The following message includes content that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experience. It is recommended that we all check in on ourselves and access the resources available to us to ensure we are taking good care of our mental health. Access mental health and self-care resources, here.

Tomorrow, September 30, is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which grew from the Indigenous-led grassroots movement, Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters. The flags on RRC Polytech Campuses are lowered today as the College observes Orange Shirt Day and will remain lowered this weekend in observance.

Wearing an orange shirt to recognize Residential School Survivors and remember those who never made it home originates from Phyllis Webstad’s story. Phyllis attended Mission School and on her first day, the brand-new orange shirt from her grandmother was taken from her, never to be worn again.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation brings to light everything that was taken from Indigenous Peoples through the horrific history of the Canadian Residential School System – culture and traditions, family, language, and sovereignty. And as Ininew artist, Leticia Spence, who created RRC Polytech’s 2023 orange shirt design highlights, it is also a time to foster hope for a better future.

“In difficult times, hope is the one thing we can grasp onto – not only to survive, but to drive us to fight for a world in which we no longer have to cry out for justice, and to reinforce that we deserve to exist.”

It is the responsibility of all Canadians to build a more equitable and inclusive society that closes the gaps in social, health and economic outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and people. That includes RRC Polytech as an organization, teams within the College and everyone as individuals. This year’s theme, “Colonialism impacts everyone,” demonstrates shared experiences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in different contexts and how together we can move forward in a way that’s equitable for everyone.

Through our shared responsibility to fostering Truth and Reconciliation we must continue to listen, grow, and open ourselves up to different ways of thinking and learning, discover areas where we can improve, and show our commitment to walk together on the journey. Inevitably along the way as an organization and as individuals we will all make missteps, but how we learn from past mistakes is critical along the journey of Truth and Reconciliation.

One story that I’d like to share is about the 2022 RRC Polytech Orange Shirt, designed by local Indigenous artist, Peatr Thomas. Peatr was commissioned to create the design, but the production of the t-shirts was not outsourced to an Indigenous-owned company. Employees and media reached out to us to address this oversight. Learning from this misstep ensured this year’s Orange Shirts were produced by Red Rebel Armour, an Indigenous streetwear outlet owned and operated by RRC Polytech grad Sean Rayland-Boubar.  Like last year, proceeds from t-shirt sales will support the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award when applications open in January 2024.

As teams, individuals and as an organization we continue to come together to foster deeper understanding and growth. RRC Polytech’s annual Truth and Reconciliation Week speaks volumes to the progress we have made – from two people leading Truth and Reconciliation Week to this year, almost 90 people volunteering their time. As you’ll notice, this year the programming has expanded to student-, staff- and community-led sessions taking place over two weeks.

Miigwech to Carla Kematch, the Planning Committee and volunteers, and especially those who are leading Truth and Reconciliation Week sessions. We recognize the emotional labour and vulnerability of sharing your story and lived experience. And in turn, we must also be vulnerable, remaining steadfast in our commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation, despite the fear of potentially doing or saying something wrong. Inaction and staying complacent will not allow us to move forward on our shared journey. 

I encourage all students and staff to continue to engage with the opportunities available to you next week and beyond. You can find more information about upcoming Truth and Reconciliation Week sessions here.

Please note that RRC Polytech campuses are closed on Monday, October 2, in lieu of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which falls on a Saturday. It is not just another day off. Tomorrow – and every day – is a time to recognize Survivors and the generations who continue to be impacted by the Residential School System. We must continue to look inward at our own biases and knowledge to evolve and grow our understanding of history, current issues that impact Indigenous peoples and reconciliation efforts.

My hope is that you create some intentional time tomorrow to listen to and learn from Indigenous voices. Our Library team has curated self-guided resources and there are many community events happening across the province. For example, Wa-Say Healing Centre is hosting a walk and Pow Wow in downtown Winnipeg.

Take good care of yourself and those around you,

Fred Meier
RRC Polytech President and CEO