Community leader, educator, and former Manitoba MLA Kevin Chief will visit RRC Polytech to discuss his new memoir, With a Name Like Chief: Reflections on Recovery and Identity Through the Seven Sacred Teachings.

The memoir traces Chief’s journey from a childhood in Winnipeg’s North End to leadership roles in public service and community advocacy. Throughout the book, themes of identity, resilience, recovery, and belonging are explored through the lens of the Seven Sacred Teachings of the Anishinaabe.

Gerri Pangman will share a presentation about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+), speaking about how this issue has affected her family and community. Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to create their own Red Dress pin as a visible symbol of support and awareness ahead of the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People on October 4.

Ininew artist Heather Endall has partnered with EMP and Truth and Reconciliation and Community Development (TRCE) to create an immersive media installation centered on anti-racism called Reflections on Racism. It transforms Indigenous storytelling into a sensory experience that invites viewers to feel, question, and reflect on their own understanding of racism, empathy, and inclusion.

At the centre of the installation is How the Dog Learned to Dance, a story by Swampy Cree author Michael Hutchinson that explores diversity, acceptance and allyship through a lens of spirit and humility. The story unfolds through motion, light, and sound that surrounds viewers in a world that challenges perceptions and inspires introspection.

Join Knowledge Keeper Richard to prepare a buffalo hide for tanning at 9am in the Greenhouse. The buffalo hide will be scraped and stretched.

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. 

Richard has been walking with students at RRC Polytech on their education and spiritual journeys. He previously worked with Sagkeeng Anichinabe High School where he took 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 Investors Group Management, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata, North End Connect and RRC Polytech.

For any questions, please contact eldersinresidence@rrc.ca.

RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) has launched an innovative learning initiative that connects newcomer students with the stories, experiences, and histories of Indigenous Peoples through a series of video-based learning modules developed in collaboration with Indigenous Grandparents and members of the Knowledge Keepers Council at the Polytech.

Gerri Pangman will share a presentation about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+), speaking about how this issue has affected her family and community. Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to create their own Red Dress pin as a visible symbol of support and awareness ahead of the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People on October 4.

Join Anishinaabemowin instructor Corey Whitford for a one-hour Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe Language) Workshop and discover the traditional teachings of Cedar for wellness and balance in everyday life. Participants will learn five new Anishinaabemowin words and explore how cedar can help reduce anxiety at work, at home, and in daily living. Cedar for the workshop will be provided and has been sourced directly from British Columbia.

Ininew artist Heather Endall has partnered with EMP and Truth and Reconciliation and Community Development (TRCE) to create an immersive media installation centered on anti-racism called Reflections on Racism. It transforms Indigenous storytelling into a sensory experience that invites viewers to feel, question, and reflect on their own understanding of racism, empathy, and inclusion.

At the centre of the installation is How the Dog Learned to Dance, a story by Swampy Cree author Michael Hutchinson that explores diversity, acceptance and allyship through a lens of spirit and humility. The story unfolds through motion, light, and sound that surrounds viewers in a world that challenges perceptions and inspires introspection.

This interactive presentation explores the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada through a chronological timeline, connecting pre-contact Indigenous societies, Treaties, colonization, government policies, residential schools, resistance, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation. Participants will examine how historical events and legislation continue to shape the lives of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples today. The presentation brings history to life through an Indigenous perspective, encouraging participants to better understand our shared history and the responsibilities we carry moving forward.

Allen Sutherland, known by his spirit name Waabishki Mazinazoot Michtaatim (White Spotted Horse), is Anishinaabe of the Bizhiw Doodem (Lynx Clan) from Skownan First Nation, Treaty 2 Territory. A respected knowledge keeper, historian, and healer, Allen bridges traditional teachings with contemporary systems through over 35 years of work with First Nations, Federal, and Provincial governments. He is the Founder of White Spotted Horse Inc. and Lodge Keeper of Ginew Healing Lodge, creator of the Canadian Indigenous Historical Timeline Posters, and a long-time Speaker with the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba. Allen currently serves as Cultural Advisor for the Southern Chiefs’ Organization.

True, lasting organizational growth happens when we move forward together through trust, active listening, and shared purpose. As part of our Truth and Reconciliation week events, this interactive workshop offers a welcoming space for leaders across campus to explore how building strong foundational trust helps us support one another and enrich our entire community.

By connecting proven leadership frameworks with Indigenous principles of deep listening, curiosity, and togetherness, this session provides practical tools to foster open dialogue, strengthen collaboration, and build an environment where every staff member and student can thrive.

Join Anishinaabemowin instructor Corey Whitford for a one-hour Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe Language) Workshop and discover the traditional teachings of Cedar for wellness and balance in everyday life. Participants will learn five new Anishinaabemowin words and explore how cedar can help reduce anxiety at work, at home, and in daily living. Cedar for the workshop will be provided and has been sourced directly from British Columbia.

Jamie Wilson, VP, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development will share a presentation exploring the significant contributions of Indigenous Peoples to Canada’s military history, from early conflicts to modern-day service. You will learn about the experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis service members, the challenges they faced both during and after their service, and the lasting impacts of military participation on Indigenous communities. The session will also examine the broader historical and social implications of Indigenous military service, fostering a deeper understanding of resilience, sacrifice, and reconciliation.

Jamie is from Opaskwayak Cree Nation in Treaty 5 territory and is passionate about building bridges between First Nations and business communities, as a pathway to a strong and prosperous economic future for all.  With a background as a Deputy Minister, educator, a member of the US Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment and as Manitoba’s Treaty Commissioner, Jamie works with innovative organizations looking to tap into Canada’s hidden potential.  

A workshop designed to support the “An Instructor’s Guide to Talking Circles” developed by Carolyn Behan. The workshop will guide instructors on how to facilitate classroom teaching and assessment using Talking Circles. Participants will also learn the difference between Talking Circles, and Sacred/Ceremonial Sharing Circles. 

Carolyn is an instructor and former Indigenous educational developer who works to integrate Indigenous perspectives into post-secondary teaching. Drawing on her background in construction, math, and science, she applies holistic frameworks like Universal Design for Learning and Two-Eyed Seeing to create welcoming, practical learning spaces. She is glad to support Truth and Reconciliation Week by sharing simple, effective ways to bring talking circles into the classroom.

Gerald Sereda, who is co-presenting, has worked for the past 4 years at RRC Polytech as an Educational Developer with an Indigenous Focus to support the integration of Indigenous language tradition, and culture into course design. Gerald is a member of the Red River Mètis and was born in Treaty 1 territory. After receiving his Bachelor of Computer Science, and Bachelor of Education he enrolled in the Master of Education program with a focus on curriculum design and development with coursework in Educational/Assistive technology, and Indigenous education.

Ininew artist Heather Endall has partnered with EMP and Truth and Reconciliation and Community Development (TRCE) to create an immersive media installation centered on anti-racism called Reflections on Racism. It transforms Indigenous storytelling into a sensory experience that invites viewers to feel, question, and reflect on their own understanding of racism, empathy, and inclusion.

At the centre of the installation is How the Dog Learned to Dance, a story by Swampy Cree author Michael Hutchinson that explores diversity, acceptance and allyship through a lens of spirit and humility. The story unfolds through motion, light, and sound that surrounds viewers in a world that challenges perceptions and inspires introspection.

Marilyn Dykstra is a First Nations woman from northern Manitoba and a respected Cree Knowledge Keeper whose work is rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing, matriarchal teachings, ceremony, community, and the sharing of traditional knowledge. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, she has devoted more than three decades to working within Indigenous communities and to learning, preserving, and passing on traditional teachings to others.

Dykstra describes her upbringing as being immersed from birth in a working matriarchal system that practiced Indigenous ways of thinking and being. These teachings have remained an important foundation throughout her life. Alongside her family, she has also participated in peaceful social justice movements, bringing together cultural knowledge, community responsibility, and advocacy.

The RRC Polytech strategic goal is to remove colonial systemic barriers for Indigenous students, staff and contractors. In the Era of Truth and Reconciliation, what role do leaders have to remove barriers that impede Indigenous student success and access to a Post Secondary education. What makes a good leader?

Ovide Mercredi is a lawyer, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, and a prominent Indigenous leader. He played a key role in major constitutional discussions in Canada, including the Meech Lake and Charlottetown accords, and represented First Nations interests nationally and internationally.

Ininew artist Heather Endall has partnered with EMP and Truth and Reconciliation and Community Development (TRCE) to create an immersive media installation centered on anti-racism called Reflections on Racism. It transforms Indigenous storytelling into a sensory experience that invites viewers to feel, question, and reflect on their own understanding of racism, empathy, and inclusion.

At the centre of the installation is How the Dog Learned to Dance, a story by Swampy Cree author Michael Hutchinson that explores diversity, acceptance and allyship through a lens of spirit and humility. The story unfolds through motion, light, and sound that surrounds viewers in a world that challenges perceptions and inspires introspection.

Please join us for a walking tour of Indigenous war veterans at Brookside Cemetery. This walking tour will highlight some of the historical wat time moments and the Indigenous veterans who served in those wars.  This tour compliments Jamie Wilsons historical presentation that he will be offering on Oct. 1 on the impacts of Indigenous history and Indigenous soldiers.

Brett Shenback is the Cemeteries Administrator for the City of Winnipeg, responsible for the strategic planning, human resource management, leadership, and the financial and business management and operation of all municipal cemeteries in Winnipeg. Over the past seven years, Brett has developed a strong understanding of cemetery services and the importance of supporting families and community members during important and often difficult times.

Brett possesses a Masters Degree in Urban Planning from the University of Manitoba and practiced as a City Planner with the City of Winnipeg for 12 years before taking on his current role.