Are you ready for Halloween?

Drop by one of the Indigenous Student Support Centres on either campus and see Terri-Lynn Anderson or any support staff to enter the Costume Contest! Choose your category:

Single, Duo, and Group Costumes

Juices boxes, coffee, and candy will be available throughout the day.

Names of winners for the costume contest will be posted in the centre and they will be contacted.

When: Monday October 31, 2022 all day 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

Where: Indigenous Support Centres at NDC – F209 and EDC – P407

Choices for Indigenous Post-Secondary Education of Manitoba (CIPEM) is a committee of representatives from Red River College Polytechnic, University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, Assiniboine Community College, and Brandon University who work together and support each other to recruit Indigenous students from all over Manitoba.

They raise awareness of programs and share personal educational journeys that let students and communities know that no matter where you come from, our educational institutions try to meet the needs of Indigenous learners and communities.  

Earlier this week, our Indigenous Liaison Advisor, Marshall (Shash) Richard, with members of CIPEM, visited Peguis Central School, Peguis Academic Learning Centre, Verna J. Kirkness Institute of Higher Learning (Fisher River), Fisher River High School, Lake St Martin First Nation School and Pinaymootang High School. Marshall and other recruiters shared with learners the opportunities and resources they have access to in Manitoba’s post-secondary institutions. 

Education is not always linear, and we want Indigenous learners to know that anyone can go back to school. Life happens. CIPEM connects with students on a personal level and tries to show that there are options for wherever you may be at the moment or in the future.

CIPEM also reviews practical information students can use to plan ahead. RRC Polytech offers introductory programs and Pathway programs that help prepare students for full-time, industry-standard programs. Completion of introductory and Pathway programs can help students bypass waitlists, and they don’t have to decide on a major right away. These courses help students explore their options with culturally-inclusive wrap-around supports.

Getting out in the communities and making those person-to-person connections are what make the biggest impression on future students and their communities. Marshall and the other CIPEM recruiters are heading out again the week of October 31.

For more information, you can reach Marshall (Shash) Richard at indigenous@rrc.ca.

Red River College Polytechnic’s Indigenous Student Support Team is bringing back R-Crew! We’re getting back into the swing of things with live events at both campuses and we need your help as students. Bring your perspective and ideas to the team and help make the most memorable year yet!

The Indigenous Student Support Team is looking for five full-time Indigenous students to volunteer at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses. R-Crew Members, or Resource Crew Members, will be directly involved with Indigenous-focused activities and events year-round. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to brainstorm and implement plans, speak and perform at events, and help with logistical set-up and tear-down, among many other tasks and responsibilities. We expect to have weekly or bi-weekly meetings to plan for and work on upcoming events, depending on members’ schedules.

Successful applicants who complete 100 hours of volunteer time between November 2022 and June 2023 will be awarded a $1000 bursary!

Qualified applicants must:

• have a willingness to learn
• possess a strong sense of teamwork and dedication
• have the time and flexibility to work outside of class time hours
• be an Indigenous full-time RRC Polytech student
• be able to serve as an integral part of RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Student Support team.

Please submit your Resume and Cover Letter to: Terri-Lynn Anderson, Events Coordinator, School of Indigenous Education, tlanderson@rrc.ca.

Application Deadline:  Friday, November 4, 2022

Everyone is invited to join the Bannock Babes in The Cave (DM30) at NDC for Drag Bingo on October 20 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm!  

The event, organized by Indigenous Student Supports and the Students’ Association, is in-person and played on electronic devices, so players will need to bring their own phone or laptop that can connect to wifi. Students are welcome to bring their families for a family fun night with performances by the Bannock Babes between rounds. Food and refreshments will be available (bannock dogs anyone?) and prizes to be won! 

Your hosts, the Bannock Babes, are a collective of Indigenous drag artists based in Winnipeg. They blossomed in the spotlight in March 2019 and have since performed for the No Stone Unturned concert, Read by Queens at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and a mural unveiling by artist Peatr Thomas in St. Boniface. The Bannock Babes regularly raise funds for local charities, including the 2 Spirit Pow Wow. You may not see them making bannock, but these babes from three different provinces are hard to forget. 

Entry is free of charge — we just ask attendees to register in advance. We will also be accepting cash donations for the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award through the college or a tin for the bin to help support the Students’ Association hamper program. 

Register now – spots are filling up fast in The Cave, and we don’t want you to miss out. Bring your friends, family, and phone! See you on the 21^st!  

If you have any questions, email Terri-Lynn Anderson at tlanderson@rrc.ca

Pictured above: participants from the red dress pin workshop.

The following message includes topics that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experiences. It is recommended that we all check in on ourselves and access the resources available to us to ensure we are taking good care of our mental health. For mental health and self-care resources, visit here.

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S) released their Final Report in June 2019. The report detailed over 2,380 accounts from family members, survivors of violence, experts and Knowledge Keepers during two years of evidence gathering. Two volumes of the report conclude that persistent human and Indigenous rights violations are the root cause of Canada’s high rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people.

Sections 11.1 – 11.2 call on educators across all levels to provide awareness to the public about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people and about the issues and causes of violence they experience. In this digital age, we have the ability to spread the truth, but we are also at odds with misinformation borne from ignorance and racism. It is our duty to their families and communities to advocate for the truth of Canada’s complacency in crimes against Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people.

Oct. 4, the National Day of Action for MMIWG2S, is dedicated specifically to raise awareness for people to learn more about the violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people and how they can support the 231 Calls to Justice of the National Inquiry’s Final Report.

We encourage staff to use and share resources like Sheila North’s and Leonard Yakir’s documentary 1200+ and its introduction, which the College has free access to until Oct. 9.

The Government of Canada’s National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls always has free resources available, including direct access to the Final Report itself.

Many Indigenous organizations have additional programs that support the National Inquiry and education on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People like the Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc. MMIWG2S and Violence Prevention.

Educating yourself and challenging misinformation will help motivate social and structural change in which Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people and their families won’t have to suffer from violence or injustice.

Staff and students can express their learning efforts by displaying a red dress in their windows, or by visiting the Indigenous Student Support Centre (F209) at the Notre Dame Campus on Oct. 4 to write a message of remembrance or hope on a red dress cutout.

We also acknowledge that this observance may be emotionally taxing, especially for Indigenous employees. Please remember that, outside of formal events in which they agree to participate, our Indigenous colleagues may decline discussing this observance because of its emotional and cultural impact.

We recognize that days/weeks of observance, e.g., Truth and Reconciliation Week and National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit people, may trigger many powerful emotions. It is recommended that you check in on your mental health and use self-care techniques. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out or access any of the following resources:

• Mental Health Coordinator
• Healthy Minds Healthy College
• Homewood Health’s Employee and Family Assistance
• First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline
  • ​​​​​​​1.855.242.3310 or online chat at hopeforwellness.ca
• Klinic Crisis Line (24/7)
  • Phone: 204.786.8686 Toll free: 1.888.322.3019

Self-care is a powerful tool to help us work through emotions and take better care of our minds, bodies and spirits and can come in many forms and is not one-size-fits-all.

• Here are some recommendations:
• Spend time with a loved one
• Phone a friend
• Ask a loved one for a hug
• Read a book, watch a favourite movie, or listen to music
• Go for a walk, do yoga, or exercise
• Take a warm bath or shower
• Cook yourself a nice meal
• Meditation or prayer
• Download a meditation app
• Write in a journal
• Get proper sleep

Today is the 151^st anniversary of Treaty No 1, the original lands of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, a place many of us call home, including a majority of our Campuses.

Treaties were signed between Indigenous peoples and settlers based on principals of friendship, peace, and mutual thriving. They acknowledge inherit Indigenous rights to land, resources, and economy, and they remain in place “as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow.”

As we know, in the past, Treaties were not honoured and great harms were brought upon Indigenous communities through policies and structures of assimilation and genocide; the lasting impacts still effecting Indigenous peoples today.

Treaty relationships did not grow and evolve with society, and that’s why it’s so important that concerted efforts are made to strengthen these relationships and define how we approach being in a Treaty relationship in the present and into the future.

Last year, RRC Polytech partnered with The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce to extend the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation Education e-modular training program to the business community to support reconciliation efforts in Treaty 1 in honour of the 150^th anniversary. We also held a virtual event for Indigenous students to learn and connect with Chamber business leaders. 

While institutions, government, and industry strive towards stronger and more equitable Treaty relationships, there’s many things we can do as individuals and groups to support our community towards reconciliation and greater understanding.

The College has made a public commitment towards advancing truth and reconciliation within its 2022-2026 strategic plan In Front of What’s Ahead. This includes addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action to advance Indigenous education in Manitoba, while also reflecting on the harms of the past, working to reconcile a broken trust in our education system and supporting the key role Indigenous peoples must play for our province to realize its fullest potential.

There are many ways to create action and movement towards reconciliation with the first being education and creating an open space for dialogue and inclusion.

A wonderful example is the initiative Paul Bourget, lead instructor in the Educational Assistant Certificate Program, took with the Origami Project with guidance from Elders. He connected the significance of the Japanese tradition of “Senba Zuru” and Indigenous teachings to his course content. The many layers of this project integrated creating 1,000 Origami cranes with students, the teachings of the Medicine Wheel, a traditional pipe ceremony and feast, and classroom assignments. One of the main takeaways for students is cultural safety as they work to enter the school system. You can watch the video on his project here.

Resources to learn about Treaties:

• 4 Seasons of Reconciliation Education RRC Polytech Staff training
• Stay tuned for dates to sign up for an upcoming Blanket Exercise
• Learn more with The Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba
• Learn about the communities in Treaty 1

Stay tuned for the fourth annual RRC Polytech Truth and Reconciliation Week held during the last week of September.

We are proud to welcome Brittany Ross as our new Navigation Coach as part our Indigenous Student Supports team. She brings her extensive experiences to support Indigenous students on their learning journey.

Navigation Coaches are a first point of contact for current Indigenous students and can help with everything from finding your way around campus, problem-solving, sharing important resources and information, understanding College processes and accessing community services. They will also help connect you with other important support team members, who together, can ensure you receive the help you need.

Brittany has spent over 10 years supporting, advocating and mentoring Indigenous students in the adult education, and post-secondary education sectors. Through Brittany’s previous experience, she has a fundamental understanding of the importance of creating safe, respectful and positive environments. 

Click here to learn more about Brittany and connect.

Earlier this week, Miss Una Swan held a small pipe ceremony (watch her message) with students to honour and welcome in the Spring Equinox, a day where day and night are equal. Not only is the Spring Equinox recognized by many Indigenous cultures ceremoniously as new beginnings and rebirth, but there are many teachings and stories about Spring.

We’ve pulled together a few tales and teachings on the blog. (Click on the title to watch.)

Sisikwun: The Rattle by Wilfred Buck

Wilfred Buck is a local Elder who shares many teachings, including star teachings. Here he shares a teaching about Spring constellations and the rattle.

K’i Tah Amongst the Birch (National Film Board of Canada)

Filmmaker/activist Melaw Nakehk’o has spent the pandemic with her family at a remote land camp in the Northwest Territories, “getting wood, listening to the wind, staying warm and dry, and watching the sun move across the sky.” In documenting camp life—activities like making fish leather and scraping moose hide—she anchors the COVID experience in a specific time and place.

The Lake Winnipeg Project (National Film Board of Canada)

As our lakes and rivers begin to thaw and we all start to take advantage of these gifts, it’s important to know the context and history of our lakes and Indigenous communities. We also recommend viewing this series.

The Lake Winnipeg Project is a four-part documentary series that calls attention to stories of ingenuity and resilience in four diverse communities surrounding Lake Winnipeg, at a time when many external forces are imposing change.

Research Interviews with Red River College Polytechnic

We are looking for Indigenous students that are currently enrolled, or those who have recently graduated from the Pathways to Nursing, Nursing Baccalaureate, or Licences Practitioner Nursing programs at Red River College Polytechnic. Those who choose to participate will be asked to complete a short anonymous survey and participate in a 1-hour one-on-one interview with the researcher.

The Purpose of the Interviews

The interviews will assist in developing the parameters for the Bill and Shirley Loewen Indigenous Nursing annual bursary. The parameters will be co-developed by the Truth and Reconciliation – Indigenous Strategy and Business Development Department, Dean – School of Indigenous Education, Department of Advancement and Development, and the Student Financial Aid and Bursaries. 

The fund purpose:

This fund will support Indigenous students attending the Pathways to Nursing program and related Nursing programs at RRC Polytech. The fund’s goal is to ensure that Indigenous students who want to devote their careers to Nursing have all the support needed to graduate and gain their desired employment. 

The fund will support all Indigenous student needs, including but not limited to:

• student support (educational and mental), 

• equipment required for successful completion of the program, 

• external accommodations, 

• scholarship/awards/bursaries (the goal is to provide full tuition support), 

• room and board.

Questions on the research or interested in participating?

Please contact Kyra De La Ronde

kdelaronde2@rrc.ca