Nation and together they have three children, 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Elder Paul studied Counselling Skills at the University of Manitoba and is a certified coach in hockey, baseball and lacrosse.

In Sagkeeng, Elder Paul sat on Chief & Council for 20 years and served as the School Board Chairman for ten years. Elder Paul is a Sundance Bundle Carrier (Chief), Sweat Lodge Bundle Carrier (Water drum) and Dark Room Bundle Carrier. He is an active Elder with Addictions Foundation of Manitoba and Sagkeeng Child & Family Services, where he offers healing, guidance in spiritual growth and personal development through ceremony, programming and encouraging healthy relationships.

Elder Paul joined the Elder-in-Residence Program at Red River College Polytechnic in 2018.

Richard Curé

Richard is part of the Sturgeon Clan and his Spirit Name is Mashkode – Bizhiki (Buffalo Man). He is Métis and discovered the Red Road after becoming a foster parent with Sagkeeng Child and Family Services. Uncovering his Indigeneity and attending Sweat Lodges and Sundances helped Richard overcome personal adversities, such as the workplace injury that prevented him from continuing his career in mining. 

For the last three years, Richard has been a Knowledge Keeper with Sagkeeng Anicinabe High School in Sagkeeng First Nation. He takes youth out onto the land picking medicine and collecting grandfathers (sacred stones for Sweat Lodges), firewood, and tiipii poles. He and his wife Tammy have four children and four grandchildren. Richard facilitates workshops like medicine picking, hand drum building, and Sweat Lodges with multiple organizations, including Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Center, Sagkeeng Child and Family Services and RRC Polytech. 

Allen Sutherland

Allen Sutherland, Waabishki Mazinazoot Mishtaatim (White Spotted Horse), Anishinaabe, of the Bizhiw Doodem (Lynx Clan), Skownan First Nation, Treaty 2 Territory.

Allen Sutherland is the Life Long Learning Lodge Keeper, Government of First Nations Treaty 2 Territory. Allen is an independent consultant and provides facilitation and training under his company WHITE SPOTTED HORSE.

In 2014, he was the recipient of the Aboriginal Circle of Educators Researcher and/or Curriculum Development Award for developing the Canadian Indigenous Historical Timeline poster that is now used in the Treaty Kits of Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba.

Allen is an Anishinaabek Traditional Knowledge Keeper, providing traditional ceremonies, teachings, spiritual advice, and healing.

Barbara Bruce

Barbara Bruce is a citizen of the Métis Nation – Michif aen Otipemisiwak, and Two-Spirit. Her beliefs of Métis and other Indigenous traditional teachings are reflected in her 35+ years of experience. Her dedication to advancing the rightful place of the Two Spirit community, Métis and other Indigenous women and children are an integral part of her life. 

She has extensive networks and working relationships with the Métis Nation and other Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, organizations and governments across Canada. Her portfolio includes board appointments with the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board, the Manitoba Communities Economic Development Fund, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Top 40 Under 40, the University of Winnipeg Board of Regents and the Métis Child and Family Services Authority.

Barbara has received extensive recognition and honour for her work in cultural social justice and for her contribution to the wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples from many communities and organizations, like the Human Rights Commission of Manitoba, Sagkeeng First Nation, Keeping the Fires Burning with Ka Ni Kanichihk as a kookum, the Order of Manitoba as a 2018 inductee, and the Nellie McClung Foundation as one of the 150 Manitoba Women Trailblazers.

Albert McLeod

Albert McLeod is a Status Indian with ancestry from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and the Métis community of Norway House in northern Manitoba. He has 30+ years of experience as a human rights activist and is one of the directors of the Two-Spirited People of Manitoba. 

Albert began his Two-Spirit advocacy in Winnipeg in 1986 and became an HIV/AIDS activist in 1987. He was the director of the Manitoba Aboriginal AIDS Task Force from 1991 to 2001. In 2018, Albert received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Winnipeg. 

Albert lives in Winnipeg where he works as a consultant specializing in Indigenous Peoples, cultural reclamation, and cross-cultural training.

Martha Peet, Inuit Elder and storyteller from Taloyaok, Nunavut, believes that telling stories is about sharing her own experiences and the traditional Inuit way of life.

Taloyaok was founded in 1948 when the HBC established a trading post. Five nomadic families moved in, including hers. Peet was born in 1950.

“I was there from the beginning. I lived in an igloo in the winter and a tent in the summer. My job as a child was collecting cotton in the summer for the wick on the seal oil [soapstone] lamp, which was fueled by blubber. I always had chores. I carried water twice a day from the lake. I made bannock and tea. We boiled our meat—seal and caribou,” she says.

As a storyteller for over 30 years, Peet enjoys sharing stories about her life, where she is from, and the Inuit way of life of years ago including the importance of animals and traditions.

Janice Millar

Janice Millar was born and raised in Winnipeg to an Inninew mother and Métis father, growing up with four sisters. Today, she’s a proud mother of five and grandmother of three.

Grandmother Janice received a Bachelor of Education and Post Baccalaureate in Counseling at the University of Manitoba. For 37 years, she worked at the Winnipeg School Division as a counselor and support for Indigenous students in addition to her work with teachers, vice principals, principals, directors and school board committee members. She has recently retired and continues her work in the community.

“The foundation of my work was to clear a path to build student success, with the end result of creating equitable learning environments for all students. I was schooled in Western Education—I was also schooled in Indigenous Education by the old people. I have recently joined the Indigenous Student Support Team at Red River College Polytech. I enjoy working with students here, and I am looking forward to this new journey and getting to know the students.”

Ivy Chaske

The School of Indigenous Education and RRC Polytech are excited to welcome Grandmother Janice Millar to our community! Grandmother Janice will be joining the Indigenous Student Support Team once a week to provide additional support to Indigenous students, as well as the Knowledge Keepers Council and College community.

Join us in the Indigenous Support Centre F209 at Notre Dame Campus on Monday, Oct. 23 for a come-and-go Meet and Greet with Grandmother Janice any time between 10am and 2pm. Drop by the centre for a chat and some coffee as your schedule allows.

• Monday, Oct. 23
• 10am – 2pm
• F209, Indigenous Support Centre, Notre Dame Campus

A message from Grandmother Janice:

Tansi, Boozhoo,
Hi There,

My name is Janice Millar. I was born and raised in Winnipeg.

My Mom was Inninew (Cree) and My Dad was Metis.

I come from a family of 5 Girls. I am a Mother of 5 and a Grandmother to 3.

I worked in the Winnipeg School Division for 37 years and have just recently retired. Most of my years were spent in Counseling and supporting Indigenous Education/Students. I also worked with Teachers, Vice Principals, Principals, Directors and School Board Committee Members.

The foundation of my work was to clear a path to build Student Success, with the end result of creating equitable learning environments for all students.

I was schooled in Western Education. I received my Bachelor of Education and Post Baccalaureate in Counseling at the University of Manitoba.  

I was also schooled in Indigenous Education by the old people.

I have recently joined the Indigenous Student Support Team at Red River College Polytech. I enjoy working with students here. I am looking forward to this new journey and getting to know the students.