General RRC Polytech Application Required

Mínwastánikéwin is a Cree word that means ‘to set it right.’

The deadline to submit applications for the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award is January 31, 2025.

An information session on submitting applications will take place on November 13 in P407 at EDC from 12pm – 1pm. The information session at NDC was on October 24 in F209. Learn more about what to include in the one-page essay and how to submit a General RRC Polytech Application. No registration required.

The Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award was made possible through collaboration between Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement, College & Public Relations and the Campus Store. The award is funded by the generous support of RRC students, staff and faculty through campaigns at the RRC Campus Store that bring awareness to Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous-led initiatives such as Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Honouring and Awareness Day.

In 2024, the Orange Shirt was designed by Anishininew artist Erin Ringland, the design of which features a family of loons to represent a story about family. The Red Shirt was created by Métis artist Shayre Curé, which features the iconic handprint over a woman’s mouth to pay homage to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People.

“We need to take up more space in these places – we have to fight, but it doesn’t mean we don’t belong there. I have my ancestors behind me. I want people to know that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Use medicine, take care of yourself, go to Sweats. Learn about your family, your traditions – learn to be proud of your heritage and culture, take back your identity and learn your truth. You don’t have to wait.” – Camille Munro, 2024 Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award recipient.

We know that over the last 150 years, 150,000 Indigenous children attended Canadian Residential Schools. We know that 90% of children in Manitoba’s foster care system are Indigenous and more than one-third of Winnipeg’s Indigenous population, nearly 70,000 people, live in poverty. And we also know that despite making up almost 17% of the provincial population, Indigenous peoples are typically underrepresented in post-secondary institutions.

This award is for Indigenous full-time students. Recipients will be selected based on an essay response on what Truth and Reconciliation means to them. To be eligible, applicants are required to submit a General RRC Application, proof of Indigenous heritage, and a one-page essay submission. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2025.  Completed application forms should be submitted by email to financialaid@rrc.ca.

For more information about the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, see the Awards, Bursaries, and Scholarships Catalogue.

Last year, the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award was awarded to two recipients: Camille Munro and Peggy Guimond.

Information Sessions: 12pm – 1pm

• EDC – P407 – November 13
• NDC – F209 – October 24