Indigenous Staff Spotlights – Thomasena Downes-Mitchell
The Indigenous Staff Spotlights celebrate the voices, experiences, and career journeys of Indigenous faculty and staff at RRC Polytech.
Each story is an opportunity to recognize the success and contributions of our Indigenous colleagues while sharing their reflections and advice. By showcasing these diverse career pathways, the Spotlights highlight Indigenous excellence within our community and inspire colleagues, students, and future members of RRC Polytech to envision their own possibilities.
Thomasena Downes-Mitchell

Job Title: Manager Indigenous Student Recruitment
Department/Team: Student Supports
Preferred Pronouns: Any
Nation: First Nation from Ditibineya-Ziibiing (Rolling River First Nation)
1. What inspired you to join RRC Polytech?
I am a RRC Polytech alum. In 2014, I graduated from the Business Administration diploma program. I really enjoyed the robustness of the program and interacting with the diversity of my classmates and the wider student body. It was an enriching experience that gave me the confidence to pursue advanced
studies.
2. What has been most rewarding about your work?
Assisting Indigenous learners to realize their dreams on their own terms. Expanding horizons, nurturing potential, engaging with rightsholders, stakeholders, Nations and community members to answer questions and connect them with internal supports. Be a conduit to success.
3. What supports, resources, or relationships have been most meaningful in helping you succeed in your role?
My Director Laureen Janzen of Student Support Services and the management team have been instrumental in succeeding in my role. I feel at times people disregard the significance of allyship and the only way we are going to grow and learn is if we do it together. For me this is not optional but a requirement and RRC Polytech is an example of an academic institution that supports its words with action.
4. What advice would you share with new Indigenous staff starting their careers here?
You can bring your whole self to work. Be respectful, remember the teachings of our Ancestors, work hard and RRC Polytech will be here to support your learning and growth along the way. Also, do not be afraid to try, pursue your dreams unapologetically. Bet on yourself because you ARE your Ancestors wildest dreams. Walk in that knowledge, comfort and care.
5. What Indigenous book, podcast, artist, business, or initiative would you recommend to others?
Be Unapologetically You – Adeline Bird.
6. Do you have a favorite quote?
“While it may be true that morality cannot be legislated, behavior can be regulated. It may be true that law cannot change the heart but it can restrain the heartless.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“After the famine there’s a feast.” – Victor Palmer.
“Challenge what the future holds.” – Des’ree.
“Be individuals.” – Tupac Shakur.
If you are interested in sharing your story, please complete the online form here: Indigenous Staff Spotlights Submission Form
For questions or support, contact Indigenoustalent@rrc.ca.
We look forward to celebrating your journeys!










