Join us for an interactive conversation about how Red River College can use its new space, the Innovation Centre Project, to strengthen Indigenous academic programs, supports and community on campus.

Isabel Bright (Dean, School of Indigenous Education), Carla Kematch (Manager, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement) and Tracy Brant (Chair, Aboriginal Education and ACCESS Programs) will highlight some of the College’s Indigenous-focused academic programs and supports, opportunities for partnership with Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses, and how the new space can help grow connections and community on campus.

This discussion is being moderated by Sky Bridges, CEO, The Winnipeg Foundation. Sky is a graduate of Red River College’s Business Administration program and is both the first Indigenous (Métis, Cree, Blackfoot) and LGBTQ2S+ person to hold the position of CEO at The Winnipeg Foundation.

When: Tuesday, June 29 2021
Time: 12:00p.m. CDT (Winnipeg)
Where: WebEx Events

If you require ASL interpretation or other accessibility items for this event, please email CollegeRelations@rrc.ca

Click here to read more about panelists.

Pride Week 2021 features live events and self-guided resources that explore LGBTQ2+ inclusion and the Two-Spirt identity

Red River College’s Pride Week 2021, June 7-11, offers opportunities for the College community to gather virtually, create safer spaces and learn together.

“June is Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month, and the College has very strong Indigenous supports as well as powerful commitments through diversity and inclusion for LGBTQ2+. However, we witnessed the opportunity for education, enlightenment, and further inclusion for Two Spirit persons. During Pride 2021 we have decided to highlight Two Spirit identity, and provide opportunities for knowledge sharing and the creation of safe(r) spaces as we work towards enhancing inclusion and equity at the College,” says Priyanji Mediwake, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist.

The week begins with RRC’s Pride flag raising ceremonies with Fred Meier, President & CEO, and Dr. Christine Watson, Vice-President, Academic. Events include three live virtual opportunities as well as self-guided from the National Film Board of Canada and resources. The live events will provide opportunities for participants to engage in the conversation, share in a virtual Healing Lodge with Elder Gayle Pruden, a Two-Spirit Anishinaabe dancer, and hear lived experiences with special guests who will share more about the meaning of Two Spirit – from pre-colonization to the present. Live events will be held by either WebEx or Microsoft teams.

Thursday, June 10 – Live
Live: Panel Event: Healing and Reclaiming Two-Spirit Identity
12 – 1:30 pm
WebEx Events

Prior to colonization, First Nation’s peoples did not try to fit their societies into binaries of male and female for gender nor for sexuality. Those peoples who did not fit into these roles were given room to live, express themselves, and contribute to the community in a good way. Two Spirit people were celebrated and given important responsibilities such as teaching, healing, and leading.

Dr. Elaine Mordoch will present research findings on behalf of their research team to lead us into the panel discussion. Then, our panelists we will go on to unpack the Two-Spirited identity prior to contact, discuss how colonization has impacted Two Spirit ways of being in today’s culture and we will then discuss how these communities are reclaiming culture and space today. There will be an opportunity for you to ask panelists a question.

Panelists:

• Lorne Olson, Filmmaker
• Levi Alizaar Foy (Manidoo-gwiiwizens), Executive Director, Sunshine House
• Barbara Bruce, O.M., President, All My Relations Inc; Associate of AMR Planning & Consulting
• Dr. Myra Laramee, Indigenous Elder
• Moderated by Bradley C West. CPHR. SHRM-SCP. CCP.PMC

“The word Two Spirit actually originated from Winnipeg. We have so many strong, intelligent, esteemed voices in this space locally, so to have them together for this discussion will be powerful,” says Carla Kematch, Manager, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement. “It’s so important that we create opportunities for stories to be heard and to be able to have conversations in a safe space, especially when we need to try and create connections during this time of self-isolation. Cultural reclamation requires our attention, time and effort. We invite all to explore what the Indigenous perspective was pre-colonization and what it means today.”

To learn more and read panelist biographies, visit rrc.ca/diversity/resources/pride-2021/

RRC’S PRAIRIE RESEARCH KITCHEN TO HOSTINDIGENOUS FOOD BUSINESS STORIES WEBINAR

Food and story-telling has always brought people together. The Prairie Research Kitchen is creating a community environment for Indigenous stories and food science to blend and grow. On May 12 from 9 am – 12 pm, the Prairie Research Kitchen will host an Indigenous Food Business Stories webinar to foster discussion and relationship building in the food entrepreneur community.  

Community and economic development representatives, aspiring researchers, and entrepreneurs are invited to this discussion on food product development stories from Indigenous business leaders and to learn how the Prairie Research Kitchen can help as a product development resource. 

Click here to read more.

Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at noon starting Monday, February 8 on Microsoft Teams.

Elder’s Lodge is our virtual drop-in centre where you can build connections, hear stories, and learn more about Indigenous culture with our Elders-in-Residence and Indigenous Education staff and faculty. All are welcome to attend!

Check your student or staff news for the meeting link.

If you have questions or need support, please email indigenoussupportcentre@rrc.ca

Watch Here

Password: uVRm7Jcu

Are you ready to paint? Take some time to heal your spirit with a painting demonstration with artist Gayle Sinclair. Gayle walks us through her process and teaches us some new techniques using only three colours. This event is presented as part of Truth and Reconciliation Week.

From Norway House Cree Nation, artist Gayle Sinclaire has pursued the use of colour through oils and acrylics on canvas and paper for the last 37 years. Initially self-taught, at the age of 14 she sold her first oil painting. After completing high school in 1986, she had gone on to study at the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Manitoba. During her studies, Gayle rapidly advanced her technique, concerning herself with composition, content, treatment of light and the placement and use of vibrant colours.

Content became the most important theme of her work: the image has to carry the real of mystery, deeply embedding hidden messages of spirituality and culture. Through all the creative experiences, Gayle has developed a unique painting style. Currently she paints and continues to trail blaze. As a most compelling artist, her soul-filled efforts have been exhibited widely in both solo and group shows through Canada, the United States and Europe. Gayle’s work, not surprisingly, focuses primarily on women and children, affirming the importance of strength women in the Aboriginal culture and celebrating the family unit. Most works also have a literal or symbolic connection with nature, such as birds, leaves, and water, which injects a strong spiritual quality to her art. In the fall of 2003, she was one of seven artists chosen for the Image Makers First Nation Art Exhibit in Los Angeles. Most recently. She has completed a commission for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Her work is in the collections of the Manitoba Assembly of Chiefs, the community offices in Norway House and Cross Lake, and the homes and offices of numerous private patrons

Truth and Reconciliation Week
September 28 – October 2

Gi wii ko mi goo (join us in Ojibwe) for our second annual Truth and Reconciliation Week. You will be guided through an exploration of local Indigenous cultures, histories, themes, and issues to help you deepen your understanding of Truth and Reconciliation and respectful cultural awareness. All are welcome to participate in special events and join the conversation.

This an important week as Wednesday, Sept 30 is Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters, and Sunday, Oct 4 is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day.

We hope you will walk with us.

Freedom Road
Available for viewing on demand
Enter password: RRC

We are  thrilled to present the National Film Board of Canada’s Freedom Road. Please feel free to share the password, the more the merrier. We will close TRC week on Friday, Oct 2 with a Freedom Road live panel discussion at noon over WebEx.

Friday, October 2
Freedom Road Panel Discussion – Live on WebEx | 12:00 pm CST

After watching Freedom Road, join us for a live panel discussion. Bring your questions!

• Angelina McLeod, Film Director and SL40 Band Council Member (Education Portfolio)
• Daryl Redsky, film participant, SL40 community member and lead on the Freedom Road initiative, founding member Kenora Bear Clan Patrol
• Alicia Smith, NFB Producer

Freedom Road is a five-part documentary series that tells the inspiring story of Shoal Lake 40 Anishinaabe First Nation and their battle to build a road, after their community was forcibly relocated and cut off from the mainland over 100 years ago, so that water could be diverted to the city of Winnipeg. Director and Shoal Lake 40 member Angelina McLeod uses an innovative, community-driven approach to storytelling that highlights the community’s dignity, strength and perseverance, as they take back control of their narrative and their future in the process of building Freedom Road.

Truth and Reconciliation Week 2020 Schedule

Monday, September 28

Opening Honour Song with Co Co Ray Stevenson
Available for viewing on demand

Singer and composer Co Co Ray Stevenson opens up the week with an Honour Song.

Spirit and Intent of Treaties: Discussion with Elder Harry Bone
Available for viewing on demand

Enter password: zM#$S&t5

We hear Treaty Land Acknowledgements in introductions and at events all the time, but what is the history and importance of Treaties?

Elder Harry Bone has worked tirelessly and quietly throughout his life to bolster Indigenous rights. He is a member of Keeseekoowenin Ojibway Nation, where he served as a Chief and Director of Education. He also worked as a CEO at the West Region Tribal Council and as a Director of the Manitoba Indian Education Authority. Elder Bone was also a Director of Native Programs for the Federal Government and he served as a Vice-President of Aboriginal Cultural Centres of Canada. Elder Bone is currently a member of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Elders Council where he continues to be the Chairperson of his colleagues.

Tuesday, September 29

Jingle Dress Teaching
Available for viewing on demand

You may have seen jingle dresses, but where do they come from, and what does it mean? Jingle Dress Dancer Sherry Starr shares an origin story and gives us a demonstration.

Did you know? Winnipeg Streets & Neighbourhoods with Louis Riel Institute
Available for viewing on demand

How well do you know your Winnipeg history? Shirley Delorme Russell, Instructor of Métis Culture & History at the Louis Riel Institute, give us insight on the historical significance to names of streets and neighbourhoods, including 7 Oaks, Kildonans, fur trade and more as part of their Red River Cart Adventures series.

Wednesday, September 30

Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters

The annual Orange Shirt Day on September 30th opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of Residential Schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the intergenerational effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind that affect all.

You can support the Orange Shirt Day Organization by purchasing a shirt Every Child Matters shirt by Red Rebel Armor , a clothing line by RRC Social Innovation and Community Development student Sean Rayland.

Paint with Gayle Sinclair
Available for viewing on demand 

Password: uVRm7Jcu

Are you ready to paint? Take some time to heal your spirit with a painting demonstration with artist Gayle Sinclair.

From Norway House Cree Nation, artist Gayle Sinclaire has pursued the use of colour through oils and acrylics on canvas and paper for the last 37 years. Her work is in the collections of the Manitoba Assembly of Chiefs, the community offices in Norway House and Cross Lake, and the homes and offices of numerous private patrons.

Thursday, October 1 | 6 – 9 pm

Winnipeg Art Gallery Film Night: The Decolonizing Lens 
TUNNIIT: Retracing the Lines of Inuit Tattoos and Wearing My Culture

We are partnering with the Winnipeg Art Gallery on the next Decolonizing Lens screening of TUNNIIT: Retracing the Lines of Inuit Tattoos and Wearing My Culture themed around the new exhibit Inuk Style. Live discussion to follow with the directors Alethea Arnaquq-Baril and Ulivia Lay Thomassie.

LOCATION
Winnipeg Art Gallery • 300 Memorial Boulevard

5:30 pm • Doors Open
6 pm • Sneak peek at Inuk Style, followed by the screening
Panel discussion to follow

FREE entry, or watch a live stream on the WAG Facebook Page

Click here for more information and to watch trailers. 

Friday, October 2

Elder Paul Guimond Honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Available for viewing on demand

Our very own Elder Paul Guimond shares a message and song with us to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day.

Freedom Road Panel Discussion – Live on WebEx | 12:00 pm

After watching Freedom Road, join us for a live panel discussion. Bring your questions!

Explore Further

RRC Library has compiled three “cinematic journeys” that address topics central to Truth and Reconciliation Week. Miigwech to our friends in the RRC Library!

More Information on Truth and Reconciliation Week Guests and Topics

Elder Harry Bone

Elder Harry Bone has worked tirelessly and quietly throughout his life to bolster Indigenous rights.

He is a member of Keeseekoowenin Ojibway Nation, where he served as a Chief and Director of Education. He also worked as a CEO at the West Region Tribal Council and as a Director of the Manitoba Indian Education Authority. While a graduate student in political studies at University of Manitoba he was a Student Advisor and Lecturer. Elder Bone was also a Director of Native Programs for the Federal Government and he served as a Vice-President of Aboriginal Cultural Centres of Canada. Elder Bone is currently a member of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Elders Council where he continues to be the Chairperson of his colleagues.

Elder Bone’s expertise in First Nations governance at the community level is well regarded. He has led delegations that have met with all levels of government and has been instrumental in furthering many projects for the benefit of all Manitobans, such as the Oral History Project and the Historical Atlas of First Nations in Manitoba. Elder Bone and Elder Doris Pratt co-authored Untuwe Pi Kin He – Who We are: Treaty Elders’ Teachings Volume, a book that documents the traditional laws and customs of Indigenous peoples in Manitoba in a way that is accessible to all interested readers; it is not a revision of history but rather a retelling of history from Indigenous historians, giving them an opportunity to reclaim words and inject new power into them. Like Elder Bone, the book aims to inspire people through compassion, reason, humility and human dignity.

His distinguished achievements in leadership, scholarship and public service have been widely recognized by the many individuals and communities who have touched by his work. The University of Manitoba honoured Elder Bone with an Honorary Doctor of Law degree for his tireless and trendsetting work that continues to advance Aboriginal education in Canada.

In December 2017, Elder Bone was announced as an appointee to the Order of Canada “for his contributions to advancing Indigenous education and preserving traditional laws, and for creating bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and communities.”

About Orange Shirt Day:
The annual Orange Shirt Day on September 30th opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of Residential Schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the intergenerational effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind that affect all. A discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for reconciliation. A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected. Every Child Matters, even if they are an adult, from now on. Former student Phyllis (Jack) Webstad told her story of her first day at Residential School when her shiny new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, was taken from her as a six-year old girl.

About Residential Schools:
If you would like to learn more about the history of the Canadian Residential School System, please visit 100yearsofloss.ca for an interactive timeline of events.

About MMIWG Awareness Day:
More than 1,200 Indigenous women and girls in Canada have gone missing or been murdered since 1980. According to Statistics Canada, Indigenous women and girls make up four per cent of the total Canadian female population, represent 10 per cent of missing women and, on average, 16 per cent of female homicide cases, a number that fluctuates and was as high as 21 per cent in 2014.

The Legislative Assembly of Manitoba has named October 4 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Honouring and Awareness Day whereas vigils honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls are held across Canada each year, raising public awareness and building a movement of social change in respect of violence against Indigenous women and girls.

To learn more, visit:

• Government of Canada Backgrounder – National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
• National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Website

RRC Virtual Indigenous Celebration
Friday, June 5, 2020 | 12:00 pm
Red River College – Indigenous Education Facebook Page

“RRC’s annual Pow Wow has been a point of pride for the College for nearly 20 years and has been a tremendous way to honour, celebrate, and make Indigenous culture more accessible for the College community. Although we are not yet able to be together physically, we still are, and will always be, dedicated to advancing Indigenous achievement and embedding Indigenous ways of knowing and being,” says Isabel Bright, Acting Dean, School of Indigenous Education. “We want to ensure we are doing what we can to help students celebrate important milestones and reminds them that they are part of a community.”

Our annual Indigenous student celebration is moving online! We are excited to create a virtual place that makes our students feel special, honours their achievements, and holds space for Indigenous culture and teachings. Join us Friday, June 5 for a Facebook live stream featuring some special performances on the Indigenous Education Facebook page.

Although we can’t all be together, we can find ways to celebrate and mark this special occasion. If you’d like to host your own Celebration at home, or create a special moment for yourself to honour your journey, we’ve included some ways that can add to your celebrations – online and offline.

• Instagram users: search “RRC” in stickers when posting to your stories for our Virtual Indigenous Celebration sticker. We love that this sticker has a heart/drum beat and a nod to the medicine wheel! Tag @redrivercollege in your stories in this Friday so we can share and bring our Celebration onto Instagram. To Indigenous students who registered: we would love to see you wearing your RRC Indigenous stole when you receive it in the mail.
• Update your Facebook picture picture with our new profile picture frame.
• Make your own bannock with “Cooking with the Coyote” Corey Whitford, Indigenous Language Instructor.
• Make Cedar Tea.
• Sew your own ribbon skirt with Wellness Advisor Donna Glover.
• Download these colouring sheets by Anishinabee artist Jackie Traverse to create some art!
• Miss visiting our Indigenous spaces at the College? Take yourself on a 360 tour of the Medicine Wheel Garden and Notre Dame Indigenous Support Centre.

Registration is now closed to be included in the Virtual Indigenous Celebration, but students can still register to receive a mailed gift by visiting rrc.ca/indigenous/virtual-celebration until June 19.

On behalf of the School of Indigenous Education, we are pleased to host the 19th Annual Pow Wow honouring Indigenous graduates on Friday, May 3, 2019 at the Notre Dame Campus (2055 Notre Dame Ave.) in the North Gym.

Pow Wow Schedule – Friday, May 3, 2019

10:00am Pipe Ceremony in the North Gym

12:00pm Grand Entry

2:00pm Honour Indigenous Graduates – gift giving

5:00pm Feast, North Gym

Dancers, drum groups and community members are welcome to attend. Crafters please contact the Pow Wow Coordinator to book a table. Free parking is available in the parking lot labelled West 4 (see map). We hope you will join us in honouring our students as we send them off on a continued journey to success.

Should you have any questions, please contact Morgan Paul at 204-632-3773 or email mpaul50@rrc.ca.

Graduate Registration

Indigenous students who are graduating from a Red River College program in 2019 can register to be honoured at the 19th Annual Pow Wow Honouring Indigenous Graduates on Friday, May 3, 2019.

Please select a valid form