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.

Today, October 4, is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S). We wear red to observe this day, to raise awareness about the violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people and encourage people to learn more about how we can support the 231 Calls to Justice of the National Inquiry’s Final Report.

This report, Reclaiming Power and Place, was published on June 3, 2019, after an extensive truth-gathering and research period. The two-volume report with a cumulative 1080 pages details testimony from 1,484 family members and Survivors, 83 experts, Knowledge Keepers and officials, and 819 artists and asserts 231 Calls to Justice.

Truth and Reconciliation is the responsibility of all of us that call North America—Turtle Island—home. We are past promising to do better: now is the time for us, for everyone, to act.

Acting on Truth and Reconciliation is especially important for us as an educational institution with Campuses across the province – and in Winnipeg. The families of women, girls and Two Spirit people who have been murdered or have gone missing grieve every day the loss of their loved ones.

Morgan Harris. Marcedes Myran. Rebecca Contois. Mashkode Mizhiki’ikwe. These women and their families cannot be forgotten.

The history and ongoing violence and discrimination of Indigenous Peoples on this land, this Indigenous land, and around the world, is a disgrace. Truth in Truth and Reconciliation, in part, is recognizing this fact.

We cannot do work in Truth and Reconciliation without understanding first the damage that Indigenous Peoples, communities and nations have endured. We must confront the past and the present, so those that come after us do not forget why our work is important—for future Indigenous Peoples to heal and for future Canadians to understand.

This October 4, we encourage you to view resources available through the Library, like Felicia Solomon’s Story, from CBC Curio; Tina Fontaine: A Murdered Girl’s Legacy; and films through the National Film Board like Finding Dawn, The Red Dress, and this river.

The Government of Canada’s National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls always has free resources available, including direct access to the Final Report itself.

Many Indigenous organizations have additional programs that support the National Inquiry and education on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People like the Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc. MMIWG2S and Violence Prevention.

This evening, many staff and students will participate in a Paint Night with local artist Dawn Chartrand to create a painting in honour of MMIWG2S. Please note this event is at capacity. For more information and to keep up-to-date with events hosted by the Indigenous Support Centre, subscribe to the Indigenous Blog. Staff and students can also express their learning efforts by displaying a red dress in their windows, or by exploring opportunities as part of TRC Week events.

This year, RRC Polytech and the Campus Store partnered with Métis artist Shayre Curé to create an original design for a Red Shirt for MMIWG2S, the proceeds of which go to the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award for Indigenous students. The bursary, valued at $1,000, aims to alleviate some financial stress for Indigenous students. The shirts are produced and ordered through Red Rebel Armour, owned and operated by RRC Polytech alumnus Sean Rayland-Boubar.

We’d also like to acknowledge that this observance may be emotionally taxing, especially for Indigenous students and employees. Please remember that, outside of formal events in which they agree to participate, our Indigenous community may decline discussing this observance because of its emotional and cultural impact.

Fred Meier, President and CEO

Jamie Wilson, VP Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development