A message from Fred Meier, RRC Polytech President and CEO to All Staff and Students on National Indigenous Peoples Day:

With the academic term wrapping up and as we head into summer, the halls on campus are starting to feel quieter. The days have been getting longer, with today being the longest day of the year and the official start of summer – tonight’s full moon is known by many traditional Indigenous calendars as the Strawberry Moon. 

National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated today, June 21st, honours the rich cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples all over Turtle Island. June is National Indigenous History Month, dedicated to recognizing and learning about the heritage, achievements, and diversity of Indigenous peoples across the nation. 

Even though we are always looking for ways to celebrate Indigenous excellence year-round, June and the summer solstice are perfect opportunities to share and celebrate Indigenous excellence all over Turtle Island, in our communities, and at the College. 

Today, we’re hosting a celebration at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae to receive a Dakota name, gifted by Koonshi Ivy Chaske, to rename the Agora. Kooshni Ivy is a Dakota Grandmother who had joined the Elders-in-Residence program at RRC Polytech in 2023. This is an exciting time as we welcome the Dakota language into our space and continue our mission to elevate and celebrate Indigenous languages. 

In May, the School of Indigenous Education launched a pilot Anishinaabemowin Immersion Camp in which staff had the opportunity to prepare the Sundance grounds for Ceremony. For three weeks staff were immersed in Anishinaabemowin and Anishinaabe worldviews, teachings and culture with guidance from instruction Corey Whitford and Elder-in-Residence Paul Guimond. 

This month, RRC Polytech is waiving the application fee and seat deposit for all self-declared First Nations (Status and non-Status), Métis and Inuit applicants for all programs and all intakes. This initiative is part of RRC Polytech’s ongoing strategy to reduce barriers to education for Indigenous learners, and the pilot launch in June is just one way we’re creating tangible impacts for Indigenous communities and living our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. As of today, nearly 300 applications have been received by Indigenous learners from all over Manitoba and beyond. Students that receive offers through this initiative will also have the seat deposit waived to ensure a smooth acceptance process. 

As we approach the second half of the year, I encourage you to take the opportunity to join in any of the celebrations hosted by Indigenous communities around the city and beyond:  

• Wa-Say Healing Centre is hosting its third annual Pow Wow at The Forks, with Grand Entry starting at 12pm;  
• The Manitoba Metis Federation is hosting a pancake breakfast and barbecue in Selkirk Park in Selkirk, along with all-day entertainment and a Red River Métis market; 
• Manitoba Theatre for Young People is hosting an afternoon of storytelling at Native Youth Theatre, including storybook reading and a Cree language lesson;  
• Circles for Reconciliation is hosting its second annual National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration at Tommy Sergeant Prince Place with a Sharing Circle, artisan market, and entertainment;  
• APTN and Festival du Voyageur are hosting TOOT AASAAMB at the Sculpture Garden at 233 Provencher Boulevard in St. Boniface to highlight to diversity of Francophone and Indigenous artists. 

And around Manitoba,  

• The Northwest Métis Council is hosting a celebration at the Métis Community Centre in Dauphin;  
• the Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Centre is hosting a celebration at the Rotary Park in Flin Flon, featuring a headline performance by REZ BOYZ;  
• The Riverton & District Friendship Centre is hosting a celebration featuring singing and jigging; 
• The Riverbank Discovery Centre in Brandon is hosting a Pipe Ceremony at 10am to kick off its all-day celebration;  
• The Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre in Swan River is hosting a Sunrise Ceremony at 5am followed by an all-day celebration; 

…And many more events can be found on the Government of Canada’s website with the search term ‘Manitoba.’ 

Thank you, and please enjoy a beautiful National Indigenous Peoples Day! 

Take care, 

Fred