Newly trained staff who recently completed the in-community phlebotomy (blood-drawing) training program are now employed at the health centre lab which will be open permanently to provide essential health services within Lake Manitoba First Nation.

The in-community phlebotomy training was customized for students in Lake Manitoba First Nation and included online delivery and in-person skills labs and clinical placement. It was delivered in partnership with SCO, Lake Manitoba First Nation, RRC Polytech, Manitoba Shared Health, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, and the Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority.

“The hard work and dedication of these students not only results in enhanced healthcare services for Lake Manitoba First Nation, but their success also demonstrates to other communities across the province that RRC Polytech is eager to listen, collaborate and co-design customized training solutions that remove barriers for Indigenous learners,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development. “We look forward to building our relationship with Southern Chiefs’ Organization and exploring other opportunities that will help to empower all communities through education.”

For the full press release, visit The Southern Chiefs’ Organization’s website.

Yesterday, the federal and provincial government announced over $12 million in combined funding towards community initiatives and organizations working to end gender-based violence. RRC Polytech’s Shelter Support Worker micro-credential will receive $350,000 to continue to offer this important tuition-free program – one of 19 organizations in Manitoba to receive support.

The announcement was held at RRC Polytech’s Manitou a bi Bii daziigae where the Honourable Marci Ien, Women and Gender Equality and Youth Minister for the Government of Canada and the Honourable Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for women and gender equity announced a combined $6.2 million in federal funding with $6.35 million from Manitoba through Year Two of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

“We are honoured to be a part of this announcement and receive support for our tuition-free shelter support worker micro-credential,” said Christine Watson, vice-president academic, Red River College Polytechnic at the announcement. “This training prepares current and future shelter workers to support those in need of refuge from difficult and sometimes dangerous situations. RRC Polytech is proud to be a partner in creating a safer Manitoba for all.”

RRC Polytech’s Shelter Support Worker micro-credential program is the first of its kind in Manitoba and was designed with industry partners to address skill gaps, meet community needs and improve staffing levels and delivery service in homeless and family violence shelters across the province.

Last year, RRC Polytech celebrated its first cohort of 23 students successfully completing the program and next month will host a ceremony for an additional 19 who will complete the second cohort.

The Shelter Support Worker micro-credential was developed in partnership with RRC Polytech and Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters (MAWS) and Manitoba’s family violence and homeless shelters. The program aims to provide essential skills and knowledge for individuals involved in or aspiring to work in homeless and family and gender-based violence shelters.

The program trains existing and potential workers, provides individuals with specific knowledge and education and improves staffing levels and service delivery. It also provides individuals a chance to apply their knowledge through a practicum.

The bilateral funding agreement is part of the second year of a comprehensive 10-year National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence which aims to create a Canada free of GBV and provide support to victims, survivors and their families across the country.

Supported initiatives – like the Shelter Support Worker micro-credential – align with five pillars: supports for survivors and their families; prevention; responsive justice system; implementing Indigenous-led approaches; and social infrastructure and enabling environment.

“To work towards a future free from gender-based violence, our government is supporting community-driven actions in Manitoba,” said the Honourable Marci Ien in a joint press release. “By investing over $6.2 million in 2024-25, we are empowering Manitoban organizations to lead the way forward in preventing and addressing gender-based violence. Together with the Manitoba government, we are implementing the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence to ensure safety, support and justice for all.”

“We need to put a stop to gender-based violence in our homes and communities, and make sure survivors have the supports they need,” said the Honourable Nahanni Fontaine in a joint press release. “We are taking action to ensure there are more supports for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, working with communities to break cycles of violence, and supporting Indigenous-led and community-informed approaches to address gender-based violence across Manitoba.”

To learn more about the Shelter Support Worker micro-credential, visit rrc.ca

Partnership brings fully funded construction trades training into community to strengthen local workforce and remove barriers for Indigenous learners

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – RRC Polytech is utilizing a mobile facility in community to deliver fully funded construction trades training to Shoal Lake 40 citizens this summer in a growing partnership with Shoal Lake 40 First Nation and Niiwin Wendaanimok, a Kenora-based Indigenous training organization. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen the local workforce and help shrink labour gaps as Shoal Lake 40 navigates record growth featuring numerous new building projects including a water extension project.

It’s the first time that RRC Polytech has deployed a mobile training lab (MTL) to Shoal Lake 40.  A dozen eager learners are taking advantage of the opportunity to learn about the tools and equipment, basic measurements and safety standards that will qualify them to seek immediate work as part of a construction crew, in community or beyond.

“One of the greatest barriers that many Indigenous learners face is access to education without being displaced from their support systems,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice President of Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

“RRC Polytech’s mobile training labs and our ability to customize course material with micro-credentials ensures that students can stay close to home and connected to family and tradition throughout their academic journey as they acquire new skills to make a positive impact in their communities.”

The project is being fully funded by Niiwin Wendaanimok via the Skills Development Fund offered through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). The Niiwin Wendaanimok (Four Winds) Partnership is an Indigenous owned and operated corporation dedicated to providing construction, contracting and environmental monitoring services in Treaty 3 territory with a mandate to employ Anishinaabe workers and assets in development projects and ensure Anishinaabe laws and voices are respected.

“At Niiwin Wendaanimok, our mission is to rebuild the economies of our four partner First Nations while following Manito Aki Inakonigaawin (MAI), the Great Earth Law of the Anishinaabeg. This journey begins with providing comprehensive training programs to our people,” says George Kakeway, Chairman of the Board, Niiwin Wendaanimok.

“The RRC Polytech training program in Shoal Lake 40 exemplifies our commitment, equipping members with the skills they need to meaningfully participate in projects in the community and beyond, including the vital highway twinning project. Through these partnerships, we hope to build a sustainable future for our people, where honouring tradition and progress walk side by side.”

Shoal Lake 40 has over a dozen new home builds underway as well as a number of larger commercial builds on the horizon so there is a local need for general labourers in construction.

“Training local community members in our community is vitally important to our collective strength and pride,” says Chief Kevin Redsky, Shoal Lake 40 First Nation. “Shoal Lake 40 First Nation is catching up from 100 years of isolation since the completion of Freedom Road in 2019 and we are very happy that our local community members are gaining the skills needed from the Red River College Polytechnic Mobile Training Lab to help rebuild our Nation.” 

Students began their initial 13-week learning journey earning micro-credentials in safety standards and awareness, tool and equipment use and care, and construction-related measurement and math. They are currently being introduced to the concepts and techniques of basic plumbing and piping and recently completed a two-week course on wood framing that led to the construction of ice fishing shacks that will be shared with the community.

On Monday, they even got a chance to show off their work and share their experiences with a tour of special guests including His Worship, Scott Gillingham, Mayor of the City of Winnipeg and the Honourable Ian Bushie, Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations, who were in community for an annual meeting.

“The ice fishing shack is looking pretty good, so I’m proud of everyone’s work and how much they’ve learned,” said student, Rowen Sky, who is currently working as a framer for a company based in Richer, MB. He’s using the training as, “a good refresher that gives me more time with our young family.”

“We’ve always built things ourselves, but now we’ll know how to build them right so things around here will last longer and be safer for our kids,” added his partner and fellow student, Kendra Green.

The program gives students flexibility in their learning with entry and exit points that can lead directly to employment opportunities in their own community. Students also get a chance to become more comfortable in their new roles by touring current job sites and meeting with sub-contractors and potential employers.

“In addition to building new physical structures and stronger communities, these students are also learning to build relationships that can help them to achieve their goals and dreams while becoming positive role models within their community,” says Wilson. “We look forward to continuing to grow this partnership with Shoal Lake 40 and are committed to supporting all Indigenous communities across Manitoba.”     

RRC Polytech has previously supported youth entrepreneurs from Harvey Redsky Memorial School in launching a for-profit business that will generate revenue and bring attention to Shoal Lake 40 First Nation’s legacy from tragedy to opportunity in their generation.

RRC Polytech purchased decals designed by the student-entrepreneurs through a Future Business Leaders Project that will be placed near re-fillable bottle stations on campus. The decals provide information about Shoal Lake 40 providing clean drinking water to City of Winnipeg residents and promote our shared and sacred responsibility to protect the environment. (Learn more)

About Mobile Training Labs (MTLs):

The MTLs are 53-foot-long semi-trailers with slide-out sides that can quickly transform into 950 square feet of vocational training space bringing a classroom, any necessary equipment and professional instruction directly into rural communities.

About micro-credentials:

Micro-credentials are shareable endorsements of knowledge, skills or competencies gained through the completion of a course, a module or demonstration of understanding and are often represented by digital badges. They can also be stacked as learners build their knowledge base and this allows course content to be adapted to meet the specific needs of the students and the community.

When the Blue and Gold called with an exciting opportunity to participate in a culinary competition, RRC Polytech answered. Melissa Hryb, Culinary Arts instructor, who is no stranger to competitions, knew her first-year students were up to the challenge of competing in this year’s Taste of the Blue Bombers: A Gourmet Tailgate.

Typically, Culinary Arts students participate in work-integrated learning in the fall of their second term, but equipped with support from Melissa and fellow instructors, Chantalle Noschese and Mandy Wingert, first-year students Shams Alam, Bianca Alfonso, Kristine Ebero, Matteo Clayton, Augmignonne (Meg) Dimatulac, Will Earle, Kaixiang (Eric) Huang, Jianhua (Sherry) Huang, Dominic Ladyka, and Mingye (Mary) Ma set their sights on the podium at Princess Auto Stadium as the only student team participating against 12 local restaurants and bakeries.

“I wanted my students to see that while competitions can be intense, they’re also really fun and rewarding,” said Melissa.

With the theme of “tailgating” students spent two days chopping and prepping for their culinary creation – barbecue pulled pork with crispy onions and loaded baked potato salad, topped with an RRC Polytech paprika tuile. Everything was handcrafted from scratch, including a signature barbecue sauce and the tuile topper – a fancy cracker – was made using a custom 3D-printed mould.

On May 23, 600 hungry guests circled the stadium with their Taste of the Blue Bombers passports in hand, stopping by each station to sample signature dishes. After sampling, guests scanned a QR code to vote for the fan-favourite dish in the restaurant or bakery category.

The event was an opportunity for students to share their signature pulled pork dish with guests, tour the stadium’s kitchen, and meet chefs working in the industry.

“It’s always beneficial for students to get outside the lab and be immersed in hands-on learning in community. The competition also gave the 10 student participants the chance to meet alumni and their future industry colleagues,” mused Melissa.

While it was a long day, starting around 8:00 a.m., all students were nothing but smiles after their signature dish was a touchdown, taking the top spot as the fan-favourite dish in the restaurant category.

“Taking home a win was great, but the true cherry on top for me was seeing my students growing more confident in themselves, interacting with guests, and still smiling as we loaded up dirty dishes at 9:30 p.m.”

RRC Polytech prepares the next generations of influencers in the fields of culinary arts and professional baking. Learn more about the Culinary Arts, Professional Baking and Pastry and Culinary Skills programs at rrc.ca/explore/culinary

On June 18, Southport Aerospace Centre hosted the fourth annual Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Day at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s Stevenson Southport Campus. The day included seven sessions for 240 grade eight students from Portage School Division, Sandy Bay First Nation, and Long Plain First Nation.

The students split into morning and afternoon sessions where they learned from experts who work in aircraft maintenance about aircraft hydraulic systems, the importance of daily inspection, what makes planes fly, and more. They also got to participate in simulators where they learned how to maintain a helicopter in the “hover” position.

This is the fourth annual AME day introducing grade 8 students to the world of aircraft maintenance and demonstrating the rewarding careers students could experience one day.

Students were also treated to hearing the story of a recent RRC Polytech grad, Riley Kintscher. He attended the first AME Day event in 2018 and was inspired by the speaker he heard that day so much that he decided to pursue a career in aviation and aerospace. This spring Riley graduated from the Apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineer program and is now employed by Canadian Helicopters Limited. Riley was a part of this year’s AME Day, inspiring other young minds to consider following in his footsteps.

The Apprenticeship Aircraft Maintenance program is designed to help students attain Transport Canada approved training status, 48 months of aviation maintenance work experience, and three technical examinations required to obtain an AME license.

AME Day 2024 was another great success and thanks to the expert instruction of their session leaders, students left with the knowledge of the incredible opportunities that await them should they choose to pursue careers in the aviation and aerospace industry, and how local training through RRC Polytech can help support them.

For more information about the AME Program, visit our catalogue.

Starting next Tuesday, youth ages 9-14 will be attending summer camps at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s Notre Dame Campus exploring photography, Indigenous culture, entrepreneurship, transportation technology, baking, and structural design.

This year, the College is offering seven camps – the most ever offered – to 160 campers, the most in RRC Polytech’s history. These hands-on camps are taught by knowledgeable instructors to introduce young people to various trades and career areas.

“Our summer camps are one way we engage youth early and give them an idea of the experiences they could have at RRC Polytech when they start thinking about a career later in their education,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “It is also a way for them and their families to get familiar with us, ask questions, and learn something they maybe didn’t know before. But most of all, the aim is to make sure these kids have a fun and interactive learning experience with a group of their peers.” 

The camps take place throughout July. Media is invited to schedule a time to attend in the timeslots listed below to capture the sessions in action.

When:

Where: RRC Polytech, Notre Dame Campus, 2055 Notre Dame Avenue

Photo opportunities: Kids engaging in trades and other activities

For a full list of camps and their dates, visit the Youth Camps page on the RRC Polytech website.

Thanks to the support of donors, some campers can attend free of charge. A $500,000 gift from the Canerector Foundation, announced earlier this year, will cover the costs of the Girls Exploring Trades and Technology Camp for the next five years, while a $40,000 gift from the Carolyn Sifton Foundation is covering up to 100 registrations for campers who may not otherwise be able to attend. The camp offerings continue to diversify and grow in response to labour market trends and thanks to the support of donors.

RRC Polytech also offers other learning opportunities for youth during the evenings and weekends throughout the year. The Gene Haas Manufacturing Boot Camp introduces grade 7 and 8 students and their parents or guardians to CNC machining, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing, plus robotics and automation. This immensely popular one-day experience recently hosted its 10^th event and surpassed the 360-participant mark in just two years.

On behalf of the College community, we send our condolences and deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Ray St. Germain, who passed away earlier this week on Tuesday, June 25.  

At spring convocation in 2018, RRC Polytech recognized Ray St. Germain with an honorary diploma in Creative Communications. An award-winning producer, host and entertainer on more than 600 TV and radio programs — including Big Sky Country, Rhythms of the Métis, and the 1969 variety series Time for Living, Ray impacted many people. His creative and passionate style for storytelling helped build an appreciation of Métis culture across Canada. 

Ray was someone who embodied the values of RRC Polytech and served as an inspiration to many creative young people. For his contributions to Canadian culture, Ray received an array of additional awards and accolades, including the Aboriginal Order of Canada, the Order of Manitoba, and the Order of the Sash – Saskatoon and Prince Albert. He was also inducted into the Manitoba Aboriginal Music Hall of Fame (2005), and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame (2010) and had a street in Winnipeg’s St. Vital neighbourhood renamed “Big Sky Country Way” in his honour. 

Ray’s legacy lives on through the people he inspired. 

Unique incubator offers resources, expertise, to support and accelerate economic reconciliation and drive innovation in Manitoba 

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – With the generous support of Prairies Economic Development Canada, the Province of Manitoba, TD Bank Group, and Canada Life, RRC Polytech unveiled its new Indigenous Entrepreneurship Acceleration and Incubation Initiative, Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah (Mittohnee) in the Roundhouse of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae – the College’s downtown hub for technology, collaboration and community. A first of its kind in Manitoba, Mittohnee transforms experiential learning, entrepreneurship and innovation into business opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in Manitoba.  

“Creating opportunities to advance Indigenous entrepreneurship is a role that RRC Polytech must play as we continue to support student success in Manitoba,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

“Lifelong learning is second nature and something we pass down from generation to generation. Mittohnee Pogo’otah (Mittohnee) is such a lesson, one my father learned in his youth from an older member of our community on a hunting trip. It means ‘If you are going to do it, do it right. If you don’t know how to do it right, learn how.’ This is where we can bring together the discipline and innovation to learn how.”  

Mittohnee helps Indigenous students start their own businesses as they graduate out of RRC Polytech’s entrepreneurship-based program – Social Innovation and Community Development. It does this by connecting them with a network of resources and expertise focused on process, people, leveraging existing capacity and addressing relevant recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. It also supports established Indigenous entrepreneurs or band-operated businesses looking to pivot, scale up or enter new joint ventures by serving as an independent third party with experience in this space. 

RRC Polytech’s ability to remove barriers and create better access for Indigenous entrepreneurs to become successful and drive the province forward is made possible by the power of partnership – between the College, federal and provincial governments, and generous corporate partners.     

“Through Mittohnee, we will create the space and provide the right resources and mentorship to help transform the business ideas Indigenous students develop in the classroom into successful ventures that can positively impact their community,” says Wilson. “This is a uniquely Manitoba example of economic reconciliation in action, and with support from the Province of Manitoba alongside other funders, this will be the first post-secondary institution to offer this unique initiative here in the province.” 

Mittohnee is one of six projects across the province sharing $3.9 million of federal funding toward economic reconciliation and cultural diversity in Manitoba. RRC Polytech received $1.5 million of the total announced on June 25, 2024 by the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister of Northern Affairs.  

“Our government is committed to creating economic opportunities and ensuring everyone gets a fair shake. By making strategic investments that support Indigenous entrepreneurship and communities, we open up new opportunities. Today’s investments will provide training and mentorship, assist entrepreneurs to take risks, and help businesses grow,” said Minister Vandal in a government news release. 

The Province’s Department of Indigenous Economic Reconciliation contributed just over $773,000 to help ensure Indigenous students and entrepreneurs have the supports and connections they need to stay in Manitoba to build their careers and their businesses.  

“The Manitoba government is proud to support RRC Polytech’s new incubator and accelerator program for Indigenous students,” said Ian Bushie, Minister of Indigenous Economic Reconciliation. “The Mitthonee Pogo’ohtah program will help Indigenous entrepreneurs make connections with business leaders, drive made-in-Manitoba innovation, and create good jobs.” 

Mittohnee is a natural but significant extension of everything RRC Polytech has to offer, and especially of its experience in supporting Indigenous students and communities with social innovation education and programming. While much of what will be delivered will be based on an extensive stakeholder consultation, the plan currently includes the delivery and/or co-creation of: 

• an entrepreneur-in-residence/mentorship program 
• acceleration services, seminars and networking events
• student competitions
• applied research and innovation projects
• dedicated spaces for meeting and incubation of Indigenous entrepreneurs 

Mittohnee’s first director was announced at the event as well. Amy Jackson, a proud member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, dedicated community connector and entrepreneur who founded Nativelovenotes will lead this new initiative for the College. She has more than a decade of experience working alongside provincial and federal governments in northern Manitoba and through these experiences has deepened her understanding or public service and community advocacy. 

Eighteen Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) students competed at the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) on May 30 and 31 in Quebec City.

Out of 550 students from across Canada, they helped put Manitoba in third place overall, with RRC Polytech students being awarded nine of the 29 medals won by Manitobans at the SCNC.

In bricklaying, cabinet making and landscape gardening RRC Polytech students came out on top with gold medals plus silver and bronze medals in the CNC machining, refrigeration, aerospace technology, sheet metal work, and sprinkler fitter categories. A full list of Manitoba medal winners is available on the Skills Manitoba website.

“Our students put hours and hours of time and training preparing for these competitions to refine their craft,” said Scott Savoy, Chair of Construction Trades and Vice President of Skills Manitoba. “We’re so proud of all our students who put themselves out there to compete. It’s not an easy thing to do. Being on the national stage is a big deal and it shows that we are doing here at RRC Polytech is working because our students are performing and bringing home medals to show for it.”

All students who competed in the national competition had won a gold medal at the Manitoba provincial competition held in April.

Congratulations to all the medalists who took to the podium in Quebec City, and to each of the competitors who showcased their talents in their chosen field.

RRC Polytech medalists:

Kayla Wieler, Landscape Gardening (2) (PS), GOLD

Jacob Abbey, Landscape Gardening (2) (PS), GOLD

Jackson Bear, Bricklaying (PS), GOLD

Derrick Penner, Bricklaying (PS), GOLD

Kai Johnson, CNC Machining (PS), SILVER

Brett Mitchell, Sheet Metal Work (PS), SILVER

Roman Boyechko, Aerospace Technology (PS), BRONZE

Daniel Holmes, Refrigeration (PS), BRONZE

Andrew Bartel, Sprinkler Fitter (PS), BRONZE

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