Indigenous Education

News and Events

Thrive Week – Nov 6 to 11, 2023

October 31, 2023

The College is invited to participate in the annual Thrive Week hosted by Campus Well-being and the Students’ Association! Thrive Week is a time to focus on the importance of balance and self-care in developing positive mental health that supports success in learning and working. All events are free and open to students and staff.

Participate in one of our events offered virtually or in-person: Don Amero – Keynote presentation, Hip Hop Challenge, Self-Defense Demo, Therapy Dogs, Explore the Universe Planetarium show, Mini Golf, Indigenous Infused Yoga, Movie and Popcorn Lunch, Library Puzzles/Adult Colouring stations and a Birds Hill Provincial Park hike. Check out the full Campus Well-being schedule for details and registration links.

Door prizes are available at most events – register and participate to win!

For questions or accessibility needs, please contact Kristi Dorian. 

Keynote Speaker (EDC and Virtual)

Join Campus Well-Being and the Students’ Association in welcoming local musician, writer and speaker, Don Amero for Thrive Week’s keynote presentation in-person and live-streamed. Light refreshments provided and Don Amero Swag Bag door prize.

Thursday, November 9, 2023, 12pm to 1pm, in the Roundhouse Auditorium, Exchange District Campus, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae.

Check out the full Campus Well-being schedule for details and registration links.

Meet-and-Greet with the Knowledge Keepers Council – November 16

October 26, 2023

This past September, the Knowledge Keepers Council reconvened to advise on initiatives at the College related to Truth and Reconciliation. The Knowledge Keepers Council has provided many different areas of the College with cultural and strategic direction based on traditional and scholarly perspectives of ethics, concepts, and practices of reconciliation.

The College community is invited to a come-and-go Meet-and-Greet with the Knowledge Keepers Council on Thursday, November 16, in E155 at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae from 2pm to 4pm at the Exchange District Campus. You’re welcome to drop by between to introduce yourself and get to know the Knowledge Keepers over a cup of coffee and snacks.

We’re proud to work with respected Elders and Knowledge Keepers from a wide range of communities with diverse experiences. The insight they have provided to the College has made our approach to Truth and Reconciliation stronger, and we look forward to a long and enriching relationship based on the spirit of reciprocity and respect.

The Knowledge Keepers Council is interdepartmentally sponsored through Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement, Human Resources, the School of Indigenous Education, and Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development.

Thursday, November 16

2pm – 4pm

E155, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus

Meet the Knowledge Keepers Council

Paul Guimond

Paul Guimond is part of the Turtle Clan and his Spirit Name is Okonace (Little Eagle Bone). He lives with his wife Kim in Sagkeeng First Nation and together they have three children, 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Elder Paul studied Counselling Skills at the University of Manitoba and is a certified coach in hockey, baseball and lacrosse.

In Sagkeeng, Elder Paul sat on Chief & Council for 20 years and served as the School Board Chairman for ten years. Elder Paul is 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, where he offers healing, guidance in spiritual growth and personal development through ceremony, programming and encouraging healthy relationships.

Elder Paul joined the Elder-in-Residence Program at Red River College Polytechnic in 2018.

Richard Curé

Richard is part of the Sturgeon Clan and his Spirit Name is Mashkode – Bizhiki (Buffalo Man). He is Métis and discovered the Red Road after becoming a foster parent with Sagkeeng Child and Family Services. Uncovering his Indigeneity and attending Sweat Lodges and Sundances helped Richard overcome personal adversities, such as the workplace injury that prevented him from continuing his career in mining. 

For the last three years, Richard has been a Knowledge Keeper with Sagkeeng Anicinabe High School in Sagkeeng First Nation. He takes youth out onto the land picking medicine and collecting grandfathers (sacred stones for Sweat Lodges), firewood, and tiipii poles. He and his wife Tammy have four children and four grandchildren. Richard facilitates workshops like medicine picking, hand drum building, and Sweat Lodges with multiple organizations, including Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Center, Sagkeeng Child and Family Services and RRC Polytech. 

Allen Sutherland

Allen Sutherland, Waabishki Mazinazoot Mishtaatim (White Spotted Horse), Anishinaabe, of the Bizhiw Doodem (Lynx Clan), Skownan First Nation, Treaty 2 Territory.

Allen Sutherland is the Life Long Learning Lodge Keeper, Government of First Nations Treaty 2 Territory. Allen is an independent consultant and provides facilitation and training under his company WHITE SPOTTED HORSE.

In 2014, he was the recipient of the Aboriginal Circle of Educators Researcher and/or Curriculum Development Award for developing the Canadian Indigenous Historical Timeline poster that is now used in the Treaty Kits of Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba.

Allen is an Anishinaabek Traditional Knowledge Keeper, providing traditional ceremonies, teachings, spiritual advice, and healing.

Barbara Bruce

Barbara Bruce is a citizen of the Métis Nation – Michif aen Otipemisiwak, and Two-Spirit. Her beliefs of Métis and other Indigenous traditional teachings are reflected in her 35+ years of experience. Her dedication to advancing the rightful place of the Two Spirit community, Métis and other Indigenous women and children are an integral part of her life. 

She has extensive networks and working relationships with the Métis Nation and other Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, organizations and governments across Canada. Her portfolio includes board appointments with the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board, the Manitoba Communities Economic Development Fund, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Top 40 Under 40, the University of Winnipeg Board of Regents and the Métis Child and Family Services Authority.

Barbara has received extensive recognition and honour for her work in cultural social justice and for her contribution to the wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples from many communities and organizations, like the Human Rights Commission of Manitoba, Sagkeeng First Nation, Keeping the Fires Burning with Ka Ni Kanichihk as a kookum, the Order of Manitoba as a 2018 inductee, and the Nellie McClung Foundation as one of the 150 Manitoba Women Trailblazers.

Albert McLeod

Albert McLeod is a Status Indian with ancestry from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and the Métis community of Norway House in northern Manitoba. He has 30+ years of experience as a human rights activist and is one of the directors of the Two-Spirited People of Manitoba. 

Albert began his Two-Spirit advocacy in Winnipeg in 1986 and became an HIV/AIDS activist in 1987. He was the director of the Manitoba Aboriginal AIDS Task Force from 1991 to 2001. In 2018, Albert received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Winnipeg. 

Albert lives in Winnipeg where he works as a consultant specializing in Indigenous Peoples, cultural reclamation, and cross-cultural training.

Martha Peet

Martha Peet, Inuit Elder and storyteller from Taloyaok, Nunavut, believes that telling stories is about sharing her own experiences and the traditional Inuit way of life.

Taloyaok was founded in 1948 when the HBC established a trading post. Five nomadic families moved in, including hers. Peet was born in 1950.

“I was there from the beginning. I lived in an igloo in the winter and a tent in the summer. My job as a child was collecting cotton in the summer for the wick on the seal oil [soapstone] lamp, which was fueled by blubber. I always had chores. I carried water twice a day from the lake. I made bannock and tea. We boiled our meat—seal and caribou,” she says.

As a storyteller for over 30 years, Peet enjoys sharing stories about her life, where she is from, and the Inuit way of life of years ago including the importance of animals and traditions.

Janice Millar

Janice Millar was born and raised in Winnipeg to an Inninew mother and Métis father, growing up with four sisters. Today, she’s a proud mother of five and grandmother of three.

Grandmother Janice received a Bachelor of Education and Post Baccalaureate in Counseling at the University of Manitoba. For 37 years, she worked at the Winnipeg School Division as a counselor and support for Indigenous students in addition to her work with teachers, vice principals, principals, directors and school board committee members. She has recently retired and continues her work in the community.

“The foundation of my work was to clear a path to build student success, with the end result of creating equitable learning environments for all students. I was schooled in Western Education—I was also schooled in Indigenous Education by the old people. I have recently joined the Indigenous Student Support Team at Red River College Polytech. I enjoy working with students here, and I am looking forward to this new journey and getting to know the students.”

Ivy Chaske

Ivy Chaske is a Dakota Koonshi, or Grandmother, that recently joined the Knowledge Keepers Council to offer her perspective on initiatives around the College.

We’re very excited to welcome Grandmother Ivy to the College and we’re looking forward to working with her.

Welcoming Grandmother Janice Millar

October 20, 2023

The School of Indigenous Education and RRC Polytech are excited to welcome Grandmother Janice Millar to our community! Grandmother Janice will be joining the Indigenous Student Support Team once a week to provide additional support to Indigenous students, as well as the Knowledge Keepers Council and College community.

Join us in the Indigenous Support Centre F209 at Notre Dame Campus on Monday, Oct. 23 for a come-and-go Meet and Greet with Grandmother Janice any time between 10am and 2pm. Drop by the centre for a chat and some coffee as your schedule allows.

  • Monday, Oct. 23
  • 10am – 2pm
  • F209, Indigenous Support Centre, Notre Dame Campus

A message from Grandmother Janice:

Tansi, Boozhoo,
Hi There,

My name is Janice Millar. I was born and raised in Winnipeg.

My Mom was Inninew (Cree) and My Dad was Metis.

I come from a family of 5 Girls. I am a Mother of 5 and a Grandmother to 3.

I worked in the Winnipeg School Division for 37 years and have just recently retired. Most of my years were spent in Counseling and supporting Indigenous Education/Students. I also worked with Teachers, Vice Principals, Principals, Directors and School Board Committee Members.

The foundation of my work was to clear a path to build Student Success, with the end result of creating equitable learning environments for all students.

I was schooled in Western Education. I received my Bachelor of Education and Post Baccalaureate in Counseling at the University of Manitoba.  

I was also schooled in Indigenous Education by the old people.

I have recently joined the Indigenous Student Support Team at Red River College Polytech. I enjoy working with students here. I am looking forward to this new journey and getting to know the students.

Wrapping Up the Fifth Annual Truth and Reconciliation Week

October 11, 2023

As the fifth annual Truth and Reconciliation Week wraps up, RRC Polytech would like to extend chi-miigwech to the nearly 90 volunteers that helped make this Truth and Reconciliation Week the most comprehensive and expansive we’ve had yet. The College community turned out to 16 in-person events across all campuses and tuned into countless other self-guided resources, including articles, books, videos, and seminars and actively engaging in the shared responsibility we have to Truth and Reconciliation.

Special thanks to our invited guests Elder Allen Sutherland, Tanya Clark-Marinelli, Elder Aaron Pierre, Fawnda Neckoway, Dawn Chartrand, Douglas Sanderson, Andrew Stobo Sniderman, and Maureen Twovoice for joining us for various sessions that helped create deeper connections and understanding as a community.

As we know, Truth and Reconciliation is a year-round commitment, so we invite members of the College community to utilize these upcoming opportunities:

Indigenous Research Methodologies with Dr. Ramona Neckoway

This Friday, October 13 from 10am-12pm at the Roundhouse Auditorium, join us for a session part of RPI’s Indigenous Perspectives in Applied Research Series with Dr. Ramona Neckoway, Associate Vice-President Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation, University College of the North. The session is co-hosted by Research Partnerships and Innovation and Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement, and will include welcome remarks, a talk from Dr. Neckoway and a discussion period. To register, email Chelsea Welechenko at cwelechenko@rrc.ca as space is limited.

Truth and Reconciliation Community of Practice

The Truth and Reconciliation Community of Practice is a learning community that creates opportunities for staff and faculty to extend and apply their learning, and to take action to advance Truth and Reconciliation and anti-racism. Participation will involve a commitment of 10-12 hours throughout the fall, including group discussion and small group or partner discussions, focused on guided questions that relate to both Truth and Reconciliation and anti-racism. Learn more and sign up here.

EDC Indigenous Voices Library Display.
Lateral Violence to Kindness with Tanya Clark-Marinelli.
Selkirk Campus
“Why Reconciliation?” with
Elder Allen Sutherland.
Fall Equinox celebration.
NDC Indigenous Voices Library Display.
Bannock-Making and Anishinaabemowin with
Corey Whitford.
Social Innovation and Community Development Student Panel.
Approaches to Integrating Indigenous Histories and Perspectives in Settlement Training.
Portage Campus Presentation with
Elder Aaron Pierre.
Paint Night with Dawn Chartrand.
Authors’ Talk with Andrew Stobo Sniderman and Maureen Twovoice.
Director’s Talk with
Fawnda Neckoway and screening of “So They Will Know.”

Finding Footing in Information Technology

October 6, 2023

Colton Gadoury grew up immersed in the Internet. Today, his favourite hobby is settling in and logging onto Red Dead Redemption, or connecting with friends over the occasional virtual sports game.

At 24-years-old, with post-secondary certification in Electrical Applications and after a lot of consideration, Gadoury enrolled in the first Pathway to IT cohort in January 2023.  He says the program was a logical fit for his circumstances: with a tuition of just $500 thanks to RBC Future Launch, the program didn’t strain his budget as much as launching directly into a diploma or bachelor program might have, and was the best way to change his job title from electrician to software developer.

Colton Gadoury.

“The Pathway program gave me the confidence to make the jump between industries. I wasn’t sure where I would fit in the information technology industry because it’s so huge, but the Pathway helped me explore options and figure out where I wanted to go… It helped introduce me to a lot of opportunities in tech for a Métis person such as myself,” said Gadoury.

Despite his affinity for technology, Gadoury initially hadn’t considered a career in IT before attending RRC Polytech. From a young age, he thought he would be a tradesperson and pursued that path.

“Since I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, and there was some expectation to attend post-secondary, I rushed into a trade I thought I might like,” Gadoury said.

After experiencing that frustration as an electrician, Gadoury reflected on what it was that did make him happy. As an avid gamer that grew up with the evolution of the internet, he’d acquired technical skills from his hobbies that he hadn’t realized he could transfer to a career. He used that foundational knowledge of computer systems and coding that he’d gleaned over the years as inspiration for a new career trajectory: information technology. It’s a constantly-growing, goliath industry with plenty of opportunity to carve a new path. He just needed to know where and how he could gain the skills to take the plunge.

The biggest challenge for Gadoury’s career change was the uncertainty. Making the choice to pursue a different profession meant that his established and steady income would become temporarily unstable, and he wouldn’t know for how long. The Pathway program eased his hesitation and he says he’s glad he went for it.

Gadoury recalls his favourite experience being the Sprint to Innovate course. He and his classmates broke up into groups to generate concepts for improving the user experience, or UX, on RRC Polytech’s internal staff HUB site in three areas: filling out expense reports, obtaining keycard access, and booking rooms. The first group designed a wizard to calculate and populate spaces based on information users provided; the second group proposed a virtual assistant chat box to provide users with advice and direction; and Gadoury’s group constructed an interactive booking map to engage users.

Gadoury during a class panel.

At the beginning of the term, Gadoury says he was nervous at the prospect of their project. It felt like a lot of work loomed over them, especially during the planning stages to determine the best path forward. Each group figured out how to work with the existing site structure to integrate their solutions and by the end of the term, they presented prototypes to mock clients. Gadoury says the collaboration transformed his reservations into confidence, and he was proud to apply the skills and knowledge he had acquired through the program.

The experience with Sprint to Innovate and the support he received in the Pathway to IT program confirmed for him that taking a leap to the new career – one he finds rewarding with endless opportunity – was the right decision. Through the Pathway program, he’d made connections with other Indigenous IT professionals making technological progress for a variety of Indigenous organizations.

Gadoury is looking forward to focusing his portfolio in RRC Polytech’s Business Information Technology (BIT) program in Fall 2023. He says he can see himself applying his skills to front-end development to innovate user experience by streamlining digital interfaces, or contributing to the programmatic structural integrity of software through back-end development—both areas have wide applications out of which Gadoury says he could carve a rewarding career.

Pathways at RRC Polytech

Pathway to Information Technology Programs prepares Indigenous students to take the lead in technology and helps to jumpstart an education in technology. Pathways are exploratory and preparatory, ensuring that Indigenous students have the foundation to start strong in their post-secondary journeys. Pathways are for Indigenous students that haven’t experienced post-secondary education yet or want to build a starting point for an education in a particular industry—which includes career-changers like Gadoury.

The Pathway to Information Technology is generously supported by RBC Future Launch, which has reduced the program’s tuition to $500 for each intake until 2024. For more information about the Pathway to IT Programs and to get your application started for Fall 2023, check out the Program Explorer.

RRC Polytech partners with local Métis artist for original Red Shirt design

October 4, 2023

As a tattoo and multimedia artist, Shayre Curé’s art is often specially curated for the people that commission her—regardless of the medium. Her art is typically for the enjoyment of private buyers, in their houses or on their skin.

This year, Curé partnered with RRC Polytech to create an original Red Shirt design to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S) and to support the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award for Indigenous students.

“As a Métis artist, my goal is to create art that brings awareness to this important issue. I want my art to not only reflect cultural heritage, but to inspire future generations to continue the fight for justice, equality, and empowerment,” said Curé.

The Red Shirt design portrays a woman with the emblematic handprint over her mouth that represents the “No More Stolen Sisters” movement, a phrase coined to express the outrage and grief over the loss of so many women, girls and Two Spirit people that, in many cases, could have been prevented. Curé worked in collaboration with a committee of Indigenous staff to come up with the concept.

No More Stolen Sisters. It’s a sentiment close to Curé’s heart, and the hearts of many Indigenous people.

RRC Polytech’s relationship with Curé first began earlier this year, when the Indigenous Student Support Centre purchased a piece from her entitled “The Silent Genocide on Turtle Island”—a piece that has taken her years to complete.

In 2018, she’d hand-drawn the concept for this piece shortly after her best friend Kayla was killed in a hit-and-run. The death of her best friend was devastating, though grief was not unfamiliar to Curé—she says that Kayla’s brother had also been murdered eight years prior in 2010. She’s known many people whose friends and family have gone missing or were killed over the years, and she says being able to honour them through her art and bring light to their stories is humbling.

Curé had returned to the concept last year in October 2022, when previously undisclosed details of Kayla’s case were revealed. To deal with the emotion that bubbled to the surface, the pain of injustice, and the reminder of loss, Curé transformed the original hand-drawn concept into a multimedia painting using acrylic paint and beads.

From a young age, Curé expressed herself through art—art and the process of creation was an anchor for her while growing up. As a child, Curé recalled seeing tattooed folks on TV but never on the people she knew or had seen in her area. Identifying that market planted the seeds that would later bloom into a strong and active career.

In high school, Curé says she fell in step with a bad crowd and diverged from her artistic inclinations for a few years. The summer before she started university classes for psychiatric nursing, Curé met a tattoo artist and her path circled back to her love of art, and she decided to pursue tattooing. She’s been tattooing at Tattoos by Rodriguez for the past five years and regularly creates art on skin and canvas alike.

Curé’s emotional and powerful expression of grief and hope through her painting that now lives in the Indigenous Support Centre moved RRC Polytech to approach Curé with another opportunity to collaborate on the Red Shirt design to bring more awareness to MMIWG2S, and to support Indigenous students through the proceeds from the sales.

“Through the design of this shirt, along with the acrylic painting I created for the Indigenous Student Support Centre, I pay tribute to my best friend Kayla Arkinson — her life was tragically taken on June 23rd, 2018, in Sagkeeng First Nation,” Curé said.

The Red Shirt can be purchased at the Campus Store and all proceeds go to the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award. Every Red Shirt is produced and supplied by Red Rebel Armour, owned and operated by Indigenous alumnus Sean Rayland-Boubar.

“Working with Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs to represent Indigenous ideas and movements is integral to the societal change we aim for,” said Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement. “Initiatives like the Orange and Red Shirts are not only a strong way to raise awareness of truth and Indigenous history, but it’s also an opportunity for Indigenous people to participate in their own stories. Curé’s story is unique but many people know it well from their own experience, which makes it all the more powerful.”

The College community is invited to wear red on October 4 to show support for the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people.

Artist’s Statement

Since settlers set foot on Turtle Island, a silent genocide has been perpetuated against Indigenous women. The United Nations recognized this and called on Canada to implement the MMIWG2S National Inquiry’s 231 Calls for Justice. Indigenous women are twelve times more likely to be murdered or to go missing than non-Indigenous women in Canada.

Through the design of this shirt, along with the acrylic painting I created for the Indigenous Student Support Centre, I pay tribute to my best friend Kayla Arkinson — her life was tragically taken on June 23rd, 2018 in Sagkeeng First Nation.

As a Métis artist, my goal is to create art that brings awareness to this important issue. I want my art to not only reflect cultural heritage, but to inspire future generations to continue the fight for justice, equality, and empowerment.

Shayre Cure

Welcome Back Celebration Oct. 11

September 15, 2023

Join the Indigenous Student Support Team for a fun-filled day of activities, entertainment, and food! Take the opportunity to meet fellow students, introduce yourself to support personnel, and enter to win prizes!

The Indigenous Support Centres at NDC in F209 and at EDC in P407 will be open for the celebration with baked goods, coffee, pizza, and pop all throughout the day. Please come and go as your schedule allows.

Date: October 11, 2023

Location: NDC – F209 & EDC – P407

Time: 10am – 2pm

The event is free of charge and open to all RRC Polytech students.

Truth and Reconciliation Week 2023

September 13, 2023

Feather with beading on a drum with text "Truth and Reconciliation Week 2023, Sept. 25 to Oct. 6"

All students, staff and faculty are invited to participate in RRC Polytech’s fifth annual Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 25 to October 6, 2023. 

Through in-person events and self-guided learning offered by departments across the College, you’ll deepen your knowledge and understanding of Canada’s true history, Indigenous cultures, and spark conversations and take action towards Truth and Reconciliation. 

This year’s event has been expanded to two weeks to enhance the opportunities for the College community to participate and includes sessions featuring special guests. 

We look forward to fostering learning, healing and building stronger relationships. 

Please stay tuned to this page for session updates.

Schedule of Events

Truth and Reconciliation Week – Daily Activities

Monday, September 25

Tuesday, September 26

Wednesday, September 27

Thursday, September 28

Friday, September 29

Saturday, September 30

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day 

Monday, October 2

Statutory Holiday in lieu of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Please note that RRC Polytech Campuses are closed today, Monday, Oct 2.

Tuesday, October 3

Wednesday, October 4

Thursday, October 5

Self-Guided Resources

Tuesday, October 10 & Wednesday, October 11

Friday, October 27

Sweat Lodges 2023 – 24

September 11, 2023

Sweat Lodge Ceremonies are a positive way to heal and connect with oneself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Join the Indigenous Student Support Team with Elder-in-Residence Paul Guimond and Knowledge Keeper-in-Residence Richard Curé for Sweat Lodge Ceremonies throughout the year. We host Sweat Lodges in the Medicine Wheel Garden at the top of the hill in the north-west quarter of Notre Dame Campus. Sweat Lodges are divided into staff and student groups with a maximum of 20 spots for each Ceremony.

Sweat Lodges typically start at 10am and close out by 1pm with a Feast in the Indigenous Support Centre. If you need help getting to the Medicine Wheel Garden, you can drop by the Indigenous Support Centre in F209 between 9:30am and 10am and join staff to walk out to the hill.

Upcoming Sweat Lodge Ceremonies 2023 – 24

Staff

  • September 15, 2023
  • October 13, 2023
  • March 15, 2024
  • April 12, 2024
  • May 10, 2024

Student

  • September 29, 2023 – cancelled
  • October 27, 2023
  • March 29, 2024 (subject to change)
  • April 26, 2024
  • May 17, 2024

To register, email the Indigenous Support Centre Admin Holly Scherban at hscherban@rrc.ca. All are welcome!

Never attended a Sweat Lodge before? Connect with Holly or drop by an Indigenous Support Centre (F209 at NDC or P407 at EDC) and connect with one of our Navigation Coaches.

Please note: registrations will only be accepted the same month that the Sweat Lodge is being hosted. I.e., registrations for March Sweats will not be accepted until March.

The Indigenous Student Supports Team invites you to get involved with R-Crew!

September 6, 2023

The Indigenous Student Support & Community Relations department recruits students each year known amongst their peers as the R-Crew, or Resource Crew.

The R-Crew positions provide a great opportunity for Indigenous students to get involved with Indigenous-focused activities and events, while learning valuable leadership skills, gaining work experience, and becoming a role model to other students. These students are an integral part of our team and help to build our community on campus.

Every year, we welcome new R-Crew members to take on leadership roles in our community. Read about the 2022-2023 R-Crew ›

Qualified applicants must have:

  • a willingness to learn;
  • a strong sense of teamwork and dedication;
  • time and flexibility to work outside of class time hours, and;
  • the ability to serve as an integral part of RRC’s Indigenous Student Support team.

Members who complete 100 hours of volunteer time between October 2023 and June 2024 will be awarded a $1,000 bursary.

Apply by Friday, September 29, 2023.

Students at Notre Dame Campus can submit their resumes and cover letters to Brittany Ross, Navigation Coach at bross4@rrc.ca.

Students at Exchange District Campus can submit their resumes and cover letters to Charmaine Mousseau, Navigation Coach at cmousseau@rrc.ca.

RRC Polytech > Indigenous Education > News and Events

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, 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