Juliana “Juke” Settee was bold, determined, and gave everything she possibly could to people in need. An action-oriented, community champion of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, her quiet leadership was grounded in compassion, cultural pride, and a belief in the power of education to create opportunity. Her journey through the Diagnostic Support Worker program at RRC Polytech reflected her deep commitment to serving First Nations, revitalizing the Cree language, and strengthening health outcomes in northern and equity‑deserving communities.

“Juke embraced the first opportunity, made possible by our partnership with RRC Polytech, to learn and practice critical, clinical skills, close to home – and to ensure the best care and comfort for her patients, she insisted on speaking in our language so everyone would be able to understand what they were being treated for – a shining example demonstrating that our languages are essential components of health and wellness,” said Michelle Monkman, Interim CEO at Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. “Juke’s training made her an invaluable team member at KIM Inc. but for people across the 23 First Nations we support, it was her passion, respect, and caring nature that made her truly one of a kind.”

Now Juke’s spirit will continue to support and serve Indigenous students at RRC Polytech for generations to come, with the creation of a new permanent endowment fund, established in her honour by KIM Inc. Each year, two students who personify Juke’s values of service, passion and dedication to improving health outcomes in northern First Nations will each be granted a $2000 award to help carry forward her legacy.

“Through this endowment, Juke’s memory will continue to shine – encouraging future generations of learners, strengthening First Nations health systems, and honouring a life lived with purpose, generosity, and dedication to her people,” said Monkman.

The Juke Settee Memorial Award for Health Sciences Programs will support an Indigenous student in one of six diploma programs at RRC Polytech, including Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Ultrasound; Medical Laboratory Sciences; Medical Radiologic Technology; Paramedicine – Advanced Care; Paramedicine – Primary Care Paramedic; and Science Laboratory Technology.

The Juke Settee Legacy Award for the Diagnostic Support Worker Applied Certificate Program recognizes an Indigenous student who completes the same course that Juke proudly earned her credential in. This award acknowledges the student’s clear intent to improve themselves and the lives of others, to lead by example, and to contribute meaningfully to First Nation health and well-being. Recipients will be selected by the program committee.

“Knowing that Juke’s legacy will continue to uplift and support our community fills our family with immense gratitude, pride, and comfort – it means everything to us,” said sister-in-law, Nicole Settee, who along with Juke’s brother, Nigel and Uncle Garrison, Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) presented the inaugural award at a ceremony, last week.

“We hope that students who receive Juke’s award will feel seen, encouraged, and empowered to believe in their own potential. More than anything, we hope the award helps remove barriers – whether financial, academic, or personal – so students can focus on their goals and take confident steps toward their future. We want it to be a reminder that someone believes in them, even on days when they may doubt themselves.”

The family shared that although Juke’s personal experience included many challenges and tragedies, she always demonstrated incredible resilience and worked hard to convert those trials into trauma-informed care that promoted safety (physical and emotional), trustworthiness, and collaboration. It was Juke’s special ability to connect that resonated with her clients, her coworkers, and everyone else who entered her orbit.

“Ultimately, our hope is that this award doesn’t just help students achieve milestones, but inspires them to dream bigger, stay grounded in who they are, and recognize that their work and voices truly matter,” said Nicole Settee. “If Juke’s legacy can play even a small role in shaping confident, compassionate leaders for the future, then it is doing exactly what it was meant to do.”

The first recipient of the Juke Settee Memorial Award for Health Sciences Programs represents just that. Kianna Friesen, whose family is originally from Norway House, studied Advanced Care Paramedicine and plans to support people across Northern Manitoba by working at various Nursing Stations, becoming a mentor to new paramedics, and advocating for Indigenous populations in need of accessible health care.

Juke believed in perseverance, kindness, and giving back. And through these awards, her family says there’s a sense of peace, knowing that Juke’s values didn’t end with her lifetime.

“Juke’s life was short, but what she chose to do with it impacted so many people along the way,” said Nicole Settee. “The thought of her inspiring people that we may never even meet helps to turn our loss into something meaningful. So, above all, we feel thankful to KIM Inc. for embracing her legacy, and grateful that Juke’s name will forever be associated with positive change. It’s a powerful reminder that one life, rooted in compassion and commitment, really can make a difference for generations to come.”

On a sunny day in late February, a skilled trades worker gazes out at the traffic zipping past the RRC Notre Dame Campus on Route 90. He’s a little worse for wear: his hard hat is chipped, his goggles are scratched, but his spirits don’t appear to be dampened as he grins from ear to ear. 

He’s also about 10 feet tall and made entirely of snow. 

The scuffs on his uniform are the result of unseasonably high temperatures, which caused an early snow melt in mid-February (at the time of this article’s publication, however, southern Manitoba has once again been entrenched in subzero temperatures and a significant dumping of fresh snow).  

The sculpture’s ephemeral nature was all part of the plan, according to Maria den Oudsten, who commissioned local sculptor Ed Sanchez to create it to bring attention, in part, to the realities of climate change. 

“Since moving to Winnipeg, I’ve been in awe of the snow,” she said. “I see it with new eyes every year.” 

Maria used to organize a snowman building contest with her family, friends and community (and even at RRC Polytech), where they’d build a snowman on Christmas Day and wait for it to melt by Easter. These days, the snow is often long gone by that point. 

Seven years ago, Maria and her late husband Jan den Oudsten donated $1.5 million to support the Polytech’s 60,000-sq.-ft. heavy vehicle training and research facility, which is now known as the Jan den Oudsten Vehicle Technology & Research Centre (VTRC). 

“My husband’s heart was in this,” said Maria, gesturing to the building that bears his name. “That’s why he supported RRC Polytech.” 

Ed’s snow sculpture is meant to inspire everybody – people passing by on Route 90, and staff and students within the Polytech. 

“It’s meant to celebrate the people that learn to do practical things, and that’s what people do here at RRC,” said Maria. “Smart hands need smart brains.” 

A fitting axiom for snow sculptor Ed Sanchez, who works as an engineer by day but picked up the snow sculpting hobby during the pandemic. 

“I come from a family of sculptors,” he said, showing pictures of bronze statues crafted by his kin. 

It took 28 days to build the sculpture at RRC Polytech, which Ed finished with help from his friend Michael Novilla. And in another 28 days, the sculpture will likely be no more than sand and slush. 

“The snow melts, but the story lives on,” said Maria.

The Health Care Aide (HCA) dual-credit program, delivered in collaboration with RRC Polytech, offers students a direct pathway into postsecondary education and employment. By integrating college-level curriculum into the high school timetable, students can earn both their Grade 12 credits and RRC Polytech certification by June. 

“This partnership represents a major step forward, and I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing what additional opportunities and collaborations may grow from it in the future,” said Sheri Stoupe, Regional Campus Manager for RRC Polytech’s Steinbach Campus. 

“This initiative offers an incredible pathway for local high school students. For some, it will be the beginning of a meaningful and rewarding career in health care. For others, it will serve as a valuable steppingstone into further health-related programs and postsecondary training. No matter the direction each student chooses, this program opens doors that might not have been accessible otherwise.” 

Support from the Bethesda Foundation played a key role in the program’s launch, with the Foundation providing a $1,000 bursary to each participating student, helping to further reduce the cost of the program.  

“It’s also a tremendous win for industry,” continued Stoupe. “The demand for Health Care Aides in Steinbach and the surrounding region continues to grow, and programs like this help strengthen the workforce while supporting students in building real-world skills and confidence.” 

Read more in this article from Steinbach Online. 

Through the CIBC Building Pathways to Education Award for Indigenous Students, CIBC is providing critical financial support and demonstrating their commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA). The award alleviates financial barriers, empowering recipients to focus on their studies, explore their potential, and fully engage in the RRC Polytech experience. 

“I am extremely grateful to CIBC. This money has helped ease my financial burden and helped me focus more on my studies,” said student Brandon Selkirk. 

CIBC has established bursaries of a minimum of $2,000 each, which assist students with educational expenses and are available to all students enrolled in the program. Students apply by submitting a statement outlining their career goals and explaining how this bursary will impact their educational journey. 

“CIBC is proud to partner with RRC Polytech to help make education more accessible, flexible and inclusive while creating access to opportunities for Indigenous prosperity in Canada,” said Heather Wagner, Senior Vice President, Region Head, Central Canada. “By supporting education awards like the CIBC Building Pathways to Education Award for Indigenous Students, we’re investing in future leaders and helping build stronger, more inclusive communities. Together with partners like RRC Polytech, we’re creating a world where everyone’s ambition can become a reality.” 

The award serves to relieve the financial burden for students, allowing them to concentrate more fully on their studies. 

“I would like to sincerely thank CIBC for awarding me the $3,000 Tuition Bursary. This support has made a real difference in my life as a student. It has eased the stress of my residence fees and helped me adjust to my new living situation without the constant worry of groceries and monthly payments,” said Kaya Barkman. 

The Pathways program offers an entry to admission for Indigenous learners who have faced barriers to accessing or succeeding in post-secondary education. These barriers may include social, economic, or cultural challenges; limited formal education; or geographic isolation that makes attending post-secondary institutions challenging. 

“Because of this bursary, I’ve been able to focus more on my studies and personal growth rather than financial concerns. Your generosity has lightened my load in ways that mean more than words can express, and I’m truly grateful for your support and belief in students like me,” continued Barkman. 

This investment reinforces RRC Polytech’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation by promoting equitable access to post-secondary education and fostering an environment that values inclusion, respect, and success for all learners. 

“The CIBC bursary has helped me greatly with financial stresses. This has allowed me to maintain my focus in school as I’ve been having some car problems recently. Because of the bursary, I’ve been able to tackle those problems, which allows me a reliable and safe way to make it to classes every day,” said Tyler Nykiforuk. 

Through this partnership, CIBC is helping to build a stronger, more inclusive workforce while driving long-term social and economic growth in our communities. The impact of this support will continue to shine through the accomplishments of students who are empowered to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to Manitoba’s evolving industries. 

To explore the full list of RRC Polytech’s awards, scholarships and bursaries, please visit this page.  

The Schroeders, longtime supporters of RRC Polytech, are two of 80 new appointments Her Excellency has recognized, which includes 6 Companions, 15 Officers and 59 Members. 

The Schroeder Foundation is behind RRC Polytech’s largest donation in history: a $15-million gift to launch the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts. 

In partnership with RRC Polytech, the Schroeders founded the Institute to support ongoing opportunities for students at RRC Polytech, and to foster growth and development in Manitoba’s creative arts industry. 

The Schroeder Institute now offers 14 core programs, including Animation and Entertainment Production, and the recently added Information Security postgraduate diploma. 

The Schroeder Foundation also offers fully funded scholarships to hundreds of RRC Polytech students, covering tuition, textbooks, and comprehensive support services. 

In December 2024, the Foundation celebrated a significant milestone: providing a total of $18.2 million in support to RRC Polytech. This achievement was followed by an additional $1.25 million donation, complementing the earlier $15 million gift to establish the Schroeder Institute, enabling even more full-ride scholarships for Winnipeg students. 

Students supported by the Schroeder Foundation can also take part in the Transition to College program, designed to equip them with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed from the very first day of their studies. 

In recognition of their commitment to breaking down educational barriers for Manitoba youth, Walter and Maria Schroeder received the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Manitoba Outstanding Philanthropist Award in 2023. RRC Polytech also honored them in 2022 with an Honorary Bachelor of Education degree. 

After years of building critical infrastructure across Canada, Amrize knows firsthand how essential the skilled trades are — and how important diversity is within the industry.

“We build roads, we build bridges, and still to this day, there are very few women in this field,” said Tina Larson, Amrize Building Materials, Vice-President Southern Alberta.

Last week, more than 90 young women and female-identifying students from high schools across Winnipeg spent the day at RRC Polytech participating in the Jill of All Trades event. Students participated in hands-on activities and learned skills in trades and technologies, like how to wire a doorbell, build a birdhouse, and virtually weld.

This is Amrize’s third year supporting Jill of All Trades – their support is critical in ensuring RRC Polytech can continue to host these events for the community.

Larson had the opportunity to speak to the students, and for her, supporting an event like this is personal.

“I worked with electricians, mechanics, and grew up on a farm, but there weren’t a lot of girls in those trades. In fact, there was nobody,” she said.

Tina sees a great opportunity for young women to “try on different hats” and discover what they’re capable of.

“There are so many hats you could choose from,” she said. “Pick the one you like and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t wear that hat.”

This marks the third year RRC Polytech has hosted Jill of All Trades. The event is meaningful because it opens the door for young women, female-identifying, and non-binary learners to explore careers in the trades.

Jayne Geisel, Acting Associate Dean, Construction, provided welcoming remarks to kick off the event.

“Seeing students light up when they realize they belong here is exactly why we do this,” she said. “To address this need and close this gap, students have to know very early on that there is a place for them in this industry.”

Students rotated through sessions in:

• Construction (building a birdhouse)
• Transportation (changing a tire and programming EV vehicles)
• Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Technology (circuit board building)
• Welding (virtual welding simulation)
• Robotics (programming a robot)
• Civil Engineering Technology (testing pollution in water and soil, and testing heat and moisture in buildings)
• Construction Electrical (wiring a doorbell)

These workshops provided participants with an opportunity to experience a variety of trades firsthand alongside RRC Polytech faculty, many of whom understand the importance of representation in trades and have plenty of industry experience.

“As women, we’re used to seeing ourselves in so many other fields, and AI can’t take over trades. People need power; they need electricians,” said Sarah Bartlette, instructor of Electrical Trades at RRC Polytech. “It’s an incredibly diverse industry. It doesn’t need to feel big or scary. The girls can pick any avenue they want, because they can.”

For high school student Lyla, the day was a chance to step outside her family’s unintentional pattern and explore a future she actually wants and is interested in pursuing.

“Everyone in my family is a doctor,” she said. “But I’m not doing that. I want to go into mechanics.”

By the end of the day, many students, just like Lyla, were energized and more confident about seeing themselves in a trade

Jill of All Trades allows students to step into spaces they might never have imagined themselves in. The impact of this experience taught them skills they can use for the rest of their lives; it opened doors, built confidence, and helped them picture a future in fields where women have historically been underrepresented.

Jill of All Trades demonstrated the shared commitment of Amrize and RRC Polytech to foster a diverse, inclusive, and future-ready workforce.

For more information about trades and technologies programs at RRC Polytech, please click here.

Brady Zdrill thought his first day back at RRC Polytech for his second year in the paramedicine program would be a typical orientation day, until his instructors gave him a mysterious instruction: make sure your family comes, too. 

In a heartfelt ceremony, Brady was presented with the inaugural “Be Like Fab” award, which was established in memory of a man whose life, though taken far too soon, was defined by kindness, compassion, and devotion to others. 

Fabio Imbrogno died suddenly on July 26^th, 2023, and his family credits the paramedics who were there in his final moments for treating them with extraordinary respect, warmth and dignity, which has had a lasting effect on the family. 

“The day Fabio died so tragically is a day that forever changed the lives of me, my children, and our entire family,” said Fabio’s wife, Natalie Imbrogno. “It was a moment that split our lives into ‘before’ and ‘after,’ leaving a pain we will carry with us always. Yet within that devastating evening, we felt we were surrounded by first responders whose presence brought humanity, dignity, and deep compassion at a time when we needed it most. The paramedics on scene were our superheroes.” 

The role of “superhero” is one Brady knew he wanted to pursue since before he started high school. 

“Since I was really young, I knew I wanted to do a job that would help people,” he said, noting that he and his mom helped care for his grandma when she was quite sick.  “Just knowing that I would get to be there to make someone’s day better, and that every time I’d go to work would be so rewarding. This is a job where you’re helping people, every day.” 

For Natalie and her family, Brady perfectly embodied Fab’s values. 

“Fabio lived his life on the values of respect for all those in his life. He led with kindness and believed that as human beings we all make mistakes, but those mistakes should not define us,” she said. “He poured his entire heart into his family; for him, nothing mattered more than creating a home filled with safety, laughter, and unconditional love. He approached every role in his life – husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend – with total dedication.”  

Knowing that he represents those qualities has been a motivating force as Brady continues his studies. 

“It’s really inspiring to me that I was chosen to receive this award, knowing that I embody all the qualities he did,” he said. “The family talked about how he was helpful and caring – offering a helping hand to anyone in need. Knowing that I’m that person in my class, in my community – that’s really rewarding.” 

Receiving the award has driven Brady to study even harder.

“Knowing that I’m that leader, the person that people look up to, it’s a great feeling. Receiving the award is nice, but knowing that people see me as having the qualities as Fabio is a reward in itself.” 

Valued at $1,000, the “Be Like Fab” Award will be presented annually to a student entering the second year of the Paramedicine – Primary Care Paramedic program, recognizing not just excellence and skill, but also the compassion and humanity Fabio Imbrogno embodied. 

 “This award is a powerful reminder of the impact education, generosity, and community can create, ensuring Fabio’s legacy of lives on through the future paramedics who follow in his footsteps,” said Natalie. “I want to extend a special thank-you to the young students entering this incredibly meaningful and rewarding field of paramedicine. Your courage in choosing this path, your willingness to learn, and your dedication to being there for people on the worst days of their lives is truly life-changing.” 

Her message for all paramedics is one of gratitude.

“You may not yet realize the magnitude of your impact, but families like ours feel it profoundly. The compassion you will bring into the world, and the lives you will touch, will matter more than you can imagine. Your role is not only as lifesavers but as protectors of the living and the grieving. We are forever grateful,” she said.

When Jed Manaloto first learned he’d received the Gary Coleman Award for Inner City Scholars, one feeling stood out: relief. 

“When I stumbled upon the email saying I’d gotten the award, I felt the burden ease right away,” he said. 

The first-year Information Security student had been preparing to apply for student aid when he discovered his education at RRC Polytech would be fully covered, thanks to the generosity of Gary Coleman and the scholarship he established in 2019. 

“This scholarship program is a way of saying thank-you and giving back to the community, because the community has been very kind to me over the years,” Coleman has said. 

The Gary Coleman Award was created to remove financial barriers for students from Winnipeg’s inner-city schools who have demonstrated academic excellence. Its goal is to provide “full ride” support, allowing students in business, technology, and information security programs to focus on their studies and career development without the stress of paying for tuition, supplies, textbooks and other necessary supports. 

“We started small, which has given us the time to fine tune the program in terms of criteria and the selection process,” said Coleman. “While the program stalled during Covid, it is now growing, with the goal of supporting even more students over the next decade and beyond.”

A Pathway to Cyber Security 

Manaloto’s passion for cyber security began in his first year at Sisler High School. 

“I focused on cyber security for all four years in high school, and decided to continue on this pathway,” he said. “With all the work I’d done at Sisler, I was able to get direct entry into the post-grad program at RRC Polytech.” 

Sisler offers Canada’s first Network and Cyber Security Academy, which equips students with technical and soft skills to thrive in the digital economy. While graduates are considered job-ready, Manaloto wanted additional training to strengthen his career prospects. 

“This program stuck out to me because of the history it has, with lots of Sisler cyber security students choosing this path. It felt like an extension of what I was pursuing at Sisler.” 

Overcoming barriers 

Manaloto and his family moved to Winnipeg five years ago after living briefly in London, Ontario, following their immigration from the Philippines. As newcomers, finances were tight. 

“I was all set to apply for a job just to support my education, when I found the award and saw that I was eligible to apply for it.” 

The scholarship is available to graduates of eight inner-city schools in Winnipeg who have been accepted into select RRC Polytech programs, including Applied Accounting, Business Administration, Application Development and Delivery, Data Science and Machine Learning, IT Operations, and Information Security. 

The award and its far-reaching impacts

Past recipients of the Gary Coleman Award include Selina and Semhar Gerezgiher (Business Administration/Applied Accounting), Cedrick Maglaque (Application Development and Delivery), Raven Tiroy (Business Information Technology), and Regina Arroza (Business Administration). 

“Receiving the Gary Coleman Award has been incredibly meaningful. It eased financial stress and allowed me to focus fully on my studies. More importantly, it gave me a strong sense of encouragement,” said Semhar Gerezgiher, who plans to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business after completing her program. “Knowing that the College and the donor believe in my potential has boosted my confidence and motivated me to keep striving for excellence in my academic and career goals.”

Semhar’s sister Selina, another recipient, agrees: “Receiving the Gary Coleman Award didn’t just help pay for my post-secondary education, it genuinely helped me discover my career path,” she said. “Before this scholarship, I was someone who tended to play it safe. I probably would have chosen a field like nursing, even if it didn’t align with my passions, and ended up unhappy in the long run. This award gave me the freedom to explore different areas in my studies without worrying about financial pressure. Through that exploration, I discovered a passion for business that I didn’t even realize I had. It shifted my goals too; I’m no longer motivated only by wanting to make my immigrant family proud. I now have a clear vision for my future.”

“Because of the opportunities this scholarship opened up, I was also able to gain meaningful experience through the Students Temporary Employment Program with the Government of Manitoba, where I applied the business knowledge I’ve been building. This award didn’t just support my education, it changed the direction of my life.” – Selina Gerezgiher

“Receiving the Gary Coleman award has impacted me a lot,” echoes Cedrick Maglaque, whose parent was suddenly unable to work, leaving the family unable to provide the necessary financial support. “I then had to start working different jobs in order to help pay for school costs and also help at home with certain bills. Due to that, I was honestly struggling to focus on my studies.

“Receiving this award significantly helped to reduce my financial burden and allowed me to concentrate on my studies more. It has motivated me to keep pushing harder and continue working hard towards my goals. I’m so very thankful to have been considered to receive the award.”

Looking Ahead 

Winning the award has allowed Manaloto to focus on his studies and participate in extracurricular activities, such as “capture the flag” cyber security competitions that sharpen his technical skills. 

“If I didn’t get the award I’d be thinking of job applications right now, but now I can focus on certifications in the field because I have the extra time to study,” he said. 

As for the future, Manaloto is keeping his options open. 

“After I graduate, I’m going to do my best to look for a job in the industry,” he said. “I’m hoping to get my foot in the door and see where it takes me.” 

For more information about the Gary Coleman Award for Inner City Scholars, please click here. 

Four new businesses – a medical transport service, a reusable container program, and two film production companies – will soon be brought to life, thanks to student ingenuity and generous donor support through RRC Polytech’s Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah Entrepreneurship Incubator and Accelerator Program. 

On Monday, March 24, 2025, TD Bank Group presented a cheque for $200,000 to RRC Polytech to support Indigenous student entrepreneurs at Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah. This funding helps the four current entrepreneurs-in-residence, and future student entrepreneurs, see their business dreams come true. 

“We’re so proud to support the Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah Program at RRC Polytech and offer a platform for the next generation of entrepreneurs from Indigenous communities to bring their ideas to life,” said Michael Warren, District Vice President for Manitoba North, TD Bank Group. 

“Through the TD Ready Commitment, our corporate citizenship platform, we’re investing in programs that are focused on rethinking skills development to help nurture a more inclusive economy.” 

Amy Jackson, Director of Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah, noted that of the four student projects, two are currently in operation with plans to scale up, while two are preparing to launch. Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah provides the students with wraparound business supports – such as financial planning, legal advice, and marketing and graphic design – services essential to scaling projects quickly. 

“The students all shared that the business services are a huge money-saver, freeing up finances for them to bring on additional help for their businesses,” said Jackson.  

The students all came to Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah with established business plans to set their projects in motion. One business aims to connect individuals who travel to Winnipeg from northern First Nations communities for medical appointments with essential services, such as transportation from the airport and to appointments. 

Another student is tackling sustainability challenges through reusable containers, while two are exploring different paths related to filmmaking and storytelling – one focused on setting foundations in his business, while the other wants to further develop their product and service menu. 

“Mittohnee is a good pathway for entrepreneurs to take, giving them the capacity to focus on their projects,” continued Jackson. “That idea of working for themselves fulltime is incredibly important – it gives them a sense of accountability and takes a load off their minds, so they don’t have to worry about that financial barrier.” 

Through Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah, each student entrepreneur receives a stipend that frees up finances for them to bring on additional help for their businesses, so they can focus fully on their business plans. 

“Some incredible ideas flow from Indigenous learners at RRC Polytech in such programs as Social Innovation and Community Development. Ideas that not only affirm these students’ potential as entrepreneurs, but ideas that can make real and profound community impact, which benefits us all,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. 

“Mittohnee ensures that these ideas won’t get shelved because a student doesn’t have access to income, capital, tools, mentors or other essentials that turn innovation into reality.” 

The initiative provides each student with a tailored plan with deliverables, that sets the timing for their involvement in the program. Students work independently on their businesses in a self-directed way, with programming that’s aligned with what would benefit them the most – such as conferences, professional development opportunities, and mentorship. 

“RRC Polytech has been helping entrepreneurs take the next step with their ideas for years, and now, because of this gift from TD, we have a program to share our expertise with the next generation of Indigenous makers and innovators,” continued Meier. “To help strengthen an Indigenous entrepreneurial ecosystem that brings opportunity, growth and change to communities across our province. We take great pride in Mittohnee and look forward to building these important relationships, which serve as a contemporary example of economic reconciliation in action.” 

Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah was launched in June 2024, with additional financial contributions from Prairies Economic Development Canada and the province’s Department of Indigenous Economic Reconciliation. To learn more about Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah, please click here. 

At RRC Polytech, culinary education extends beyond recipes—it builds connections to heritage, self-confidence, and economic reconciliation. Thanks to a $150,000 donation from Red River Co-op, the College’s Culinary Skills (Indigenous) program is creating more avenues for students to develop essential skills, explore traditional ingredients and techniques, and engage in impactful culinary research.

“Our contribution to RRC Polytech is rooted in Red River Co-op’s commitment to fostering local talent and supporting economic growth within the communities we serve,” said Craig Gilpin, CEO of Red River Co-op. “We recognize that Indigenous communities may face systemic barriers to education and employment, and we believe it’s important to help address these inequities by creating meaningful opportunities today. By supporting Indigenous students in culinary training and research, we hope to see graduates bring their skills and knowledge to their communities, drive local innovation, and inspire a more inclusive and culturally enriched culinary industry.”

The program’s class size has grown to 15 students, increasing demand for resources. Red River Co-op’s donation will help meet these needs, said Tracy Brant, Associate Dean, School of Indigenous Education at RRC Polytech. “It’s about ensuring every student has access to tools, ingredients, and experiences that connect them to cultural roots while equipping them for successful futures in culinary arts.”

Culinary Instructor Chef Patrick Anderson sees this expansion as a chance to teach more students about the origins and traditions of Indigenous food. With the donation, the College can support the students in purchasing costly ingredients like game meats or equipment like dehydrators and smokers, so students can prepare traditional foods like pemmican and jerky. “This isn’t just about recipes,” he said. “It’s about grounding students in their cultural roots and the history of food on the plains.”

Beyond the kitchen, Red River Co-op’s support reduces financial barriers for students by covering essentials like chef coats, knife kits, laptops, and even bus passes—critical items often not funded by community grants.

That’s encouraging news to Keegan Thomas, a first-year student from Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation. He said the donation will directly benefit he and his peers. “Having funds available to help purchase equipment we need makes a huge difference. Right now, we’re often sharing things like scales, which can slow us down. It could also help cover costs for bus passes, which makes getting to class easier.”

Keegan, who initially considered a career in lab research, looks forward to the culinary research opportunities made possible by Red River Co-op’s support. The gift will fund bursaries that enable him and other students to participate in culinary research projects hosted by RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen. These projects allow students to explore Indigenous ingredients, scale recipes, and address issues like food waste.

“I think every cook is a bit of a research scientist, fine-tuning recipes as they go,” said Anderson. “The Prairie Research Kitchen lets us perfect recipes down to the molecule, and this donation will allow us to explore unique, captivating Indigenous ingredients, bringing students even closer to their culinary heritage.”

Mavis McRae, Director of the Prairie Research Kitchen, highlights the broader impact: “We’re encouraging Indigenous students to use their culinary skills to create new food products. By learning to preserve and utilize local resources, they gain the skills to create sustainable, self-driven food solutions that honour their heritage, while contributing to food security and economic sovereignty within their communities. These projects are part of the College’s larger commitment to economic reconciliation and resilience.”

The ultimate value of Red River Co-op’s generosity is the confidence it instills through the opportunities it creates to nourish others, says Anderson.  “When students see their dishes enjoyed by people at events where they get to share their story, it reinforces that their skills are valuable and their heritage matters. It builds confidence and reminds them that they’re on the right path.”