RRC Polytech is hosting its eighth annual Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week to mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, on Wed., Sept. 30.

While Truth and Reconciliation is a year-round commitment for RRC Polytech, this week is a focal point that aims to deepen understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures and perspectives while encouraging meaningful action toward reconciliation through a series of presentations, workshops, cultural teachings and immersive experiences.

“Truth and Reconciliation is an ongoing process of learning and integrating new information, disentangling ourselves from misinformation and unlearning what we think we know, and opening ourselves to truths that might surprise or challenge us,” says Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement.

“Every session we host this week is something that each participant can take back to the classroom, to the workplace and to their personal lives, so they can continue the lifelong journey of learning today into the future as we work towards building a better future for all Canadians.”

Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week began yesterday with a special Author’s Talk with former Manitoba MLA and community leader Kevin Chief, who discussed his new memoir With a Name Like Chief: Reflections on Recovery and Identity Through the Seven Sacred Teachings at the Roundhouse Auditorium in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae.

RRC Polytech is also launching the immersive anti-racism experience How the Dog Learned to Dance, created in partnership with its Emerging Media Production and Truth and Reconciliation and Community Development departments, as well as Ininew artist Heather Endall and Swampy Cree author Michael Hutchinson.

Sessions scheduled throughout the week include Anishinaabemowin language workshops with instructor Corey Whitford, explorations of traditional cedar teachings for wellness and balance, hands-on cultural learning opportunities with Knowledge Keeper Richard — including buffalo hide tanning and scraping and buffalo skull cleaning — and a closing keynote address by former Assembly of First Nations National Chief Ovide Mercredi, focusing on leadership and the ongoing work of removing barriers to Indigenous student success in post-secondary education.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada calls on post-secondary institutions to create a more equitable and inclusive society by closing gaps in social, health and economic outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and people.

RRC Polytech’s second strategic commitment is to commit to Truth and Reconciliation, and to pursue equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. Truth and Reconciliation is not just providing equal opportunities to Indigenous learners — it is also educating the public we serve of the true histories that have often been neglected by western textbooks and reconciling potential dissonance with facts as related by Indigenous scholars, historians and Knowledge Keepers.

RRC Polytech campuses will be closed Wed., Sept. 30, in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Community members are encouraged to participate in local events across Winnipeg, including the Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk and Powwow starting at Oodena Circle at The Forks and ending at the Canada Life Centre, programming at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and Indigenous-led activities at FortWhyte Alive.

RRC Polytech’s Campus Stores have several Orange Shirt designs created by Indigenous artists available for purchase. Every shirt sold supports the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, which is awarded to an Indigenous student every January.

A complete schedule of events and activities is available online.