Join us virtually for a powerful keynote with Phyllis Webstad of Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band), the woman whose personal story sparked the Orange Shirt movement.

At just six years old, Phyllis arrived at Residential School wearing a brand-new orange shirt her grandmother had bought her only to have it taken away, along with her sense of worth. That experience became the foundation for the Orange Shirt Society, which since 2013 has brought national awareness to the lasting impacts of Residential Schools and the ongoing healing work of Survivors and their families.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from Phyllis, reflect on Canada’s true history, and be inspired to take part in reconciliation.

There will be group viewing sessions in the Roundhouse Auditorium (EDC) and the White Lecture Theatre (NDC), and a Teams link will be available closer to the date to stream right from your computer.

Join Robin Ringland, Two-Spirit Anishininew with family ties to Treaty 5 territory Kistiganwacheeng, or Garden Hill First Nation, for a welcoming and safe space to connect. This sharing circle invites Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ staff and students to come together, share stories, and support one another in a brave, respectful environment.

All are welcome to participate in this meaningful gathering of community, identity, and healing.

This session explores how to align coursework with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to weave Indigenous worldviews, knowledge, and languages into teaching. Participants will gain practical strategies, examples, and reflection prompts to create inclusive, culturally responsive learning spaces.

Born and raised on Treaty 1 Territory, Scott Brownlee is a fourth-generation Canadian Settler who has a passion for integrating digital accessibility, holistic narratives, Indigenous perspectives and intercultural competencies into curriculum and programming. He is an Instructional Designer with the Centre for Newcomer Integration at RRC Polytech.

Join us for an engaging and eye-opening presentation with Allen Sutherland (Waabishki Mazinazoot Mishtaatim, White Spotted Horse), Anishinaabe of the Bizhiw Doodem from Skownan First Nation. As the Life Long Learning Lodge Keeper for the Government of First Nations Treaty 2 Territory, Allen brings both scholarly insight and deep Traditional Knowledge to his work.

Allen will guide participants through the First Nations and Métis in Canada Historical Timeline, revealing Canada’s true history as told through Indigenous perspectives. This session offers an opportunity to enrich your understanding, challenge assumptions, and connect with the living histories that continue to shape our nation.

Relax, connect, and create! Join Heather Endall, Cree artist, for an evening where painting meets storytelling. Heather will guide you through creating your own unique artwork, sharing techniques and casual conversation along the way.

Each piece draws inspiration from Indigenous culture, offering a chance to explore the symbols, colours, and stories that shape the art. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and enjoy a warm, welcoming space to chat, laugh, and leave with something beautiful and uniquely yours.

Please register as seats are limited to 25.

The Manitoba Métis Federation will be on campus September 23 at Notre Dame Campus (West Lot) and September 25 at Exchange District Campus (Atrium) from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. All students can apply free of charge, while staff will need to bring $10 cash for a Citizenship card and $10 for a Harvester card.

Bring these items to your appointment:

• Completed MMF Application Form
• Genealogy documentation (or supporting relative documents)
• Long-form birth or baptismal certificate
• Government-issued ID
• Passport-quality photo (can be taken on-site for free)
• Payment (if applicable)

This is your chance to complete your application in person and get help from MMF representatives. Don’t miss it!

Jessica Bloomfield is a proud northern Ininew (Cree) from War Lake First Nation which is one of several communities who reside along the “Bayline” or railway located in Treaty 5 Territory.

Her Sprit name is, “Gahh-Geeh-Gayy Ikew” which translates in Anishinaabe as “Forever Women” that was gifted to her by Little Eagle Bone, which some of you may know as Elder Paul Guimond.

She is the Senior Strategic Advisor to Jamie Wilson, our Vice President of Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development. Jessica started with the Polytech in May 2024 after having spent 12 years working for the Manitoba Government in the departments of Education and Early Childhood Learning; Economic Development, Investment and Trade; and Advanced Education and Training. Jessica was most instrumental in changing legislation and advocating on behalf of Yellowquill University College to attain “degree granting status” as the first Independent, Indigenous post-secondary institution ever to do so in Manitoba. This new regulation, was a 3-year long endeavor, which under the Degree Granting Act permits Yellowquill to grant provincially recognized degrees to students who successfully complete the “First Nations Bachelor of Education” program, certifying graduates to teach in every school across Manitoba.

Advancing Indigenous education at any compacity is Jessica’s passion and is what brought her to Red River College Polytech. Jessica is here to share her story and journey through the education system from K-12 to post-secondary and into the workforce, identifying barriers but most importantly her vision to improve the student experience for Indigenous students at RRC Polytech.

Join us for a heartfelt and immersive session where we will gently ground ourselves in First Nations ways of being, doing, and knowing. Together, we’ll explore how the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #10 invites us to reimagine education—to uplift Indigenous voices, honor cultural knowledge, and create learning spaces where all students can thrive. This is an opportunity to reflect, learn, and grow as we explore meaningful ways to embed these truths into our curriculum and teaching practices. Whether you’re just beginning this journey or continuing it, your presence and perspective are valued. Let’s walk this path of unlearning and re-learning together — with care, curiosity, and commitment.

Joanna White is a respected leader and practitioner who approaches her work through a holistic and relational lens, deeply rooted in Indigenous cultural, spiritual, and ceremonial practices. With over 30 years of diverse experience in the human and social services field, Joanna has provided both direct services and strategic leadership to Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and organizations across Canada and the United States.

Currently, Joanna works with a broad range of communities and organizations to support meaningful Truth and Reconciliation and advance decolonization initiatives. Drawing on her lived experience and commitment to collaboration, she leads transformative efforts that foster accountability, drive systemic change, and help create more inclusive and equitable spaces across sectors.

RRC Polytech is bringing together Indigenous faculty and staff for an important panel discussion on creating a more inclusive campus community. The conversation will explore how inclusive hiring practices can support reconciliation, why representation matters in education and the workplace, and what supports help foster a strong sense of belonging.

This is an opportunity to hear personal reflections, gain new perspectives, and engage in dialogue that strengthens our shared commitment to equity and inclusion. Everyone is welcome to attend and take part in this meaningful conversation.

The Talking Stick Workshop with Ininew Knowledge Keeper Marilyn Dykstra invites participants to explore the cultural and spiritual significance of the Talking Stick, a traditional tool used in many Indigenous communities to guide respectful dialogue and listening. Marilyn will share Teachings about the role of the Talking Stick in fostering patience, understanding, and the value of every voice within a circle. Participants will gain insight into how this practice connects to Ininew ways of knowing and being, while also learning how the Talking Stick can support relationship-building and respectful communication in contemporary contexts.

Alongside these Teachings, participants will have the opportunity to bring their own sticks and create their Talking Stick using provided materials, guided by Marilyn’s knowledge and encouragement. This hands-on activity will allow each person to infuse their stick with personal meaning, reflection, and intention, deepening their connection to the teachings shared. By the end of the workshop, participants will leave not only with a completed Talking Stick, but also with a stronger appreciation for the cultural wisdom behind it and practical ways to carry these lessons into their daily lives, communities, and workplaces.

Please ensure your selected stick was taken from the earth in the bush – please do not break branches off of living trees. Alternatively, dowels are also suitable to make Talking Sticks – hardware stores like Home Depot have selections appropriate for the Teachings.

Please register as seats are limited to 30.

Join us for a special drumming workshop with Ray Coco Stevenson, a renowned Indigenous singer and drummer from Manitoba. With more than 30 years of experience in drumming and Ceremonies, Coco brings deep knowledge and passion for sharing Indigenous music, Teachings, and traditions.

The workshop is in partnership with the Students’ Association. Everyone is welcome — drums will be provided, or you can bring your own. Come learn about drumming and Pow Wow Teachings, enjoy refreshments, and take part in an evening of community and connection. No registration is required — just bring your spirit, your friends, and, if you have one, a drum!

The Manitoba Métis Federation will be on campus September 23 at Notre Dame Campus (West Lot) and September 25 at Exchange District Campus (Atrium) from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. All students can apply free of charge, while staff will need to bring $10 cash for a Citizenship card and $10 for a Harvester card.

Bring these items to your appointment:

• Completed MMF Application Form
• Genealogy documentation (or supporting relative documents)
• Long-form birth or baptismal certificate
• Government-issued ID
• Passport-quality photo (can be taken on-site for free)
• Payment (if applicable)

This is your chance to complete your application in person and get help from MMF representatives. Don’t miss it!

Hear directly from members of RRC Polytech’s Knowledge Keepers Council — a group of respected Indigenous Elders and Grandparents who guide the College in embedding reconciliation and Indigenous perspectives into its decision-making.

Established in 2022, the Council works with the Senior Leadership Team and across the College to ensure that traditional knowledge and cultural teachings shape strategic initiatives, policies, and programs. This panel will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the Council’s guidance influences the institution, strengthens relationships with Indigenous communities, and fosters an inclusive learning environment.

Join the conversation to learn how Indigenous knowledge, languages, and traditions are helping shape the future of RRC Polytech — and how this work connects to reconciliation in action.

Experience an inspiring session with Ivana Yellowback, a respected Knowledge Keeper and cultural educator. Ivana shares traditional Ininew Teachings grounded in language, Ceremony, and ancestral wisdom, drawing from her deep connection to community and culture.

With years of experience guiding learners in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous spaces, Ivana creates a warm, welcoming environment where participants can explore Ininew worldviews, reflect on their own journeys, and strengthen connections to culture and tradition.

Whether you’re beginning to learn or continuing your path, this is an opportunity to listen, share, and grow together.

Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week can bring forward many emotions, reflections, and personal connections to the stories and experiences shared. We recognize that these feelings can sometimes be difficult to process on your own, which is why we invite you to join us in Debrief Circles. This is a safe, supportive space where you can share openly, listen deeply, and know that your voice will be heard with care and respect. Guided by our Elders-in-Residence, the circles offer an opportunity to find comfort in community, process your thoughts in a healthy way, and leave the week feeling grounded and connected. Whether you choose to speak or simply sit in the presence of others, you are welcome.

• 10:00 – 11:00 Debrief with Grandmother Janice
• 11:00 – 12:00 Fan Down with Richard

If you aren’t able to attend the Debrief Circles in person – whether you’re studying or working at a regional campus, learning online, or have other commitments – supports are still available to you. Students can connect with counselling services at the College, and employees can access confidential support through the Employee and Family Assistance Program. In addition, our Elders-in-Residence are available for one-on-one or group appointments, which can be arranged virtually so that everyone has the chance to find guidance, healing, and support in a way that works best for them.

Elements of Indigenous Style by Gregory Younging, published in 2018, is the world’s first attempt to standardize writing about Indigenous topics within the context of English-written publications – it is an attempt to articulate Indigenous values and concepts in the English-speaking and -written world when Indigenous languages and ways of knowing the world have, historically, evolved outside the Western scope of understanding. Developing and integrating Indigenous style into contemporary publishing practices is one way we decolonize the way we talk about Indigenous Peoples and re-evaluate the ways in which we express meaning. In the spirit of journalism, we ask: how do we truthfully express truths when many truths are true at once?

Robin Ringland is a Two-Spirit Status Anishininew (Oji-Cree person) with familial roots in Garden Hill First Nation, Treaty 5 territory. She is a Communications Officer with College and Public Relations at RRC Polytech and has been in her role for three years since graduating Creative Communications. Robin is currently working on an internal style guide for RRC Polytech to ensure that written work the College produces can authentically involve Indigenous perspectives, storytelling, and Oral Tradition.

Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week can bring forward many emotions, reflections, and personal connections to the stories and experiences shared. We recognize that these feelings can sometimes be difficult to process on your own, which is why we invite you to join us in Debrief Circles. This is a safe, supportive space where you can share openly, listen deeply, and know that your voice will be heard with care and respect. Guided by our Elders-in-Residence, the circles offer an opportunity to find comfort in community, process your thoughts in a healthy way, and leave the week feeling grounded and connected. Whether you choose to speak or simply sit in the presence of others, you are welcome.

• 2:00 – 3:00 Debrief with Grandmother Janice
• 3:00 – 4:00 Fan Down with Richard

If you aren’t able to attend the Debrief Circles in person – whether you’re studying or working at a regional campus, learning online, or have other commitments – supports are still available to you. Students can connect with counselling services at the College, and employees can access confidential support through the Employee and Family Assistance Program. In addition, our Elders-in-Residence are available for one-on-one or group appointments, which can be arranged virtually so that everyone has the chance to find guidance, healing, and support in a way that works best for them.