Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – In partnership with RBC Future Launch, Indigenous culture takes centre stage today as Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) students, staff, and community members gather for a community celebration that highlights the importance of entrepreneurship in Indigenous culture.
 
RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Food, Fashion, and Music: An RBC Reaction by Collision Community Event will showcase Indigenous culture and arts in Winnipeg. As part of RRC Polytech’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the event is meant to immerse guests in Indigenous culture, featuring talented local entrepreneurs, chefs, designers, and performers.

“Representation and celebration of Indigenous culture is an important way to let Indigenous students, staff and community members know they are welcome here and they belong at RRC Polytech,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “When RRC Polytech connects with partners like RBC, amazing things can happen. This is the second year we’ve had the pleasure of hosting the RBC Reaction by Collision Event in-person, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank RBC for choosing to support RRC Polytech students.”
 
Event highlights include a haute couture model runway, delectable cuisines from local chefs, a crafter’s market with local artisans, and music provided by Juno-award nominated Indian City.
 
“Inclusion is the cornerstone of innovation,” Herb ZoBell, Vice President, Commercial Financial Services, Indigenous Markets at RBC. “When we create bridges between diverse voices to connect with one another, it provides an opportunity where potential may flourish and where we as a nation can rise to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
 
A longstanding partner of RRC Polytech, RBC Future Launch invested $450,000 during last year’s Reaction by Collision event in a new Pathway to IT program, which equips Indigenous Manitobans with the necessary skills and supports to prepare for careers in the rapidly growing IT field. With this generous donation, RBC Future Launch’s overall giving totals $1 million, supporting a variety of College programs.
 
Featured guests include Brownees Urban Bistro, Feast Café Bistro, Olivia Nasikapow, Gayle Grubin, Dawn Harris, Indian City, OGICHIDAA, and many others. To learn more about the feature guests and to view the full agenda today, refer to our Indigenous Education page.
 
Miranda Harper, an RRC Polytech alumni and drummer in the local rock band Venus Man Trap, is taking part in the event’s panel discussion and looks forward to sharing her experience as an Indigenous musician with students and community members.
 
“We’re showing future Indigenous generations that they’re welcome here, that there’s space for them to innovate and be bold,” Harper says. “I get inspired when young people ask me questions, either about my experience as a musician or about my career in commercial banking. It’s important for me to share the path and journey I went on to get to where I am and hopefully motivate others to do the same.”
 
The event will be held today from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae. The building was designed with the intent to bring together the community, to build connections and create bridges.
 
The College collaborated with Indigenous artists KC Adams and Jackie Traverse to provide artwork in the Roundhouse Auditorium and on the fourth floor ceiling respectively. The Roundhouse Auditorium, where today’s crafter’s market is stationed, is ventilated for smudging ceremonies and the use of traditional medicines.