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.

Christine Merasty, Dene Cree Designs Inc.

Christine Merasty is a Denesuline First Nation woman from Lac Brochet, MB and raised in Bowsman MB. She was a part of the sixty scoop era. She completed her Grade 12 at Winnipeg Adult Education, continued into University of Winnipeg for four years, however did not receive her diploma. She then attended Red River College Polytech and graduated from the Community Development/ Community Economic Development Program. She says this is where her real learning began. She is now the owner of Dene Cree Designs Inc. with her husband Raymond Merasty.

Spend time with Elder Paul Guimond and Ms. Una Swan as they host virtual drop-in centres, workshops, teachings, as well as open their door for in-person appointments.

Activities and schedule subject to change and in response to special College-wide events and holidays. Virtual sessions will be hosted via Microsoft Teams. This schedule runs until December 17, 2021.

Connect on Teams!

Students and staff can join the new Elder’s Microsoft Teams site to easily access events, add them to your calendar, and receive notifications. Virtual events and workshops will be hosted via Microsoft Teams.

To join, use code: l317iay
(Select Teams in the side bar of Microsoft Teams (right below chats), click join team in the top right corner, enter the code.)

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.

Fall Equinox has always been a significant and ceremonial time of year as we enter into equal part day and night and a new phase of the year. Just like us, Aki (earth in Ojibwe), and all its inhabitants, is preparing itself to get ready for winter. Gardens are giving their final gifts, leaves are falling, animals are changing colour, and the beautiful harvest moon provides extra light so we can prepare to move into a colder, restful season. It’s a season of preparation of what’s to come.

Fall Equinox also leads into why we recognize September 30 as Orange Shirt Day, which has now been declared as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as the time of year when Indigenous children were taken forcibly from their families to Residential Schools.
Next week is our third annual Truth and Reconciliation Week where special guests will join us to share their stories and knowledge on Residential Schools, treaties, anti-racism, intergenerational trauma, and healing.

As the College will be closed on September 30, staff and students are invited to wear orange on Wednesday, September 29.

Red River College’s third annual Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 27 – October 1, 2021, is dedicated to deepening our understanding of Canada’s history, Indigenous cultures, and sparking a conversation around Truth and Reconciliation.

During the week, you will hear from Indigenous voices, engage in the conversation, as well as participate in some interactive activities. Some of the themes we will be touching on this year include anti-racism, Every Child Matters, the Canadian Residential School System, intergenerational trauma, healing, and strength.

Join the TRC Week Microsoft Teams site to easily access events and resources, receive notifications on and join the conversation! Live events will be hosted via Microsoft Teams for ease of use.

There will be a few different channels for you to explore, including channels hosted by the Student’s Association, the Academic Success Centre, and the Library.

To join, use code: z3znhh2

Learn more about this new FREE six-week pilot program for Indigenous students so you can start a job in warehousing and distribution! Get job-ready skills, receive a micro-credential and employment services, plus a two-week paid placement. The program builds on the successful training model used by Mohawk College’s City School in Hamilton, Ont.

Material Handling 4.0 Information Session
NEW DATE ADDED: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 – 1:00 pm

No need to register. Click to join to launch WebEx virtual event.
Event password:  RRC2021

For program details, visit rrc.ca/indigenous/materials-handling-4-0

You’re invited to participate in Red River College’s third annual Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 27 – October 1, 2021.

The week is dedicated to deepening our understanding of Canada’s history, Indigenous cultures, and sparking a conversation around Truth and Reconciliation.

During the week, you will have opportunities to hear Indigenous voices, engage in the conversation, as well as participate in some interactive activities. Some of the themes we will be touching on this year include Every Child Matters, the Canadian Residential School System, intergenerational trauma, healing, and strength.

All are welcome to participate in special events and join the conversation. As you participate in this week’s events strong emotions may arise. Be sure to take breaks and practice good self-care. Remember to be kind and do check-ins with yourself. We will share more ways you can do this as we get closer to events, but you can always access RRC Mental Health supports and resources at rrc.ca/wellness

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to read more about panelists.