On Wednesday November 10, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) announced an Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) name for its newest building at the Exchange District Campus.

Manitou a bi Bii daziigae (in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe)) is the first RRC Polytech building to receive an Indigenous name. Manitou a bi Bii daziigae was previously known as the Innovation Centre project.

The name was presented by RRC Polytech Elders-in-Residence. Each Elder brings with them a lifetime of experiences, stories, ceremonial gifts, and lessons they’ve collected; each a rarity unto themselves, and we can’t thank the Elders enough for this new name and what they bring to our community.

The name Manitou a bi Bii daziigae translates to where creator sits (Manitou a bi) and brings light (Bii daziigae), and both parts have layers of deeper meaning and symbolism. 

Click here to hear from the Elders-in-Residence, and to learn more about the name and its deeper meaning is.

You can read the full story on the opening here.