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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Panelists:

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

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

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

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.

Haven Stumpf, Executive Director, Urban Circle Training Centre Inc.

My name is Haven Stumpf and my spirit name is White Eagle Woman from the Deer Clan. I carry the Sundance Colours of Blue, White, Yellow and Red. I am a 55-years-old, First Nations woman whose family roots are from Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, MB. I was born, raised and lived all my life in the North End of Winnipeg. The highlight of my life is raising my son as a single mother, who is now 36-years-old, and being grandmother of two beautiful grandchildren who are now 13 and 15-years-old. They teach me daily and allow me to continue to grow and learn the precious “life lessons” that arise in my life journey.

Our family, like many others have been affected by the historical genocide in Canada – the Residential School System. Our family has been stripped of our Indigenous culture, language and identity. I myself have been stripped of a mother, a loving nurturing mother who just didn’t have the skills of being a mother. Today, our family is still affected by these systems as I raise my two grandchildren, avoiding falling into the same cycles of systematic oppression.

I am now entering into my 26th year with Urban Circle Training Centre Inc. and am currently the Executive Director. I have come full circle as I am a graduate of Urban Circle’s Banking Business Retail Program in 1996. I started off as the receptionist at Urban Circle and have worked my way into my position today with continuous education, workshops with professional and personal growth while working full-time. I have always worked a part-time job to meet my financial obligations as I was always considered the “working poor.” It wasn’t until five years ago I left my part-time job as a support worker with a CFS agency and focused all my energy into Urban Circle.

I have been taught the importance of the Seven Teachings and the Medicine Wheel Teachings by the many Elders (particularly the late Elder Stella Blackbird and Elder Audrey Bone) whom I have met throughout my journey. Learning the importance of these teachings and beliefs have brought balance and wellness in my life. It is difficult at times to continue to walk this good life as these teachings are new and sometimes the old coping is the one I know and the easiest to do. The “wellness” that is displayed is like a domino effect and now hope it continues to grow within my children’s lives and also onto my extended families lives.

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.”

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

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

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

Click here to read more.

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.

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.

David Thomas

David Thomas is from the Peguis First Nation, and a graduate of both the RRC drafting program as well as the Master of Architecture program at the University of Manitoba. He is currently the Manager of Planning and Design for the Treaty #1 Development Corporation developing the former Kapyong Barracks site in Winnipeg. In 2018, he exhibited work at the 2018 Venice Biennale as part Canada’s submission: Unceded, Voices of the Land. David is currently guiding the final stages of design for the Indigenous Peoples Garden part of Canada’s Diversity Garden located at Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg. David draws from lived experiences as an Indigenous person to create placemaking projects that include the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, Vancouver General Hospital and Humber College in Toronto. As well as presenting internationally in Aotearoa and the UK David mentors and actively supports young indigenous designers in the community.

Looking to place an order at the Culinary Exchange? Place an order online!

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?