Indigenous Education

News and Announcements

MMIWG2S+ Family Members’ Recognition at this year’s Pow Wow

April 23, 2024

Giganawenimaanaanig – We take care of them all.

This message contains information that may be sensitive to some readers.

Giganawenimaanaanig, known as the MMIWG2S+ Implementation Committee, is inviting all graduating students who are family members to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People to receive honours and acknowledgements for their strength, resilience and dedication to furthering their educational pursuits despite the immense challenges they may have faced. Graduating students will also have the opportunity to acknowledge the loss of their loved one(s) when receiving recognition.

Giganawenimaanaanig is asking eligible graduating students to register online to receive recognition for the accomplishments they’ve demonstrated by completing their programs.

“We believe it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of these individuals, as they not only exemplify personal courage but also contribute to the broader narrative of Indigenous resilience and perseverance. By extending our support and acknowledgment, we hope to foster a culture of inclusivity and empathy within our Province.”

Sandra Delaronde, Executive Director, Giganawenimaanaanig.

Please register with Giganawenimaanaanig before 11:59pm on April 25 to be honoured at RRC Polytech’s Pow Wow on Friday, May 3.

Graduating students can register here. More information is available on the registration page.

Sweat Lodge Ceremony – Students

April 17, 2024

Students are invited to participate in a Sweat Lodge Ceremony hosted by Elder-in-Residence, Paul Guimond. Indigenous and non-Indigenous students will have the opportunity to connect spiritually through a Ceremonial Sweat Lodge, followed by a Feast on Friday April 26. Preparations will start at 10am and the Ceremony will take place at 1pm.

Please meet in F209 for 9:30am and to the Medicine Wheel Garden together to start preparing the site at 10am.

To register, please send an email to Holly Scherban at hscherban@rrc.ca with the following information: 

  • Name 
  • Student number 
  • Any dietary restrictions for the Feast 

When: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024 

Where: Medicine Wheel Garden and Sweat Lodge Facilities at the Notre Dame Campus 

Elder Paul joined RRC Polytech in 2018 as an Elder-in-Residence and has since hosted many traditional Ceremonies and Sweat Lodges across the College, in addition to offering the Indigenous Worldview through Indigenous Teachings and Sharing Circles. He’s a Sundance Bundle Carrier (Chief), Sweat Lodge Bundle Carrier (Water Drum) and Dark Room Bundle Carrier. He is an active Elder with Addictions Foundation of Manitoba and Sagkeeng Child & Family Services and offers healing, spiritual growth, and personal development through ceremony, programming, and establishing healthy relationships. To learn more about Elder Paul and connect, please see his profile on our website. 

Sweat Lodge Ceremonies are a way to heal oneself and connect with all four parts of the self: the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Register now! Limit of 20 participants per Lodge. 

Culture and College Transition

April 17, 2024

Matthew Paul sewed his third ribbon shirt with his peers in the Indigenous Support Centre as part of the course curriculum in College Transition. Being able to immerse himself in his culture has been essential in his educational journey, and he says he’s looking forward to graduating from his first post-secondary program this spring.

A few years ago, Paul was encouraging his daughter Joanna to graduate from school after he noticed that she was struggling to find motivation to complete assignments and participate in class.

Joanna responded with: “Why? You didn’t graduate. So, why should I?”

Her question had a resounding impact on Paul, and he realized that he needed to set an example for his daughter if he truly wanted to encourage her to pursue education. He enrolled at Urban Circle to obtain his grade 12 credentials, and the emphasis on Indigenous wellness and ways helped him to engage with the coursework far better than he could when he was in public school.

After he graduated, he could finally answer her question:

“Look – if I can do it, you can do it, too.”

That same year, Paul intended to continue his education through post-secondary. However, he encountered issues with his funding which delayed his launch into college for a year, and again was delayed the following year when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

In fall 2024, Paul was finally able to enter College Transition to help him get accustomed to a post-secondary learning environment.

At first, he was scared. He was intimidated coming into a learning environment as a mature student when many of his peers were in their early twenties and still learning how to navigate the world as adults.

Matthew Paul working on his ribbon shirt.

Now, he’s in the Indigenous Support Centre at Notre Dame Campus almost every day, chatting with students and staff. He feels confident in cracking the first joke with somebody, breaking the ice with new people – Paul says a lot of younger people he meets in the centre are shy, and he feels responsible for helping them feel more comfortable and helping them learn that it’s okay to laugh, joke and talk.

Now that he’s a high school graduate and a current college student, Paul says he’s proud to see Joanna still working hard in her own high school. The encouragement he gives her now is the same encouragement he learned himself: for him, it’s not about getting the best grades.

“Sometimes, you only get 50 per cent but as long as you tried, that’s what matters. Sometimes something won’t click right then and there, but you learn to figure it out. If you try your hardest and you still fail, well – that’s just life. With failure comes greater achievements in life later,” said Paul.

Prior to his return to school, Paul was living on assistance to support himself as a single parent caring for his daughter. He says it was a hard cycle to get out of because of the caveats that come with using social assistance programs.

“If you’re in school or you make any income, you get cut off, even though you might need that little extra support,” said Paul.

Paul says that College Transition helped him find the confidence he has in himself now, and he can identify his strengths and celebrate his own accomplishments.

“Before I came here, it felt so weird being able to say something good about myself. I always got told, ‘you can do it,’ and ‘why are you stopping yourself?’. It was like there was another me stopping myself,” said Paul.

Paul says that after College Transition, he’s considering the Pathway to Business, Creative Communications and Digital Technology Programs to learn how to run a business.

For a long time, Paul wanted to help others through his work, but wasn’t sure what that might look like. He says that he can see himself pursuing solutions to food shortages and the costs of groceries in northern communities.

Now that Paul’s a student again, he is not only encouraging his daughter to pursue education, but others that might be considering returning to school as well.

“Just do it – I was so scared to come here at first, but there was no reason to be. I grew from that. No matter how old you are, you still have a lot to learn,” said Paul.

Language and Healing – CWB Financial Group Supports Second Delivery of Introduction to Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe Language) at RRC Polytech

April 16, 2024

Language reclamation is foundational to reconciliation – for many Indigenous people, learning to speak in their languages is not only an educational endeavour on its own, but is part of a larger healing journey. Culture is integral to identity, and language is integral to culture.

Tabitha Harper, Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship student, says that that she knew minimal Anishinaabemowin prior to taking the course, but being able to practice and learn with other students helped her to feel more confident with incorporating the language in her life. In addition to her classmates, Harper says she speaks with her niece in the language and they learn from each other. While she’s proud to be able to freely engage with one of her cultures, she says that the colonization of Turtle Island needs to be acknowledged as a source of pain for many Indigenous people.

“For me, I recognize the implications of having to learn my language in a classroom, and it is a hard part of our history to confront. The language path is a healing path – it’s learning about yourself and your own path,” said Harper.

Instructor Corey Whitford says now that the second cohort is wrapping up, he has realized that the students that have come through his classroom have made profound impacts on the way he teaches Anishinaabemowin and Anishinaabe ways. He lets the students share what it is that’s most important to them when they are learning the language.

“I’m not an instructor or teacher per se — more to the point, I am a guide. If you show interest, I’ll show you how to walk through that interest. What we’re doing is identifying what students are interested in learning, what they want to know in the language. I might have developed the course, but the students are the ones who make it,” said Whitford.

Whitford says he teaches to meet the needs of students – whether they’re cultural, spiritual or social. He says that he recognizes that teaching and learning are reciprocal.

Alice McKay, who had taken the evening course, is an Ojibwe immersion teacher currently on maternity leave. She says that, as an early childhood teacher, it’s important to see Indigenous teachers teaching Indigenous students.

“Introducing ourselves in our language, one of the first questions you ask a fellow Indigenous person is: ‘who’s your mom?’ ‘Who’s your dad?’ This is how we relate to each other, how we build connections with each other – we know each other through our relationships. I believe wholeheartedly that Indigenous people should be teaching Indigenous children their languages,” said McKay.

McKay says that a lot of the young students she has taught experience systemic oppression, which often manifests through the child welfare system, and many students don’t necessarily know the familial and territorial connections to properly introduce themselves in their language.

“I would take that responsibility upon myself to help these kids find out who they are and where they come from, so they could introduce themselves – so they can have that family connection, that cultural connection,” said McKay.

Language is inherently cultural, and learning language through a cultural lens is integral to an enriched experience for students on their own journeys, especially journeys that involve a lot of healing and self-reflection.

Introduction to Anishinaabemowin, as a standalone course and as an elective in second-year Social Innovation and Community Development, has helped over 100 students strengthen their cultural understanding and their language skills.

Barrier-free access to language education is foundational to cultural reclamation and reconciliation. CWB Financial Group recognized the generational impact this course has and as they strive to create inclusive spaces for success and growth, they partnered with RRC Polytech to ensure students that take Introduction to Anishinaabemowin in Winter and Spring 2024 have free tuition. They prioritize community investments focused on removing barriers for those pursuing skill development and learning and mentorship opportunities.

For more information and to register for Introduction to Anishinaabemowin, generously supported by CWB Financial Group, visit the Program Explorer page.

Pow Wow 2024: Registration is open!

April 10, 2024

RRC Polytech is proud to host its 24th annual Pow Wow to acknowledge the accomplishments of Indigenous graduates. The annual Pow Wow gives our community the opportunity to dance, drum, sing, eat, connect, and participate in Ceremony.

Please join us to celebrate Indigenous graduates as we send them off on their continued journeys to success.

All Indigenous students graduating in 2024 are encouraged to join us to celebrate! Full-time, part-time, students that attend regional campuses, and students graduating in Fall 2024 are welcome to register and participate in Pow Wow.

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2023

NOTRE DAME CAMPUS, NORTH GYM

  • 10:00am – Pipe Ceremony
  • 12:00pm – Grand Entry
  • 2:00pm – Honouring Indigenous Graduates
  • 4:30pm – Feast

Graduating students can register for attendance here. Graduates don’t need to register for stoles ahead of time and can pick them up at the Registration Table at the event.

Dancers can register at the Registration Table on the morning of the event.

Attendees don’t need to register ahead of time.

Spring Equinox – Friday, April 5, 2024

March 28, 2024

All students, staff, and faculty are invited to our Spring Equinox gathering in the Roundhouse Auditorium at the Exchange District Campus.

Date:                   Friday, April 5, 2024

Time:                   10:00 am – Pipe ceremony

                             12:00 pm – Feast

Where:               Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus

The celebration will begin with a pipe ceremony led by the Knowledge-In-Residence in the Roundhouse Auditorium, followed by a feast to celebrate the season.

No registration is required. Everyone is welcome to come as they are.

This Thursday! Indigenous Career Fair – An RBC Reaction by Collision Event

March 19, 2024

This Thursday, RRC Polytech is hosting the Indigenous Career Fair – An RBC Reaction by Collision Event in the North Gym at Notre Dame Campus starting at 12pm. Indigenous students are invited to tune into a panel discussion with industry partners from 12pm until 12:45pm and drop in to connect with over 40 employers from a wide range of industries anytime between 12pm – 4pm. A hot dog lunch will be available starting at 12pm until 1:30pm. The RBC Headshot Lounge will be open for students to take professional headshot portraits for use on LinkedIn and other professional bios.

Register here for a chance to win awesome prizes!

Thank you to RBC for their generous support of the Indigenous Career Fair – An RBC Reaction by Collision Event.

See below for a list of employers and available job postings.

St. Amant

A not-for-profit organization that supports people with developmental, physical and intellectual disabilities.

Visit St. Amant’s website for more information.

Canada Life

Canada Life is a leading insurance, wealth management and benefits provider focused on improving the financial, physical, and mental well-being of Canadians. For over 175 years, individuals, families and business owners across Canada have trusted us to provide sound guidance and deliver on the promises we’ve made. We proudly serve more than 12 million customer relationships from coast to coast to coast.

Visit Canada Life’s website for more information.

Business Council of Manitoba

The Business Council of Manitoba exists to make Manitoba a preferred place to live, work, and invest for all Manitobans. We represent over 100 of Manitoba’s leading businesses who are committed to Manitoba’s economic growth and community development.

The Business Council of Manitoba has two programs for Indigenous students — the Indigenous Education Awards (IEA) program and the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program.

The IEA program is a financial award program that supports Indigenous students attending post-secondary in Manitoba with a $3000 award for the academic year they are attending.

In 2022, we established a program expansion to address the gap between post-secondary education and employment opportunities by implementing the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program. WIL provides Indigenous students attending or planning to attend post-secondary with paid summer work placement opportunities at BCM member businesses. The WIL program accepts students in any field of study, with various industry interests, and all levels of experience.

Visit the Business Council of Manitoba’s website for more information.

Canadian Armed Forces

The Canadian Armed Forces comprise 3 branches. The Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, and Royal Canadian Airforce. With options to serve both part time and full time. 

Visit the Canadian Armed Forces’ website for more information.

Health Careers Manitoba

Health Careers Manitoba brings together career information and support tools for anyone interested in pursuing a career in health care in Manitoba.

Visit Health Careers Manitoba’s website for more information.

IDFusion

IDFusion Software is a Winnipeg based company that has been developing custom software solutions since 1999. Indigenous owned and operated since its inception, IDFusion has over 24 years of experience in delivering high value engagements for our customers, both independently as well as in partnership with large systems integrators, to support diverse client sectors that include Retail, Transportation, Oil & Gas, Media, Non-Profit, Telecommunications, Health Care, Finance/Insurance and the Public Sector.

IDFusion Software is proud of our long history and track record of working with customers of all sizes and in a multitude of industries, supporting their visions, and helping to make those visions a reality. Our services are delivered by our teams of gifted software developers, IT Technicians and consultants supporting our clients to assess & plan, build & integrate, and manage & sustain technology solutions.

Visit IDFusion’s website for more information.

IG Wealth Management

IG Wealth Management is part of the Power Corporation Group of Companies, one of Canada’s largest and most respected corporations.

Since 1926, we have been providing Canadians with holistic financial planning services that instill financial confidence and allow our clients to embrace all of life’s possibilities.

Our success depends on our greatest resource—our people.

Visit IG Wealth Management’s website for more information.

Assiniboine Credit Union

ACU is a financial co-operative with over $6 billion in assets. We offer a full suite of personal and commercial banking products and services, and a team of financial and wealth advisors to help our members succeed. We have sixteen branch locations in Winnipeg, two northern branches in Thompson and Gillam, and we’re owned collectively by over 140,000 Manitobans who use our services today.

Money doing more is the guiding statement that represents the way we do business, and conveys our ongoing commitment to the economic, social and environmental health of our communities. Over the last 80 years, we have helped our member-owners achieve their dreams, and we’d like to help you achieve yours.

Visit Assiniboine Credit Union’s website for more information.

Manitoba Aerospace Inc.

Manitoba Aerospace is a membership based, not-for-profit organization representing aerospace and defence companies and stakeholders driving the sustainable worldwide business growth of Manitoba aerospace and defence companies through collaboration, innovation and supply chain development.

Visit Manitoba Aerospace Inc.’s website for more information.

Winnipeg Police Service

The Winnipeg Police Service provides a wide range of career opportunities including policing, auxiliary cadets, and a significant number of civilian positions.

Visit the Winnipeg Police Service’s website for more information.

RBC

Learn more about RBC’s employment and education opportunities that can help make a positive change at any point of your career.  With an aim to be the employer of choice for Indigenous people, our programs are designed to provide rewarding experiences and develop the skills needed to build successful careers.

Visit RBC’s website for more information.

Southeast Child and Family Services

Southeast Child and Family Services serves eight First Nations in the southeast region of Manitoba: Brokenhead Ojibway Nation; Black River First Nation; Hollow Water First Nation; Bloodvein First Nation; Berens River First Nation; Poplar River First Nation; Little Grand Rapids First Nation; and, Pauingassi First Nation. Of these, Poplar River, Pauingassi, and Little Grand Rapids are remote communities and are accessible by plane except for a brief period when there is winter road access. Buffalo Point First Nation, which falls under the SECFS mandate, is served by Animikii Osozon Child and Family Services under a sub-agreement since 2008.

See Southeast Child and Family Services’ website for more information.

Manitoba Hydro

Manitoba Hydro is a provincial Crown Corporation and one of the largest integrated electricity and natural gas utilities in Canada. We provide safe, reliable service to over 616,000 electric and 296,000 natural gas customers — with some of the lowest rates in the country.

Manitoba Hydro operates on Treaty 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 lands — the original territories of the Anishinaabe, Anishininew, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples and the homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge these lands and pay our respects to ancestors of these territories.

We are one of Manitoba’s largest employers and are recognized as a top employer. We conduct our relationships with the utmost integrity and respect for our customers and community as we enhance our province’s economic and social growth.

Visit Manitoba Hydro’s website for more information.

Anishinaabe Child & Family Services

According to the principles governing Anishinaabe Child & Family Services, ACFS offers a wide-range of programs and services to the children and families of Anishinaabe Child & Family Services region, and families of other first nations who request our services.

Visit Anishinaabe Child & Family Services’ website for more information.

Turning Leaf Support Services Inc.

We are a non-profit, charitable organization that provides person-centered, crisis and treatment services to low and high-risk vulnerable and marginalized individuals living with mental illness and intellectual challenge in our community.

Visit Turning Leaf Support Services Inc.’s website.

APTN

APTN launched in 1999 as the first national Indigenous broadcaster in the world. Since then, the network has become a global leader in programming that celebrates the rich diversity of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island and beyond.

Visit APTN’s website for more information.

Sagkeeng Child and Family Services

Sagkeeng First Nation established Sagkeeng Child & Family Services in 1978. Sagkeeng was one of the first Indigenous Child & Family Service agencies in Manitoba. Sagkeeng Child & Family Services was founded on the beliefs, values and desires of the community with respect to the well-being of their children and families.

We are one of 10 agencies in the Southern First Nations Network of Care providing provincially mandated services as well as services under the Federal Child Welfare Legislation, known as An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Metis children, youth and families. We believe that children are our gifts and as community, it is our responsibility to guarantee their physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs.

Sagkeeng Child and Family Services’ vision is to strengthen and enhance the family unit by responding to the changing needs that reflect our culturally diverse community.

Our goal is to provide quality services using a preventative approach to promote self-determination.

Visit Sagkeeng Child and Family Services’ website for more information.

Qualico

Established in Winnipeg in 1951, Qualico is one of the largest privately owned integrated real estate companies operating in Western Canada and US.

Visit Qualico’s website for more information.

Vidir Solutions Inc.

Vidir Solutions is a leading manufacturer and worldwide supplier of vertical motorized storage carousels and display systems. Our highly versatile line of carousels offers industry solutions for construction, retail, medical, warehouse, government, automotive, printing, and manufacturing.

Vidir Solutions is a company built on values that emphasize Quality, Innovation, Community and Safety. We create a family environment for our staff which fosters inclusivity and high employee satisfaction. Creativity and advancement is encouraged and supported to ensure the highest quality product.

Visit Vidir Solutions’ website for more information.

First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba

The objectives of the FNHSSM are to carry out business in the areas of health and social development for First Nations in Manitoba that are founded in the Treaty and inherent right to health and that are culturally appropriate, holistic, and community-based. To these ends, it will:

Develop strategies and initiatives to promote and increase the participation of First Nations in Manitoba in the control and delivery of health;

Pursue tripartite collaboration for a unified health system in Manitoba;

Promote understanding of the health and social issues that affect First Nations through partnerships, research, and collaboration;

Affirm, protect, and incorporate First Nations traditional knowledge and wellness practices; and,

Provide innovative programs and services for the well-being of Manitoba’s First Nations communities and individuals regardless of their place of residency.

Visit the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba’s website for more information.

Viterra Canada Inc.

At Viterra, we believe in the power of connection. Our world leading, fully integrated agriculture network connects producers to consumers to supply sustainable, traceable and quality controlled agricultural products.

With more than 18,000 talented employees operating in 37 countries, our strategic network of storage, processing and transport assets enable us to offer innovative solutions and open pathways for our customers, creating successful partnerships that last. As a responsible long-term business, we will continue to invest in and develop our network, allowing us to meet the needs of a growing world.

Visit Viterra Canada’s website for more information.

Treaty 1 – Naawi- Oodena Workforce Initiative

Naawi-Oodena Workforce Initiative for unique employment opportunities at the forefront of Naawi-Oodena’s development. In 2022, the Treaty One Workforce Mobilization team engaged with Treaty One First Nation communities to introduce the NOWI project and highlight its objectives and goals. A key area of focus was to identify and leverage the skills of Treaty One First Nation members to secure employment opportunities during the construction phases at Naawi-Oodena.

Visit Treaty One’s website for more information.

Sparrow Hotels

At Sparrow Hotels, our core purpose is to create an environment for people and communities to flourish. We strive to be responsible to our guests, clients and staff through social responsibility, community investment, sustainability, design and innovation.

Our roots in the Winnipeg community run deep with more than 80 years in the hospitality industry, growing alongside a city profoundly shaped by culture and hospitality. It is from this history that we draw inspiration to extend the most genuine and unique dining, spa and hotel experiences.

Visit Sparrow Hotels’ website for more information.

Scotiabank

As one of Canada’s largest banks with a strong presence across the Americas, Scotiabank’s vision is to be our clients’ most trusted financial partner, to deliver sustainable, profitable growth and maximize total shareholder return.

Visit Scotiabank’s website for more information.

The Forks North Portage

The Forks shall be developed as a ‘Meeting Place,’ a special and distinct, all-season gathering and recreational place at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, through a mixed-use approach including recreational, historical and cultural, residential, and institutional and supportive commercial uses.

The business of the Partnership is to provide as many reasons as possible for people ‘to live, work and play in the downtown.’ As more people live, work, or play downtown, more services and entertainment will be developed to serve them. Vitality at The Forks and North Portage is the result of a diverse mix of facilities and activities that reinforce one another, all bringing people into the downtown.

Visit The Forks’ website for more information.

Klinic Community Health

Klinic is a feminist organization committed to decolonial, anti-oppressive, and social justice practices and provision of prevention, health promotion, education, community health and mental health and counselling supports and services. Klinic Community Health predominantly serves the West Broadway community; however, their crisis lines provide counselling, crisis support, and suicide prevention and intervention for persons across Winnipeg and the province of Manitoba. Klinic Community Health offers primary health care, mental health care, and community health services to enhance individual and community capacity and support engaged and healthy communities.

Visit Klinic Community Health’s website for more information.

Dillon Consulting Ltd.

Dillon is an established, employee-owned professional consulting firm specializing in planning, management, engineering, and environmental science. 

With over 25 office locations and more than 1,100 employees across Canada, Dillon offers a wide range of services related to building and improving facilities and infrastructure, protecting the environment, and developing communities.

Visit Dillon Consulting Ltd.’s website for more information.

Reaching E-Quality Employment Services

Reaching E-Quality Employment Services (REES) has helped people with physical disabilities and/or health conditions connect with quality employment since 1989. REES offers a wide range of employment counselling and consultation services, connecting Winnipeg job-seekers with employers.

Visit Reaching E-Quality Employment Services’ website for more information.

Cobra Enterprises

Bison Modular Homes Division which specializes in the sales and installs of our modular homes across Canada. We are partnered with Norway House Cree Nation with this division.

Tyler Prevost founded Cobra Construction in 2009 as a general contracting company. In 2015, Prevost teamed up with his brother Shane and expanded the company by opening Cobra Structures, a second division to effectively serve customers with building solutions in a variety of industries. In 2019, the Prevost brothers partnered with Norway House Cree Nation to form Bison Modular Homes. This company manufactures durable, quality modular homes that provide fire-resistant, mold-resistant, and rot-resistant building solutions to northern Indigenous communities. Then in 2020, the Prevost’s partnered with Curtis Kuczera and created Cobra Mechanical in order to provide full mechanical and electrical turnkey solutions for clients. Together, these divisions form Cobra Enterprises, and their combined successful projects have made Cobra Enterprises Beausejour’s fastest growing company.

Visit Cobra Enterprises’ website for more information.

Southeast Resource Development Council Corp

We serve eight member communities consisting of Berens River First Nation, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Bloodvein First Nation, Black River First Nation, Hollow Water First Nation, Little Grand Rapids First Nation, Pauingassi First Nation and Poplar River First Nation. SERDC focuses on the needs of our member communities. Our aim is to support our people through on and off-reserve programs and services including health services, housing and advisory services, social supports, employment and training, and student services.

Visit the Southeast Resource Development Council Corp’s website for more information.

New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults & Families

We provide responsive and individualized services that foster the hopes and dreams of people and their communities.

Visit New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults & Families’ website for more information.

HUB Technology Solutions

HUB Technology Solutions is a 100% Indigenous-owned information technology service provider based out of Winnipeg.

Visit HUB Technology Solutions’ website for more information.

City of Winnipeg

The City of Winnipeg is a vibrant, growing city with many opportunities! The City of Winnipeg is an organization where you can build a career and make a difference to your community. We offer a competitive salary, pension and benefits package, a wide range of challenging career choices, and a respectful, diverse, safe and healthy workplace.

Visit the City of Winnipeg’s website for more information.

Me-Dian Credit Union

Me-Dian Credit Union is the first Indigenous full-service financial institution to be founded in Canada. As a co-operative, the people who use our services-our members are also owners and shareholders. Members have a say in how Me-Dian Credit Union operates. They also share in the profits of the credit union, usually in the form of lower rates on loans and higher rates on deposits than they could ordinarily get at any other financial institutions. Me-Dian Credit Union is responsive to the needs of members, no matter where they live or how they choose to access our services.

Visit Me-Dian Credit Union’s website for more information.

Johnston Group

Johnston Group provides employee benefit solutions to over 30,000 companies, ranging from one employee to thousands across various product lines, including Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan, Canada’s largest business program. JG is a platinum member of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and was named one of Manitoba’s Top Employers. We value the diversity in the people we serve and are looking for talent who will contribute to our diverse and inclusive workplace; where individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and respected. JG believes in giving back and contributes significantly to local health, arts, sports, and other community organizations.

Visit Johnston Group’s website for more information.

Bison Transport

Bison Transport is a multiple-award-winning transportation solutions company. Our services span North America, and we employ the latest technologies and operate one of the largest and most modern fleets in the industry. Our dedicated staff and safe, professional Drivers provide a wide range of transportation, warehousing, and logistics services throughout North America. Bison Transport is a high-service, dependable and value-creating supply-chain partner.

Visit Bison Transport’s website for more information.

Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc.

Ka Ni Kanichihk is a trusted heart of Winnipeg’s Indigenous community. Our vision is to lead our people back home to a place where we are self-determining, healthy, happy, and respected for our cultural and spiritual strengths and ways of being.

We do this through a number of Indigenous led prevention and intervention programs that help children, youth, women, men, and families heal, succeed, and become leaders.

Ka Ni Kanichihk provides education and job-skills training, support for women and families, and mentorship. We walk with people on their path of recovery from trauma.

Visit Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc.’s website for more information.

Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries

We enrich the lives of Manitobans by making the greatest possible contribution to the economic and social well-being of our province.

Visit Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries’ website for more information.

TD Bank

Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with ~95,000 employees around the world, the Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group (TD). TD offers a full range of financial products and services to over 27.5 million customers worldwide through four key business lines: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking including TD Canada Trust, Business Banking, and MBNA; U.S. Retail including TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, TD Auto Finance (U.S.), TD Wealth (U.S.) and TD’s investment in Schwab; Wealth Management & Insurance including TD Wealth (Canada), TD Direct Investing, and TD Insurance; Wholesale Banking including TD Securities and TD Cowen.

Visit TD Bank’s website for more information.

First Peoples Development Inc. (FPDI); LauncHER into Trades

LauncHER into Trades is geared to promote the recruitment and retention of Women in the Red Seal trades within Manitoba, while supporting and assisting women in achieving employment and progression within a Red Seal trade Career path.

The program will help women to Navigate challenges and barriers that impact progression in attaining a journey-person designation in a Red Seal trade by providing mentorships, networking opportunities and other key supports for women. The program will follow and guide women on their journey to success!

Visit the First Peoples Development Inc.’s website for more information.

The North West Company

The North West Company is a leading retailer to underserved rural communities and urban neighbourhood markets in the following regions: Northern Canada, Western Canada, rural Alaska, the South Pacific islands and the Caribbean. Our stores offer a broad range of products and services with an emphasis on food. Our value offer is to be the best local shopping choice for everyday household and local lifestyle needs.

Visit The North West Company’s website for more information.

If you haven’t already, remember to register for a chance to win prizes at the Indigenous Career Fair – An RBC Reaction by Collision Event!

See you on Thursday!

Indigenous Career Fair Preparation Sessions from Career Services

March 14, 2024

With the RRC Polytech Indigenous Career Fair coming up (Thursday, March 21), Career Services is offering employment preparation sessions for Indigenous RRC Polytech students.

Join us at any of the sessions below to learn more about how you can make the most of this event!

Indigenous Career Fair Preparation Presentation
Monday, March 18th, 12pm – 1pm
Virtual via MS Teams
Register here. 

Indigenous Career Fair – Ask Me Anything (AMA) Session
Tuesday, March 19th, 1pm-4pm
Notre Dame Campus – Building F in Room 209
Register here. 

Career Services Lunch and Learn Series
Every Wednesday, March 20th to April 24th from 12pm-1pm
Exchange District Campus (EDC) – Room P407
Register here. 

Questions
If you have any questions, or accommodation requests, please contact Zach Unrau, Career Advisor at zunrau3@rrc.ca. 

Pathway to Engineering Technology Programs: A Rundown

March 12, 2024

Did you know that you can start a career in engineering at any level?

With an education in engineering, you can help plan the layouts of communities, design buildings to meet the needs of the people in them, and specialize in creating sustainable solutions for the construction industry.

If you’re a…

  • Big-picture thinker
  • Creative problem solver
  • Team player
  • Logical thinker
  • Hands-on learner

… The Pathway to Engineering Technology can help you build the foundation you need to launch your education in engineering. Whether you want to plan vast city architecture or develop infrastructure in smaller communities, engineering technology can get you there.

Committing to a full-time diploma program is a huge decision. You could spend a lot of time, money, and effort before even knowing what you want to do with your career. With Pathways, you can explore the different options in a specific industry while preparing for the overall dedication and hard work that come with college diploma programs.

Pathway to Engineering Technology prepares you for Civil Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Power Engineering Technology 4th Class, which are what we call “progression programs” because you progress into them following completion of the Pathway!

Prepare for an Education in Engineering Technology

Each of the progression programs have wide applications and specializations which you will explore in-depth in the Pathway program.

Once you finish the Pathway Program, all students in the progression programs share a common first year in which they build fundamental skills, develop theoretical knowledge and use state-of-the-art software and equipment to explore different disciplines within engineering. Students then choose a specialization program to pursue until graduation.

Civil Engineering Technology

The Civil Engineering Technology program has the widest array of options in terms of specializations, allowing you to develop a diverse skillset that you can use in any number of potential careers, like:

  • Contractor
  • Project manager
  • Building and site inspector
  • Structural Designer
  • Construction/legal land surveyor

Students in the Civil Engineering Technology program explore the design, construction and maintenance of man-made and natural environments, including roads, water supplies, infrastructure projects and building systems.

Architectural Engineering Technology

You will develop your knowledge of engineering principles and construction practices to pursue careers in building system construction and design, computer-aided design and drafting, site inspection and supervision, construction project and administration management, technical sales and support, building sciences and environmental systems.

  • Building commissioning technician/technologist
  • Energy advisor
  • CAD technician
  • Architectural technologist
  • Contract administrator

Check out the Program Explorer page for more information.

Enviromental Engineering Technology

The Environmental Engineering Technology program focuses on the stewardship of environmental resources, including water resources management and protection, water supply and treatment, wastewater collection and treatment, soil remediation, solid waste management, air quality, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, project management, environmental management and health and safety.

  • Environmental consultant 
  • Research and development specialist
  • Regulatory enforcer
  • Project manager
  • Water/wastewater operator

Check out the Program Explorer page for more information.

Geomatics Technology

Geomatics is the collection, analysis, management and application of geographical data in physical spaces. This data helps determine how humans interact with the land and shows impacts on residential and commercial property development, road construction and maintenance, and the use of public lands.

  • Control survey specialist 
  • Topographical mapping technologist
  • Remote sensing technologist
  • Land survey technologist
  • Municipal asset manager

Check out the Program Explorer page for more information.

Municipal Engineering Technology

You will study a broad range of content areas and develop a diverse skillset that you can bring to a wide variety of positions. You may find work in construction, design and supervision, highways and transportation engineering, water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering, and environmental engineering and protection.

  • Field technician
  • Materials testing technologist
  • Materials testing technician
  • Civil quality representative
  • Construction inspector

Check out the Program Explorer page for more information.

Structural Engineering Technology

Learn to work in teams to design, plan and build the buildings and infrastructure that make up our world. Through the Structural Engineering Technology program, you will develop the technical and practical skills you need for a successful career in consulting, contracting, designing, fabrication or project management, whether you’re working in Manitoba or abroad.

  • Estimator
  • Structural analyst
  • Contract administrator
  • Structural designer
  • Quality assurance inspector

Check out the Program Explorer page for more information.

Electrical Engineering Technology

The Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) program prepares you for employment as an engineering technologist in this rapidly evolving industry. You’ll develop in-depth knowledge and versatile skills in design, installation, maintenance, production, technical support and sales. You’ll build specialized skills and explore the electrification of new economic sectors such as transportation.

  • Designer, circuit – railway
  • Trouble-shooter, quality control
  • Technologist, design – electrical
  • Repairer, electrical production
  • Technologist, lines distribution design

The Electrical Engineering Technology program prepares you for entry-level employment as an engineering technologist in the electrical industry, with careers in electrical utility systems, consulting engineering and electrical manufacturing. RRC Polytech trains EET students to be highly skilled, safe and career ready as soon as they graduate.

Electrical Engineering Technology

You will continue with the Electrical Engineering stream and learn to harness high voltage and large currents to explore electrical generation, transmission and distribution technology. Gain experience with programmable logic controllers, motor drives, transformers and communication systems that drive manufacturing systems.

  • Technologist, transformers tester
  • Technologist, radio frequency
  • Technologist, production support 
  • Technologist, underground power distribution
  • Repairer, electrical production

Check out the Program Explorer page for more information.

Electronic Engineering Technology

You’ll develop in-depth electronics knowledge, build industry-standard technical skills and explore various digital and analog circuits applications, including amplifiers, industrial electronics, radio and wireless communications, microprocessor programming and interfacing, programmable logic and control systems. 

  • Technologist, radar / radar systems / sonar
  • Technologist, biomedical engineering
  • Repairer, research laboratory equipment
  • Technologist, fibre optics
  • Technologist, communications / telecom

Check out the Program Explorer page for more information.

Instrumentation Technology

You’ll explore data acquisition, networking, distributed control systems and remote terminal units. You’ll also learn the configuration/programming language of various microprocessor-based devices. As an Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology graduate, you’re eligible for apprenticeship recognition under the Red Seal trade of Instrumentation and Control Technician. RRC Polytech’s experiential lab sessions provide credit hours for field experience requirements, and classes are recognized as equivalent to the four levels of apprenticeship schooling.

  • Technologist, production support 
  • Technologist, HVAC 
  • Technologist, QC (quality control)
  • Technologist, field service engineering
  • Technologist, tester, calibration 

Check out the Program Explorer page for more information.

Mechanical Engineering Technology

The Mechanical Engineering Technology program combines foundational knowledge with experiential projects and labs to prepare you for a career designing and producing high-quality manufactured goods. The skills and techniques you learn as a student can be applied immediately upon graduation and transferred across industries and organizations.

  • Mechanical designer
  • Design engineer / manufacturing technologist
  • Mechanical engineer, research and development
  • Product designer
  • Field test technician

As a co-op program, Mechanical Engineering Technology alternates between academic study and co-op employment terms, allowing you to build vital on-the-job experience and earn money while learning. Students study design, manufacturing methods, quality assurance, equipment selection, computer-aided engineering, building systems design and control, mechanical analysis, computer applications, communication and project management.

Power Engineering Technology (4th Class)

In this program, you’ll explore the operation and maintenance of power plants and build the skills needed to challenge Manitoba’s licensing exam and obtain a 4th Class Power Engineer’s certificate. As a 4th Class Power Engineer, you’ll be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of process equipment in residential, institutional, commercial and industrial establishments.

  • Power engineer (4th class)
  • Chief engineer
  • Building manager
  • Plant manager

Pathway to Engineering Technology Programs Courses

At-a-glance descriptions to help you know what to expect in the Pathway.

Term 1 (4 months)

  1. Science for Engineering Technology Programs: Chemistry: Introduces you to the use of different building materials and how energy is absorbed/released to heat/cool substances for practical application in designing infrastructure.
  2. Communication Skills for Engineering Technology 1: Prepares you to effectively communicate in an academic context. You will develop skills in reading comprehension, listening, oral presentation, and technical and academic writing.
  3. Computer Skills for Engineering Programs: Introduces you to the principles of software applications including Windows, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. You will be able to graph data, create, edit and manipulate documents, spreadsheets, and other files to create a technical paper.
  4. Math for Engineering Technology 1: Equips you with a strong foundation in the basic mathematical concepts necessary to be successful in the technological fields. This is a hands-on course and a large portion of time will be invested in using and applying mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, measurement and algebra.
  5. Introduction to Professional Studies: Teaches you the necessary skills to be successful in college. Topics include goal setting, time management, study and test taking skills, self-assessment, reflective practice, critical thinking skills, stress management and developing strategies to become a more self-directed learner.
  6. WHMIS: The Workplace Hazardous Materials System (WHMIS) is a system for ensuring that important information about hazardous products is communicated where products are used, stored and handled. This course provides Information necessary to understand and interpret information about hazardous products, including pictograms (symbols), labels and Safety Data Sheets.
  7. General Safety Training: General Safety Training (GST) teaches basic general safety content to arm students with the core information necessary for them to protect themselves in workplaces on all descriptions. Although some examples may consider Manitoba legislation, this course has been developed by occupational safety and health professionals using generic information that is not provincially specific.

Term 2 (4 months)

  1. Communication Skills for Engineering Technology 2: Prepares you to effectively communicate in a technical environment. Course material will include basic technical communication, business correspondence, plain English, document design, reports, proposals and oral presentations. Students will also implement their research skills using Red River College’s online data base and the internet.
  2. Introduction to Engineering Technology Professions: Introduces you to a range of professions within Engineering Technology. You will learn about different career options in the technology industries through participation in a series of industry tours and seminars led by industry experts.
  3. Math for Engineering Technology 2: Builds on the skills developed in Math for Engineering Technology 1. This is a hands-on course; a large portion of the time will be invested in using and applying mathematical concepts.
  4. Science for Engineering Technology Programs: Physics: Introduces you to the basic concepts of physics required in the technology fields. Emphasis is on concepts and basic calculations in mechanics, electrostatics and magnetism.

Term 3

  1. Applied Learning Project: Engineering Technology: Introduces you to some of the technical skills required in the engineering technology professions. Working in a lab setting, students will learn the basic skills and apply principles of workplace safety. Students will also work in teams on an applied, industry-related project.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Pathway to Engineering Programs cost?

The total cost of the Pathway to Engineering Technology is about $8,755. The prices are broken down into tuition ($6,250); books, laptop, and supplies ($2,250); and health and dental coverage ($255).

If you need help locating financial aid, you can connect with one of our Navigation Coaches or the Financial Aid Officer through the Indigenous Student Support Team. They can also help you navigate processes for awards, scholarships and bursaries, which you can start researching to help offset the cost of tuition.

Some Indigenous-specific and engineering-specific awards include:

  1. Accutech Engineering Resident of Nunavut Award ($3,000)
  2. Business Council of Manitoba Indigenous Education Awards ($2,000+)
  3. Indspire Post-Secondary Education Bursary Award (multiple)
  4. RRC Introduction or Pathway Program Indigenous Student Bursaries ($750)
  5. Viterra Inc. Scholarships for First Nations, Inuit, Metis Electrical Engineering ($500)
  6. Akman Construction Environmental Engineering Technology Award ($1500)
  7. American Concrete Institute (ACI) Manitoba Chapter Scholarship ($1,000+)
  8. Architectural Technology Achievement Award ($1,000)
  9. Bell MTS Academic Excellence Award for Electronic Engineering Technology ($500)
  10. Canadian Public Works Association (CPWA) Civil Engineering Tech Entrance Award ($1,000)

The Library and Academic Services have a laptop-loaning program for a period of 4 weeks in case you need more time to secure a reliable laptop. You can see the laptop specifications here if you’re not sure what you’re looking for.

When does the program start? Where is it?

The Pathway to Engineering Technology Programs starts on August 26, 2024, at the Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg.

Is the program in-person?

Due to the hands-on learning needed for engineering, some courses will require you to be present in-person. Some courses will allow you to work remotely as part of the college’s current hybrid approach to content delivery.

What do I need to apply?

You’ll need to provide proof of graduation from or enrolment in high school, your academic history and to declare that you have Indigenous ancestry.

If you’ve been out of school for more than a year and are older than 19, you can apply as a mature student and just need to declare that you have Indigenous ancestry.

You’ll need a Future Student Account with RRC Polytech so you can keep track of any document submissions you make. You can sign up here and everything will be displayed on your account. You can submit documents via PDF files using a digital signature or you can scan your physical paper document using a scanner or a scanner on your phone. Linked here are tutorials on both creating a digital signature in Google Docs and using the scanner on iPhones in the Notes app.

You’ll need to provide proof of completion of the admission requirements within 15 days from when you applied.

If you apply after July 15, 2024, you’ll need to provide proof of completion of the admission requirements within 5 days of applying. So, for example: if you apply on July 14, 2024, you have until September 10, 2024, to submit proof of completion. If you apply on July 15, 2024, you’ll need to provide proof by July 20. Seems odd at first, but we need to make sure that we get in all applications in before the program starts and we don’t want to keep changing the deadline requirements every week of July and August, so we settled on 5 days for the proof submission within the last six weeks before the program starts.

How do I benefit from going into the Pathway?

Completing the Pathway to Engineering Technology will earn you a Statement of Achievement and eligibility for a reserved seat in any of RRC Polytech’s Engineering programs: Civil Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Power Engineering Technology 4th Class.

Completion of the Pathway can bypass some of the program entry requirements and fees for the progression programs. To learn more, connect with an Indigenous Student Recruiter at indigenous@rrc.ca.

Pathway to Engineering Technology will help you build connections at the college that will support you through your education—you’ll meet other students with common interests and goals, support staff eager to help you achieve your dreams, and instructors with real-world engineering experience to guide you into the industry.

Where can I find more information?

You can check out the program explorer page on our website for Pathway to Engineering Technology Programs as a source for accessing all the information you need. If you prefer to talk to a person, you can contact an Indigenous Student Recruiter at indigenous@rrc.ca.

If you’re ready to apply for the Pathway to Engineering Technology Programs, contact an Indigenous Student Recruiter at indigenous@rrc.ca, or you can fill out the PDF form and submit it to the Student Service Centre at documents@rrc.ca.

RRC Polytech > Indigenous Education > News and Events > News and Announcements

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

Learn more ›