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. Read More →

The Manitoba government will invest $146,000 in new American Sign Language (ASL) training opportunities for Indigenous women through a partnership with RRC Polytech, it was announced yesterday.

Provided through the province’s Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag (All Women Doing Well) Strategy, the funding includes $18,000 for the development and delivery of three ASL micro-credentials on reserve and $138,000 over three years to fund four reserved seats for Indigenous women in RRC Polytech’s ASL-English Interpretation program.

Seats will be fully funded and will include tuition, books, fees and access to wraparound student supports.

“This important partnership … reflects our shared commitment to creating more inclusive communities and expanding educational opportunities for Indigenous learners,” says RRC Polytech President Fred Meier.

“By increasing access to ASL education through new micro-credentials and fully funded seats in our ASL-English Interpretation program, we are helping to remove barriers, strengthen representation in the profession and build capacity to support Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Indigenous communities across Manitoba.”

The partnership was announced yesterday at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus by provincial Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, who noted the new micro-credentials will provide an introduction to ASL and Deaf culture and will be equivalent to ASL 1, a prerequisite for entry into the ASL-English Interpretation program.

Training will be delivered in community to help reduce barriers to participation, and will accommodate up to 15 learners per cohort. The curriculum will incorporate Indigenous perspectives and approaches, and be developed in partnership with Indigenous communities to ensure training reflects local needs and experiences. Read More →

Potential learners who self-declare as First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Métis or Inuit are now eligible for free application to any RRC Polytech program.

“We know improving access for Indigenous learners and for students from different backgrounds requires multiple forms of support,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice-President Academic.

“Waiving the application fee and working directly with Indigenous students and the communities that support them allows us to remove a financial barrier that is faced when individuals begin to think about joining RRC Polytech as a student. This is one step in alleviating additional barriers they may face in their journey from applying to attending.”

The initiative reduces a financial barrier for Indigenous learners and follows two month-long pilot campaigns in 2024 and 2025 that drew more than 400 and 700 applications, respectively.

These results demonstrated the demand for more accessible application pathways, contributing to the decision to make the initiative permanent. Laureen Janzen, Director of Student Support Services, said many Indigenous applicants shared that the initiative helped them feel welcome at RRC Polytech.

“One person said they felt like they won the lottery,” says Janzen. “By making this a year-round initiative, Indigenous applicants can now also take their time to consider program fit, meet with some of our support services on campus and really understand the programs and the admission requirements.”

RRC Polytech recognizes that financial barriers are only one of several challenges some Indigenous learners may face when considering post-secondary. Potential learners can connect with an Indigenous Academic Advisor to help navigate the transition to post-secondary.

Current students can also access support at RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Student Support Centres, where they can participate in events, cultural teachings and ceremonies, or spend time with friends. Read More →

Today, RRC Polytech and the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) Local 73 celebrated the signing of an agreement that puts change into action to decolonize and enhance equity and inclusion within the Polytech’s Collective Agreement.

This collaboration — the first of its kind — represents a new and transformative approach to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action within labour relations and the collective bargaining process. What sets it apart is the intentional approach rooted in Indigenous knowledge and ways of being, guided by a Knowledge Keeper and supported by both RRC Polytech and MGEU.

“The signing reflects the collaborative work of RRC Polytech and MGEU to live our shared values, advancing Truth and Reconciliation organizationally and within Manitoba,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“This process stands out across Canada, setting a precedent for other post-secondary institutions by aligning with Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement (TRCE) and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA), honouring Indigenous Knowledge Protocols, and fostering leadership, mentorship and systemic change at the Polytech.”

To review RRC Polytech’s collective agreement, a joint Truth and Reconciliation Working Group was established through an expression of interest, comprised of eight staff and faculty representing both parties.

Guided by Kookum Barbara Bruce’s teachings, ceremony and wisdom, the group ensured the process moved forward in a good way, grounded in Indigenous Knowledge Protocols. Using priority-setting and Design Thinking — a non-linear, iterative process that reflects true Indigenous engagement — the working group developed recommendations under key themes for the collective agreement. Read More →

When close to 700 graduates cross the stage at RRC Polytech’s Fall Convocation ceremonies today, many of them will be wearing newly designed stoles that meaningfully reflect the voices, teachings and stories of Indigenous Peoples.

The Polytech is officially unveiling its new Indigenous visual identity — a project grounded in the institution’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous student success, and shared values of respect, inclusion and belonging.

“Celebrating our latest cohort of graduates is always an exciting, profound occasion,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Today’s ceremonies will carry extra significance, as Indigenous graduates cross the stage wearing new stoles that honour tradition while embracing progress and change.”

The stoles and new visual identity are the result of extensive conversations with Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, staff, Knowledge Keepers, Elders and community partners, led by a steering committee made up of RRC Polytech staff and valued partners.

“The design on these stoles is rooted in sacredness, seasonality and interconnectedness, honouring the distinct identities of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples while weaving together themes of land, language and story into a living expression of who we are,” says steering committee member Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement.

“The visual identity reflects teachings learned through engagement sessions and a survey that was shared among our community, ensuring the design is a true reflection of an identity that belongs to all of us.” Read More →

Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah’s mission to bring more local Indigenous business ideas to life has begun with the launch of its inaugural four-month entrepreneurship program and celebration of its first ever cohort of determined entrepreneurs.

Mittohnee is RRC Polytech’s business accelerator and incubator initiative, created by and for Indigenous entrepreneurs to help aspiring and established business leaders build the necessary networks and access the support and training required for increasing the success of any new or existing venture.

“By creating access, breaking down barriers and ensuring Indigenous entrepreneurs have the tools to succeed here in Manitoba, Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah is opening new economic doors,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

“Whether it’s progressing a student’s idea from concept to reality or supporting an established Indigenous entrepreneur and/or band-operated business to pivot, scale up or explore new partnerships, Mittohnee will transform experiential learning, innovation and entrepreneurship into real business opportunities for Indigenous communities.”

The name Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah comes from a Neynowaywin (Cree) expression that means ‘If you are going to do it, do it right. If you don’t know how to do it right, learn how.’

Made possible by the power of partnership — between RRC Polytech, federal and provincial governments, generous corporate partners, TD Bank Group and Canada Life — Mittohnee is a true collaboration and the first of its kind in Manitoba. As one of three Indigenous incubators in the Labs4 national network, it offers additional connections to the innovation ecosystem across the country.

Mittohnee’s inaugural four-month entrepreneurship program will feature mentorship through an entrepreneur-in-residence, training workshops, networking events, opportunities to connect with other business leaders and even student competitions. Read More →

RRC Polytech is hosting its seventh annual Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement (TRCE) Week to mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, on September 30.

This year, TRCE Week began on Monday, Sept. 22, with a virtual keynote from Phyllis Webstad, whose story of Residential Schools started the Orange Shirt movement in 2013.

RRC Polytech has also partnered with Nursing student Dasia Chatkana, whose original design is featured on the RRC Polytech Orange Shirt in support of the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, which is awarded to Indigenous students every year in January.

“Every year for seven years, the RRC Polytech community has come together to learn about Truth and Reconciliation and Canada’s true history from Indigenous perspectives,” says Jamie Wilson, RRC Polytech’s Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy, Business Development and Research.

“It’s important for us as an educational institution to not only affirm these histories centring Indigenous Peoples, but also to raise awareness to non-Indigenous Canadians that what they were taught in school doesn’t necessarily reflect all realities.”

TRCE Week is five days filled with sessions to educate the RRC Polytech community about the many different responsibilities of Truth and Reconciliation.

While Truth and Reconciliation is a year-round commitment for RRC Polytech, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a focal point that encourages employees and students to immerse themselves in Indigenous Teachings, storytelling and experiences.

Opportunities to cultivate understandings of the true history and current issues impacting Indigenous Peoples, and reconciliation efforts by society as a whole, contribute to a stronger, more unified community that benefits all members. Read More →

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, in which Indigenous learners can build specialized skills and gain direct entry into the College 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,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO of  RRC Polytech (shown above, at left).

“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 to the creation of 10 annual awards for Construction Trades students — at $5,000 each, one of the largest available for skilled trades students. Read More →

RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) has joined an applied research consortium — made possible by a $1.2-million investment from Protein Industries Canada (PIC) — aimed at exploring agri-food opportunities and addressing barriers to food security in rural and remote communities in Manitoba.

The $1.6-million project finds staff and students from PRK and the University of Manitoba’s (UM) College of Rehabilitation Sciences at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences working together with 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.

“I am pleased to be announcing a new partnership as part of a consortium, together with RRC Polytech and 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 Manitoba Métis Federation (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, active life.

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

The creation of these 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. Read More →

RRC Polytech is honoured and excited to embark on a meaningful journey to update its Indigenous visual identity.

This project reflects our deep commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous student success and our Strategic Plan priorities.

A key component to the RRC Polytech brand, the updated Indigenous visual identity will serve as a guiding resource for how our College visually represents Indigenous cultures (Inuit, Métis, Status and Non-Status First Nations), stories and relationships across formal communications such as marketing materials, business cards, advertising, signage and presentations.

It will complement our corporate visual identity while highlighting and celebrating Indigenous knowledge, innovation and leadership at RRC Polytech.

To lead this work, we have partnered with Narratives Inc., a creative agency specializing in culturally grounded consultation and design, who is supporting us with an Indigenous-led team

Narratives is working with a Steering Committee, representing areas from across the College, and alongside the Knowledge Keepers Council, to ensure this work is led with care, integrity and Indigenous ways of knowing. Together, we will undertake a collaborative process with input from students, staff, and community partners.

Why This Matters

Indigenous peoples represent the fastest-growing population in Manitoba, yet many continue to face significant barriers to accessing and succeeding in post-secondary education due to enduring and existing impacts of colonial systems. To support reconciliation and create meaningful opportunities, it is essential that our College environment not only welcomes Indigenous students but actively reflects and affirms our identities, histories and cultures.

While fostering a visible identity for Indigenous students and partners is an important step, it is only one of many actions needed to address systemic inequities meaningfully. By creating and sustaining a space that prioritizes safety, respect and cultural relevance, we can begin to build necessary trust, foster meaningful connections with partners, and support Indigenous students in their educational journeys.

How You Can Participate

Your voice is essential to this process. We encourage you to reflect on how this project can contribute to our shared journey toward Truth and Reconciliation and inspire meaningful connections for generations to come. Join one of the many in-person engagement sessions hosted by Narratives on RRC Polytech campuses, and share your perspectives, stories and reflections through the online survey.

This is an opportunity to help shape an identity that will resonate deeply with Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences alike and represent the values that are important to our community.