Oji-Cree artist Matthew Monias, who goes by MattMac, recently performed at Directions 2021 powered by RBC Future Launch.

Directions is an annual business and applied arts conference showcasing Red River College Polytech students and local industry practitioners. Students spent the day in Breakout Sessions, in the Networking Lounge, and at the various Roundtables.

Hailing from Garden Hill First Nation, Manitoba, Mattmac has been blind from birth. He grew up surrounded by music both on the radio and singing in his community’s gospel choir. Mattmac began to struggle with depression at a young age and credits music for helping him cope. A fully self-taught artist, he first began to make beats and write songs when he was 13-years-old, and later taught himself how to play piano and guitar. He also has impressive skills with beat production software and equipment, and attributes his creative competencies to the support of the Blind & Famous group, a USA based collective of blind music artists who collaborate and connect with one another through the internet. Mattmac hopes to continue to use his platform to inspire others to know that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to.

Watch his performance here:

We are proud to welcome  Terri-Lynn Anderson 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.

Terri-Lynn Anderson

Terri-Lynn Anderson is a proud, Métis woman and mother of four. Her passion is to continue helping Indigenous students become successful in their post-secondary studies and future careers.

Click here to learn more about Terri-Lynn.

Content Warning: Residential Schools

Tomorrow, September 30, is a day we’ve come to know as Orange Shirt Day, a day that encourages conversation and education 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 us all.

This movement was sparked by the story of Phyllis Webstad from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. Phyllis was proud to wear the orange shirt her grandmother gifted to her for her first day of Residential School. The shirt was taken from her and she never saw it again. Phyllis represents the 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children who were forcibly removed from their homes and families and taken to Residential Schools. 

September 30 has now been declared as the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation by the federal government, and so the College will be closed tomorrow; giving us all an opportunity to listen, learn, reflect, and honour the victims and survivors of the Residential School System. As the College is closed tomorrow, we have invited staff and students to wear orange today as a symbol of recognition and support.

The work of reconciliation has just begun, and it’s important for all living on Turtle Island to know, understand and have respect for the truth before real change can take effect.

Tomorrow, there are events and activities you can take part in your community or online from many organizations including the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. You can also explore resources on our website rrc.ca/trc, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Actions, the Library and Academic Services Resources’ National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Book & Video Guide. You can also listen to Indigenous peoples and influencers online and share their content as well as talk to your friends and family about reconciliation and share what you have learned.

This day may be difficult for some, and we want to remind you to take care of yourself and take care of each other. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to those you trust, or to one of the supports we’ve listed below.

You can be a supportive alley by respecting boundaries as many Indigenous peoples experience this trauma and pain.

Supports and Resources:

National Indian Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419

Klinic Crisis line 204-786-8686 or toll free 1-888-322-3019

RRC student supports:

Counselling: rrc.ca/counselling

Mental Health Coordinator: rrc.ca/wellness/contact/

Elders in Residence: rrc.ca/staff/resources/indigenous-supports/  

RRC Staff: Employee Family Assistance Plan: rrc.ca/staff/resources/healthy-minds-healthy-college/supports/

Self-Care Suggestions:

 *   Call a friend you trust

 *   Go for a walk outside, exercise, do some light yoga, or move your body in a way that feels accessible to you

 *   Ensure you are getting good sleep and nutrition

 *   Connect with your culture, smudge

 *   Do a mindful meditation (find online)

 *   Have a warm bath or shower

Truth and Reconciliation Week 2021 will continue on Friday, October 1st with two live events. Click here to learn more and access events.

Warehouse worker crouching down and checking boxes on shelves with scanner. Female worker scanning boxes in rack.

FREE SIX-WEEK PILOT PROGRAM OFFERS SOUGHT-AFTER CERTIFICATION FOR CAREERS IN WAREHOUSES OR DISTRIBUTION CENTRES

Are you ready to prepare for in-demand career opportunities in warehousing and distribution?

Red River College is launching a new six-week Material Handling 4.0 pilot program that provides industry-driven training, individualized student supports and hands-on work experience to those who face barriers to employment and education.

Participants will also enhance their soft skills, and be provided a full slate of wraparound supports, including opportunities for child care, all required personal protective equipment and supplies for work safety, and referrals to support services such as legal clinics, housing and health care.

The program builds on the successful training model used by Mohawk College’s City School in Hamilton, Ont. Upon completion of the training, participants receive a micro-credential and employment services to help them successfully transition into long-term, stable employment.

Red River College joins Mohawk College, Vancouver Community College and Nova Scotia Community College in piloting the new training, which is designed to help people transition into careers in the supply chain sector, while also supporting economic recovery in their regions. Funding for the pilot is provided by the government of Canada under the Future Skills program.

“Red River College is committed to building more pathways for our students — especially our Indigenous, newcomer and immigrant learners — to move from classroom to career with the human and technical skills they need to access gainful employment, all while helping to rebuild the Manitoba economy,” says Dr. Christine Watson, RRC’s Vice-President, Academic and Research.

What You’ll Learn

• Supply chain logistics environment
• Using technology in the material handling workplace
• Product receiving, storage, packing and shipping
• Important 21st-century workplace skills that employers are looking for

Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• 18 years of age or older
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• Unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week
• Not enrolled in full-time education

Course Details

• Starts September 2021
• Online and virtual delivery
  • Six weeks training
  • Two weeks paid work placement
• Access to RRC student supports, including Indigenous supports Opportunity for child-care supports

If you would like to be contacted about the Materials Handling 4.0 program at Red River College, please visit rrc.ca/indigenous/materials-handling-4-0

MÍNWASTÁNIKÉWIN TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION BURSARY RECIPIENT INSPIRED BY GENERATIONAL HEALING

Chasline Spence, a Pathway to Business, Creative Communications and Digital Technology Programs student at Red River College, has been selected to receive the 2021 Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, presented in partnership by RRC’s School of Indigenous Education and its Campus Store. The word Mínwastánikéwin is Cree, and means ‘to set it right.’

“Honestly, I felt really emotional because the story I wrote was really personal and I was able to talk about my father. It was good-emotional,” says Spence, the second student to receive the award.

Spence’s father is a Residential School survivor and she wanted to include his story in her essay, a response to the question “What does Truth and Reconciliation mean to you?”

“It was one of the first times we really talked about it,” she says. “Throughout the years he told me about what happened in Residential Schools, but this time he really opened up to me so I could write about it.”

In her essay, Spence shared the impacts the residential school had on her father, and in turn, her life.

“It wasn’t until I became an adult and then heard my dad’s stories that I realized what I have been going through in my life was a part of the effects of Residential Schools, and what stemmed from it.”

When she turned 18, she began her own healing journey. Now, after recently becoming a mom, she is on a path towards a new career in business.

“My daughter inspires me. I’m just ready for this change,” says Spence.

“For so many years I did carpentry, landscaping, I was a stagehand, I did a lot of physical labour, and when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter it was a sign it was a good time to change career paths. For me, it was all about timing and feeling ready and confident to take on the responsibility of post-secondary schooling. I feel ready now.”

Her daughter is now two and Spence has received her Mature Grade 12 diploma from Urban Circle Training Centre Inc., is completing the Indigenous Education Pathway program at RRC, and plans to go into the Business Administration program in the fall.

“I feel really blessed. I think because I have that gap in schooling, the program I’m in now is really preparing me for Business Administration and what’s to come next year. I’m really grateful.”

Spence says her education at Urban Circle helped her get a real understanding of Truth and Reconciliation.

“We really go deep into what TRC is, and what I want people to understand is that it wasn’t yesterday, it was recently. The Residential Schools and intergenerational trauma are affecting our Indigenous people and I’m just so glad that TRC started when it did so we can teach the new generation what it is and hopefully get some healing. It has lingered into our young people today and we are still being affected by it.”

Spence is the second recipient of the award, which seeks to advance Indigenous achievement and support Indigenous students at RRC. The grassroots initiative was created through the generous support of the College community during the first Truth and Reconciliation Week in 2019. Staff and students purchased T-shirts at the Campus Store that brought awareness to Indigenous issues and key dates such as Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day.

“I’m just really happy that RRC considered me for the award,” says Spence. “I worked really hard on it and my dad is really happy about it. It’s about being recognized for it and it feels really good.”

Inspiring stories from RRC’s Indigenous Alumni

How do successful people get to where they are? What did that journey look like? What did they learn and how did they stay the course? What does it mean to be an Indigenous student in post-secondary?

The Stay the Course speaker series is a hand from one generation to the next, hosted by Carla Kematch, Manager, Truth and Reconciliation and Community & Engagement. Every month, incredible RRC Indigenous Alumni share their experiences on their journey to success. Advancing Indigenous achievement at RRC means listening to Indigenous stories. This is just one of the many ways we can embed the efforts of Truth and Reconciliation in our daily lives.

Derek McCorrister, Owner, Creative Director, Modern Clan

Originally from Peguis First Nation, Derek has extensive experience working with the federal government and Indigenous organizations in the private and not-for-profit sectors. He digs deep to build Modern Clan’s portfolio and uses his strategic savvy, technical knowledge and in-depth business understanding to navigate between client goals and end results.

Derek led the development of the strategic plan for Chief Peguis Investment Corporation, which has led to historic acquisitions for the Peguis First Nation. Derek continues to work in partnership with many clients through Additions to Reserves projects in Manitoba and still hones his graphic design and production artist skills daily.

Red River College’s annual Indigenous Celebration is moving online Friday, May 7, 2021, live at noon on the Indigenous Education Facebook page with special messages, stories and performances to honour RRC’s Indigenous students. All are invited and encourage to tune and celebrate with us!

This is the second year the event will be held virtually in lieu of the College’s Pow Wow. RRC’s Pow Wow has been a point of pride for the College for over 20 years and has been a tremendous way to honour, celebrate, and make Indigenous culture and ceremonies more accessible for the College community.

“We are excited to create a place online that makes our students feel special, honours their achievements, and holds space for Indigenous culture and teachings,” says Isabel Bright, Dean, Indigenous Education. “While we still cannot gather safely to celebrate, it’s important that we create moments for students to be recognized, provide opportunities for Indigenous knowledge to lead, and remind students and alumni they are part of this amazing community that is cheering them on.”

“It’s also an opportunity to create inspiration! Representation matters so much, and Indigenous youth need to see and hear success stories from all different industries. It can be very powerful to see someone from your community thriving, and during the event we’re going to hear from some students who have been flourishing in this online learning environment. Their achievements not only represent all the hard work and determination they’ve put in over the past year, and everything that has lead them individually to their path, they also represent the resiliency of their ancestors and the deep rooted history of the lands we are living, working and learning on.”

RRC Indigenous students are invited to register to be included in the online celebration through a student slide show, which will emulate a traditional Pow Wow grand entry by shining a spotlight on each student, and receive a mailed gift by completing the form at rrc.ca/indigenous/virtual-celebration. (Registration is optional for Indigenous students, no registration required for attendees/viewers.)

As part of the gift, First Nations, Inuit and Metis students will receive a Red River College Indigenous stole that was created to recognize the achievements of Indigenous students. This stole is an academic regalia sash that is draped over the shoulders to denote academic achievement. The stole was designed with symbols for The Seven Sacred Teachings, a set of teachings on human conduct towards others. While we recognize that not all First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures and histories recognize these teachings, our intention is to be as inclusive as possible. The stole includes a cart to represent Métis, and a seal symbol to represent Inuit culture. The Assiniboine and Red rivers are also represented throughout the design, which lays on red silk to proudly display the College’s brand colour.

RRC 21^st Annual Indigenous Celebration
Friday, May 7, 2020 | 12:00 pm
Virtual: Red River College – Indigenous Education Facebook Page
Follow and tag us on Instagram @RRCIndigenous

We are inviting all Red River College staff and students to record a brief video on your ‘phone asking an Indigenous elder a question about anything you have ever wondered regarding Indigenous life and traditions in Canada. Your question can be as simple or as complicated as you like. It can be about history, politics, domestic life, education, health, reservations, residential school, pre-colonization, smudging, seven teachings, housing, food, natural medicines, sweat lodges, circles, the medicine wheel, the 60s Scoop, stages of life, traditional community life, ceremonial regalia, urban reserves, round dancing, economics – whatever you have wondered about, someone else has wondered about, too. Just ASK!

Please make your recording is horizontal (landscape), in good lighting (natural is best) without any background noise. Be sure to include the following information:

• Your name (just first name, if you prefer)
• Your program at RRC
• Your question

Here are some examples:

1. “Hi, my name is Pamela, and I am in Social Innovation and Community Development at Red River College. I came across a round dance downtown; would it have been okay for me to join in, even though I am not Indigenous? Thanks!”
2. “Good morning. I am Jason, and I am studying in engineering tech. I appreciate getting a chance to ask a question because I am Indigenous but I don’t know the traditions. I would like to know what smudging is all about. Thank you.”
3. “I am an international student from Pakistan. My name is Jamal. Are some of the Indigenous traditions in Canada similar to the traditions that we have in Pakistan?”
4. “My name is Susan and I am a nursing student. What are the big mistakes I should avoid when taking care of Indigenous patients?”

Please send your recording to Heather Steppler at hsteppler@rrc.ca by Tuesday, April 6, 2021. In your email, please state that you are willing to have us use your recording in our video. We will provide a small honourarium to students whose videos we use.

Monday, March 22 at 12:00 pm
Live on the Indigenous Education Facebook Page
Featuring Elder Paul Guimond, Elder Una Swan, and a special screening of NFB’s Nonoonse Anishinabe Ishichekewin Ka Kanawentank

To welcome and celebrate the Spring Equinox, join us on Monday, March 22 at noon for a livestream featuring tales and teachings of Spring with RRC Elders-in-Residence on our Facebook page.

On Saturday, March 20, we will have equal amount of day and night. Not only is the Spring Equinox recognized by many Indigenous cultures ceremoniously as new beginnings and rebirth, but traditionally it also meant opportunities for food. Historically, many communities would travel throughout the year, settling in places where animals would migrate or food sources would become available, and Spring is no different.

Along with certain plants and medicines only available in Spring, maple tree tapping was an important (and laborious) process, providing sweet treats for families to enjoy. As part of our celebration of Spring, we will share a screening of the National Film Board’s Nonoonse Anishinabe Ishichekewin Ka Kanawentank (1980). Filmed on Lake Manitoba, near the Ebb’n’Flow Reserve, Nonoonse provides both a clear description of sugar-making and a quiet statement on the importance of the tradition to the Saulteaux or Ojibway of the region.

Not only does this film showcase a local treasure, respectfully living with the land and Indigenous traditions, it’s a beautiful to hear Nonoonse speaking her language. RRC staff and students have access to a library of NFB films year round, and we are thrilled to be able to share this film with the wider community.

We spoke to Nonoonse’s daughter Roseanna Desjarlais (Ebb and Flow First Nation) who continues to tap trees. Noonoose joined Roseanna and her husband Frankie on their first outing to Sugar Island, and now one of their daughters now makes the trip to Sugar Island. Frankie and Roseanna have planted their own trees in their yard – just to keep the tradition alive. Maple sugar tree tapping would take about two weeks, depending on how the tree sap is running. It takes 35-40 gallons of tree sap to boil down to make 2 gallons of syrup. Noonoose would tap approximately 300 maple trees on Sugar Island.

Learn what RRC’s Indigenous Education has to offer!

Date: Wednesday, March 17
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 pm

REGISTER

Connect with RRC instructors, staff and students, and explore programs and career paths virtually.

Whether you know what field you want to enter or are just beginning to think about your education, there are programs for every level of experience. This event will help you learn, plan, and start your post-secondary education in a supportive environment so you can receive the skills, training, and confidence to strengthen the path forward for the next seven generations. Let us know how we can help you carve your path as you aspire towards your personal, professional and community goals.

This event is for future First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, their families, friends, and support networks, community organizations, and anyone who wants to learn more about Indigenous Education at RRC.

What to Expect:

• Welcoming with Elder Una Swan
• Guest speaker Comedian Conway Kootenay
• Visit over 20 booths
• Attend a Live Panel Discussion (Live Broadcast Booth)
• Learn about programs, supports, and campuses
• Hear from current Indigenous students
• Prizes to be won!

Live Broadcasts:

These live, interactive presentations help you learn more about RRC from firsthand experiences. We’ve put together two Live Broadcasts topics that cover some of the big questions potential students are having about learning in a post-pandemic world. Each Broadcast will have multiple sessions for you to tune into.

1. How Work Integrated Learning Can Launch your Career
2. Discussion with Current Students – How is your Virtual Learning Experience?