Over the weekend, the Canadian Red Cross reached out to RRC Polytech to request our assistance to shelter wildfire evacuees.

We are preparing to support approximately 200 Manitobans by offering a shelter space at the Notre Dame Campus.

We are anticipating that supplies and cots will be delivered today to help set up a temporary shelter in the North Gym. The South Gym will also be used as a recreation space for evacuees. 

As part of this effort, the North Gym and Loft (including changing room facilities), and South Gym will be closed to students and staff until further notice. Otherwise, there will be no impact to day-to-day operations on campus.  

Making our spaces available is an important way we can support evacuees during this difficult time and welcome them to campus as they seek safety and comfort. The Canadian Red Cross will manage the shelter, which will operate 24/7 while evacuees are on site. RRC Polytech will assist the Red Cross as needed to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. 

This work is being led by Safety, Health and Security Services who have engaged a coordinated team of representatives from areas across the College and have set up an Emergency Operations Centre located at AB37. We are all working together to ensure evacuees are supported and have what they may need while staying with us.  

Later today, we may reach out to staff who are available to help with setting up the shelter alongside the Canadian Red Cross. We will keep you informed if assistance is needed. 

We continue to take direction from the Canadian Red Cross and at this time we will not be accepting clothing or other donations at this site. As we learn more and understand how we can best support the evacuees on campus, we will continue to keep you informed.  

RRC Polytech has always been here to support our community, and we appreciate your assistance and understanding as we work together to help those affected by the wildfires. 

We will continue to provide regular updates on the shelter site at NDC through rrc.ca/marcom and Staff and Student News to keep you informed. 

Thank you for your compassion and support, and for welcoming evacuees to the RRC Polytech community. 

The following message was sent to all staff and students from Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer at RRC Polytech:

We are deeply saddened by the devastating wildfires currently affecting many communities across Manitoba.

We acknowledge that events like this are frightening and bring uncertainty, and our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted including our students, staff, and their families.

Our eight campuses form a community of people from all corners of the province who support one another in good times and in crisis. Many of you or those you love may be facing uncertainty or displacement, and we know this can take an emotional toll. We encourage everyone to continue to show compassion, patience, and flexibility during this difficult time. 

If you are affected by the wildfires and need support – whether it’s flexibility with assignments or exams, working arrangements, or someone to talk to – please reach out to your instructor or manager.

The Safety, Health and Security Services team continues to work with areas across the college who have students or staff who may be impacted by the wildfires.

We have also connected with Emergency Management Manitoba to see how we can support, and we will continue to update you as we learn more.

We also want to remind staff and students that there are resources and supports available through Campus Wellbeing for students and through Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) for employees.

Your safety, health and well-being are our most important priority.

Let’s continue to look out for one another during this challenging time.

Sincerely,

Melanie

Innovative conversion kit offers a cost-effective solution to adopt more environmentally friendly transportation for students across the province

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – Today, Manitoba’s first low carbon school bus successfully converted from diesel to electric power is rolling out of RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology and Energy Centre (VTEC)  – demonstrating the viability of a cost-effective unique process to electrify current fleets and reduce the environmental impact of using fossil fuels. 

“Our work on the electric school bus conversion kit is the latest example of how applied research collaborations with industry partners support market-driven innovation and product development,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “This project is an example of the applied research expertise and facilities RRC Polytech has developed over the last 20 years that contribute to advancing technologies to support Manitoba’s energy transition.”

Funded by the Government of Manitoba’s Conservation and Climate Fund and the Canadian Shield Foundation, the diesel to EV school bus conversion kit is the result of a collaborative project that brought together the experts at RRC Polytech’s VTEC, Noble Northern and Seven Oaks School Division. The conversion kit reduces greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, cuts costs for schools and the government, and offers an affordable alternative to factory-built electric buses.

“Manitoba is committed to advancing clean transportation solutions that protect our environment while ensuring safe and sustainable mobility for students,” said the Honourable Mike Moyes, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “We’re thrilled that the result of this collaboration – proof of concept for the conversion of diesel school buses to electric power – not only offers an alternative to importing costly technology, but the potential to stimulate our local economy through job creation and growth.” 

The project began in August 2023, when the Seven Oaks School Division provided a suitable bus for conversion and students from RRC Polytech’s Heavy Equipment Mechanic Program removed its diesel engine before transferring the bus to principal industry collaborator, Noble Northern. VTEC’s research team joined their experts on the groundwork for converting the bus, including the preliminary design for the electric drive system, which eventually led to the procurement of electric motors, batteries, controllers, inverters, and other essential accessories in the conversion kit. After the installation and commissioning phase, the newly converted electric school bus was returned to RRC Polytech for rigorous environmental performance evaluations within MotiveLab™ VTEC’s climatic chamber. 

“RRC Polytech’s VTEC is proudly regarded as a Canadian leader in EV technology. By seeking cost-effective methods to reduce emissions and source renewable energies for fuel for fleet vehicles like school buses, we are helping to build and maintain a sustainable future while training the workforce of tomorrow,” said Jojo Delos Reyes, Program Manager, Vehicle Technology and Energy Centre. “This project also allowed us to deepen our relationship with industry experts, Noble Northern and build on the knowledge that we acquired while working together converting the Arctic Tundra Buggy which will undoubtedly benefit our next partners and projects.” 

Even with labour costs considered, retrofitting an existing diesel bus using the conversion kit saves over $100,000 on the price of purchasing a new factory-built Type C electric school bus, freeing up valuable budget for administrators to reinvest directly into the classroom while still significantly reducing their carbon footprint. The benefits of converting just one bus also include saving up to $11,000 in fuel costs and reducing 21.6 tonnes of CO2 emissions per school year (approximately 39 weeks). Other advantages of switching to this technology include lower maintenance costs and elimination of air and noise pollution.

The unveiling event featured remarks from Fred Meier, Jojo Delos Reyes, Tye Noble, President, Noble Northern, Logan Oxenham, MLA for Kirkfield Park, and the Right Honourable Edward Schreyer, the former Governor General of Canada, former Premier of Manitoba, and founder of the Canadian Shield Foundation. Guests from industry, community, government, and across our campuses even hopped aboard for a quick ride.  

“This successful collaboration has proven what is possible – now we’re ready to literally drive it forward,” said Delos Reyes. “Our next steps are to explore commercialization and scaling possibilities of the conversion process and to connect with partners who are interested and motivated to adopt this new technology.”

Landmark $1.25 million donation to have an impact on more than 200 students per year, including Skilled Trades students and Indigenous learners through RRC Polytech’s Introduction to Trades program  

RRC Polytech is now set to help even more students build a brighter future in the skilled trades thanks to a $1.25 million gift from Qualico, announced today at the College’s Notre Dame Campus.  

The gift expands capacity in RRC Polytech’s Introduction to Trades program, a unique program for Indigenous learners to build specialized skills and gain direct entry into the RRC Polytech trades program of their choice. The gift also supports the creation of a new Navigator position – a role that helps to increase student participation and wrap-around supports. 

“RRC Polytech and Qualico share a common vision of building strong communities with a skilled and talented workforce that is diverse and representative. This donation further exemplifies Qualico’s dedication to reconciliation and their efforts in creating equitable environments for everyone to learn and work,” said Fred Meier, President & CEO, RRC Polytech. “Qualico’s support will benefit countless students and will bolster programming in our skilled trades and technologies department, which will in turn help build a stronger industry here in Manitoba.”

Qualico’s gift provides additional support to RRC Polytech’s School of Skilled Trades and Technologies and the creation of 10 annual awards for Construction Trades students – one of the largest available for skilled trades and technologies students, at $5,000 each. 

“This support for RRC Polytech is the next logical step in the strong partnership between our organizations,” said Kevin Van, President & CEO, Qualico. “Qualico feels compelled to give back to our community, and working with RRC Polytech is a clear choice because of their commitment to student success and building Manitoba’s infrastructure and economy.” 

Qualico has previously supported RRC Polytech through a $150,000 donation to establish the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre, which opened in 2018, and by providing assistance to RRC Polytech students through scholarships, awards and work-integrated learning opportunities. 

Qualico’s support will also benefit the College’s annual Skilled Trades kickoff event, which connects employers with skilled trades students – establishing important connections for future careers after graduation. This gift serves to increase work-integrated learning support for RRC Polytech’s Certificate Trades programming – carpentry, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning, and cabinetry and woodworking. 

“Qualico is proud to work with RRC Polytech and to hire many of their grads, because we know that students graduate from the College equipped with not only the technical skills and experience to take them far, but the cultural competency that will allow them to integrate in our workplace and make a difference in their communities,” said David Eggerman, Qualico Regional Vice-President, Manitoba & Saskatchewan.  “Qualico and RRC Polytech both recognize the vital role that tradespeople play in supporting Manitoba’s future, and we’re thrilled that this partnership will support a stronger and more inclusive workforce for the trades in our province.”

Protein Industries Canada (PIC) is investing $1.2 million in a collaborative applied research project to explore agri-food opportunities and address barriers to food security in rural and remote communities in Manitoba.

The $1.6 million project in total will feature the professional staff and students from RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) and the College of Rehabilitation Sciences at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba (UM) working together with local communities across the province to address food insecurity and Indigenous food sovereignty barriers related to First Nations and Red River Métis food production and distribution systems. 

“On behalf of the Manitoba Métis Federation – National Government of the Red River Métis, I am pleased today to be announcing a new partnership as part of a Consortium, together with Red River College Polytechnic, the University of Manitoba, and enabled by the commitment and funding provided through Protein Industries Canada,” said David Beaudin, Minister of Agriculture and Associate Minister of Provincial Education for the MMF in a news release. “This project will help facilitate the reimagining of Red River Métis food systems and will unlock new opportunities to better connect with our foods across the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. I look forward to seeing the project build value through capacity and skills development, all while enabling greater local access to nutritious food options.” 

Food security exists when all people, at all times, have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.  It’s not just about having enough food –  it also means having the ability to access it and use it in a way that supports a healthy and active life.  

Fresh, nutrient-dense groceries often come with a hefty price tag in rural and remote Indigenous communities, so the consortium will work with the Red River Métis and First Nations communities across Manitoba to increase access to affordable, nutritious, supply-stable and culturally appropriate food and create community-specific recipes that will incorporate pulses and other plant-based ingredients. 

The collaborative creation of these food options aims to nourish and nurture long-term health outcomes, while increasing opportunities for student learning and jobs and contributing toward future Indigenous economic development. 

“The investments into this project are advancing the future of food for all Canadians,” Protein Industries Canada CEO Robert Hunter said. “Diversifying the value-added sector provides protein options and country-wide economic growth that supports the expansion of Canada’s plant-based food and ingredient ecosystem. It’s equally important that we invest in communities and economic reconciliation with Indigenous people, ensuring the growth of this industry supports inclusion, shared prosperity and long-term partnerships across the country.” 

Throughout this project, the consortium will collaborate with the communities in a variety of ways. Together, RRC Polytech, MMF and UM will engage community members; hire students and interns; perform market research on both existing food products and future resource applications; develop food products; teach hands-on classes; and develop workshop materials to engage communities in food production and cooking skills. The project is expected to provide a case study for engaging in respectful discussions with Indigenous communities and creating an example for other organizations to follow a similar path forward. 

“RRC Polytech is committed to elevating Indigenous Peoples and communities, so we’re excited for our team of experts at Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) to join our partners in this transformative initiative,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development, RRC Polytech. “PRK’s professional staff and student workforce has led the way in embracing Truth and Reconciliation within our College community, and across the province at large, by being the first to create Indigenous research positions; mandating Four Seasons training for all staff; engaging students from the Indigenous Culinary Skills program; and actively pursuing and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs. Their knowledge, understanding and eagerness to collaborate will be a tremendous asset to the project.” 

Read the PIC News Release

About Protein Industries Canada (PIC):

PIC is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization created to position Canada as a global source of high-quality plant protein and plant-based co-products. We are one of Canada’s five Global Innovation Clusters. Our mission is to invest collaboratively to accelerate innovation and the competitiveness of the Canadian plant protein sector. The growth of Canada’s ingredient manufacturing sector can offer economic prosperity, reduced emissions, a strengthened food supply chain and economic resilience, all in the face of a changing global landscape. 

The following news release was distributed by the Province of Manitoba:

The Manitoba government is supporting the launch of Red River College Polytechnic’s (RRC Polytech) modernized American Sign Language (ASL) – English Interpretation Advanced Diploma Program (AEIP) to improve outcomes for students serving both the Deaf and non-Deaf communities, Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable announced today.

“Embracing diversity and inclusion makes our communities and province stronger,” said Cable. “We’re proud to work with RRC to make Manitoba a more inclusive and accessible place. The new program will enhance student success and prepare graduates to provide interpretive services for Deaf Manitobans.”
The Manitoba government has provided $225,000 for one-time renovation and equipment costs, in addition to $190,000 in annual funding to support ongoing program operations.

The modernized program provides a strong foundation in ASL fluency and Deaf history and culture, with interpreting practice in both classroom and real-world settings, noted the minister. The program has undergone an academic transformation, revamping its content, design and delivery to better meet the evolving needs of learners and the community. Graduates will be equipped to work as entry-level interpreters in various settings including kindergarten to Grade 12 public schools, colleges, businesses and social services.

Other new program elements include:

• a three-year full-time program encompassing eight terms;
• revised admission requirements to ensure incoming learners have intermediate language fluency and a minimum of 120 hours of ASL learning;
• leveraging work-integrated learning opportunities such as practicums to augment in-class training and provide hands-on experience to enhance foundational skills for general interpreting; and
• opportunities for community involvement that will further increase ASL fluency and understanding of Deaf history.

RRC Polytech is also offering three ASL courses through Continuing Education to support greater proliferation of ASL language training and support future program participants to meet admission requirements, the minister noted. The first intake in fall 2025 has a projected enrollment of 10 students, with an annual capacity of 20 students.

“RRC Polytech is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity both on campus and in our communities,” said Aileen Najduch, acting vice-president academic, RRC Polytech. “Our programs are routinely updated and modernized to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the students and industries we serve. This new advanced diploma will have benefits to the community including a new learning lab and more simulation experience opportunities which will improve outcomes for students who will graduate from the program and ultimately for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community they will support.”

RRC Polytech consulted several partners and community representatives when structuring this programming and curriculum, including employers and practicum partners, the minister noted. Indigenous ways of knowing and learning have also been integrated into the program to strengthen relationships with Indigenous partners, learners and communities.

Longtime RRC Polytech supporter Walter Schroeder has been named one of 12 Manitobans to receive the 2025 Order of Manitoba, the province’s highest honour. Schroeder will formally receive the recognition in a ceremony at the Manitoba Legislative Building on July 17, 2025. 

The Schroeder Foundation, the philanthropical organization that Walter and his wife Maria established following his retirement, is behind RRC Polytech’s largest donation in history: a $15-million gift to launch the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts. 

The Schroeders, in partnership with RRC Polytech, created the Institute to support ongoing opportunities for students at RRC Polytech, and to foster growth and development in Manitoba’s burgeoning creative arts industry. 

“Walter Schroeder is one of RRC Polytech’s prolific supporters, and his generosity is driven purely by his dedication to changing students’ lives,” said Fred Meier, President & CEO, RRC Polytech. “Through the Schroeder Foundation, Walter and Maria have created countless opportunities for students in Manitoba, particularly those with more barriers to accessing post-secondary education. The Schroeders’ investment in RRC Polytech, and their commitment to expanding programming to address needs, is a testament to their selfless desire to make Manitoba a more equitable place to work and learn, for all.” 

The Schroeder Foundation provides fully paid scholarships to hundreds of RRC Polytech students, which includes tuition, books, and wrap-around supports.  

In December 2024, the Schroeder Foundation reached a milestone of $18.2 million in support to RRC Polytech, with an additional $1.25 million donation coming on the heels of the $15 million Schroeder Institute gift, to provide even more full-ride scholarships for Winnipeg students. 

Schroeder Foundation students also have the opportunity to participate in the Transition to College program, which helps them start their programs with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed from day one. 

In 2023, Walter and Maria Schroeder were awarded with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Manitoba Outstanding Philanthropist Award.  RRC Polytech also honoured the duo with an Honorary Bachelor of Education degree in 2022, in recognition of their dedication to removing barriers to education for Manitoba youth. 

IG Wealth Management (IG) and Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) today announced the inaugural 10 recipients of the IG Empower Your Tomorrow Indigenous Scholarship.

The 2025 scholarship includes $12,000 in financial support for each student to pursue their studies, a paid work-integrated internship at IG’s headquarters in Winnipeg and various year-round supports such as navigating childcare options and services, wellness and mental health resources and professional development. Additionally, RRC Polytech is creating opportunities for the scholarship recipients to develop their soft and hard skills through workshops and local conferences.

The scholarship is a part of the IG Empower Your Tomorrow program at RRC Polytech, initially announced in January 2024. The program supports up to 300 RRC Polytech Indigenous students each year within the School of Business, Information Technology, Creative Arts and the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts. Students benefit from an IG Empower Your Tomorrow Navigation Coach, who assists with their academic journey, promotes overall well-being and provides career coaching and mentorship opportunities.

 The 10 2025 IG Empower Your Tomorrow scholarship recipients are:

• Kaya Barkman
• Tristan Bickel
• Michael Delorme
• Jordan Fontaine
• Sage King
• Hevyn-Lee Martens
• Tyler Nykiforuk
• Matthew Paul
• Brandon Selkirk
• Cathrine Van Damme

“I would like to congratulate each student and thank RRC Polytech for their ongoing partnership as we work together to provide Indigenous students with the support they need to thrive academically and professionally,” said Damon Murchison, President and CEO, IG Wealth Management. “I’m looking forward to having this group join us at IG this summer and am certain they’ll make an impact on our business while benefitting from the experience.”

The scholarship recipients will work in various departments across IG this summer, gaining valuable professional experience through hands-on corporate engagement. IG employees will also have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with Indigenous talent for future opportunities.

“It’s inspiring to see our partners actively answering calls to Truth and Reconciliation by investing in the success of Indigenous students,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development, RRC Polytech. “Thanks to IG’s support, we’re not only celebrating the first award recipients – we’re witnessing how meaningful partnerships like this can pave the way for students to thrive in their education and be welcomed into the careers they’re pursuing. Financial support like this helps ease the challenges students face when they leave their communities, including the high cost of living in an urban centre, tuition and school-related expenses like books and equipment, as well as transportation and childcare costs.”

About IG Wealth Management

Founded in 1926, IG Wealth Management (“IG”) is a Canadian leader in delivering financial planning with approximately $139 billion in assets under advisement as of April 30, 2025. For more than 95 years, IG has been focused on improving the financial well-being of Canadians so they can confidently embrace all of life’s possibilities. Through a network of advisors located across the country, IG provides approximately one million clients with personalized advice, comprehensive financial planning, insurance and mortgage services and professionally managed investment solutions.  IG is a member of IGM Financial Inc. (TSX: IGM), part of the Power Corporation group of companies and one of Canada’s leading diversified wealth and asset management organizations with approximately $270 billion in total assets under management and advisement as of April 30, 2025. For more information, visit ig.ca.

About Red River College Polytechnic

RRC Polytech is Manitoba’s largest institute of applied learning and research, with more than 150 full- and part-time degree, diploma and certificate options. Through hands-on and online learning opportunities and state-of-the-art instruction, we prepare our students to become leaders in their fields — while also ensuring they can meet changing industry demands, and contribute to the province’s economic growth.

UM and RRC Polytech establish new partnership for students pursuing engineering

A new partnership between the province’s largest post-secondary institutions is creating a made-in-Manitoba pathway to earning an engineering degree.

Students graduating from Red River College Polytechnic’s (RRC Polytech) Engineering Technology programs are now eligible for direct entry into a department program in the Price Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba (UM), creating career options and opportunities for new graduates or industry professionals looking to level up.

This new partnership provides RRC Polytech Engineering Technology graduates the ability to further their education and earn an engineering degree in Manitoba, allowing students to experience the benefits of both programs through an accelerated approach. Pathways are available for up to ten RRC Polytech graduates per year applying to UM’s Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering programs in Fall 2025.

“We’re thrilled to see this partnership with RRC Polytech become a reality. This will mean an easier transition for students, as we work together to develop and keep engineering talent here in Manitoba,” says Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor of UM. “UM’s Price Faculty of Engineering offers a comprehensive range of professional degree programs, co- and extra-curricular co-op, internship, and design opportunities to meet students’ interests, and it also offers the first-in-Canada Department of Engineering Education.”

This opportunity is open to RRC Polytech students graduating in 2025 as well as graduates from the last ten years.

“This partnership creates an invaluable pathway for graduates of RRC Polytech’s Engineering Technology programs to continue their educational journey right here in Manitoba. RRC Polytech and UM have a strong relationship, and this articulation agreement creates more opportunities for student mobility between our institutions. Most importantly it keeps talent here in Manitoba to support our industry and economy,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

A recent report from the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Canada West Foundation noted that over the past decade there has been more youth (aged 15 to 34) leaving the province than arriving, with one of the key factors being a lack of opportunities for career advancement. RRC Polytech and UM work closely with industry through program advisory councils and regular discussions about bolstering the province’s economy and providing training for the skills of tomorrow.

For Price Industries, it’s an important part of growing and attracting a strong local workforce.

“For decades, I have had the privilege of hiring and working with graduates from RRC Polytech’s Engineering Technology programs and UM’s Price Faculty of Engineering. Both institutes produce incredible talent that has been vital to the success of our company, and both institutes are our preferred providers of engineering talent, many of whom now lead our various business units. I’m championing this partnership because I know that individuals who take both programs will elevate their own professional skill level and help companies grow and succeed in a multitude of industries,” says Dr. Gerry Price, Chairman and CEO of Price Industries.

This collaborative approach between the post-secondary institutions leverages existing strengths in research, facilities, equipment, infrastructure, and curriculum with the shared goals of supporting student achievement leading to increased graduate numbers, increasing diversity of students, offering high-quality program delivery, and ensuring research success. Both RRC Polytech and UM strive to meet Manitoba employer needs for a diverse workforce through recruitment of under-represented students into Engineering programs.

“It is important for Manitoba’s Polytechnic and Manitoba’s U15 university to be collaborating on education and training opportunities, and we know that the dual credentials are highly valued in industry and support career mobility for the graduates in fields that are important to Manitoba’s economy and growth,” says Marcia Friesen, Dean, Price Faculty of Engineering.

Manitobans of all backgrounds can access an engineering degree through this partnership and existing pathway programs, including supports for Indigenous students through RRC Polytech and UM’s respective programs, Pathway to Engineering Technology Program and Engineering Access Program (ENGAP).

“No matter their level of education or career experience, students can obtain a diploma and degree in engineering and accelerate their career options. This type of cross-institutional agreement will provide clear steps and support for students to adapt seamlessly from classroom to industry,” says Derek Kochenash, Dean, School of Skilled Trades and Technologies, RRC Polytech.

This new agreement is available for students graduating from the following programs at RRC Polytech:

• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Municipal Engineering Technology
• Structural Engineering Technology
• Geomatics Technology
• Environmental Engineering Technology

Applications will close June 1, 2025 for the Fall 2025 start date.

In Fall 2026, the agreement is expected to have additional articulation pathways available for RRC Polytech graduates applying to Biosystems, Electrical and Computer Engineering programs at UM.

For more information about the partnership please contact: collegerelations@rrc.ca

Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, is proud to announce its partnership with Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah as the local presenting partner of the Manito Ahbee Pow Wow Pitch. Mittohnee is providing local Indigenous entrepreneurs with access to funding and resources to help jumpstart their business ideas.

Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah is RRC Polytech’s new Indigenous entrepreneurship acceleration and incubator initiative that is the first of its kind to cultivate a space in Winnipeg for technology, collaboration, and community. Mittohnee helps Indigenous students start their own businesses as they graduate out of RRC Polytech’s entrepreneurship-based Social Innovation and Community Development program. It does so by connecting them with a network of resources and expertise focused on process, people, and leveraging existing capacity.

As the local presenting partner of the Manito Ahbee Pow Wow Pitch, Mittohnee will present the 1st Place Prize of $5,000 to the winning entrepreneur, engage as a final round judge, and provide community mentors to help entrepreneurs refine their pitch.

“This partnership between Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah and Pow Wow Pitch marks a full circle moment for me as both a proud alumna and long-time supporter of Pow Wow Pitch,” said Amy Jackson, Director of Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah. “Pow Wow Pitch’s mission to uplift and champion Indigenous entrepreneurs deeply aligns with Mittohnee’s vision to create space, support, and opportunity for our people to thrive through innovation and business. Together, we’re not just accelerating ideas—we’re building a future grounded in culture, community, and economic empowerment.”

“Collaboration is key to expanding support for Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “We’re excited to be partnering with Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah, led by Pow Wow Pitch alumna Amy Jackson—an inspiring champion for community and Indigenous entrepreneurship. Together, we are strengthening our impact across Manitoba by combining our efforts to provide meaningful support, mentorship, and opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous business leaders.”

By working together, Pow Wow Pitch and Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah are forging a path for Indigenous entrepreneurs to start, excel, and accomplish more for our communities.

About Pow Wow Pitch

Pow Wow Pitch is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island, with the co-presenting support of Mastercard and RBC. Our vision is to create a world where Indigenous entrepreneurs thrive, feeling supported, safe, and encouraged to develop their ideas and build businesses that create a positive cycle of growth. With a mission to provide resources and mentorship, we empower Indigenous entrepreneurs while amplifying their stories to inspire future generations and foster a more inclusive world.

For more information, visit powwowpitch.org.