Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is making learning a little less remote for some students, with the first cohort of its Educational Assistant certificate program in Hollow Water First Nation.

“Many of our students have barriers to transportation, where they may not otherwise have the opportunity for education outside of the community,” says Darlene Bouvier, Regional Campus Manager for the Interlake and Peguis – Fisher River campuses, stressing the importance of delivering programs in communities across the province – not just in the largest cities.

RRC Polytech has delivered programs in Fisher River Cree Nation, Peguis, Sagkeeng and Brokenhead First Nations before. The relationship the College fostered with these communities, as well as the overwhelming success of the programs, allowed RRC Polytech to deliver the Educational Assistant certificate program in Hollow Water — the first to be delivered here, with more on the way this Fall.

There are currently 12 students enrolled in the program, which began in early April 2023, and are expected to graduate later this December. Many of the students said a big benefit of taking the program is it’s offered within Hollow Water, where they all reside. The close proximity to their home allows the students to take care of their kids, or other family obligations they may have.

Some of the students are taking the certificate program as a step towards become teachers. One of them is Chloe Seymour.

“The biggest thing I like about the program is that it’s home, it’s right in the community,” Chloe said.

With dreams of becoming a teacher, Chloe attended university at first, but left due to a variety of reasons.

The class size there in particular, made her feel like she was “just a number,” she said. Chloe believes that being an educational assistant is a step in the right direction and will hopefully allow her to teach within her community one day.

The Educational Assistant certificate program’s small class size encourages her to ask questions to her instructor, Patricia Stouffer, and get the help and guidance she needs to succeed.

“Students are more willing to attend when programs like these are offered within the community,” Patricia said. “The students have been so welcoming and constantly giving me feedback. I got to grow as a human being and expand my horizons.”

Delivering programs like the Educational Assistant certificate program in Hollow Water is one way RRC Polytech addresses the needs of the communities it serves, while also committing to the College’s responsibility to Truth and Reconciliation. By providing communities with access to post-secondary education, the College aims to close gaps in our educational system and create a more equitable environment between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.