Today, RRC Polytech and the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) Local 73 celebrated the signing of an agreement that puts change into action to decolonize and enhance equity and inclusion within the Polytech’s Collective Agreement.

This collaboration — the first of its kind — represents a new and transformative approach to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action within labour relations and the collective bargaining process. What sets it apart is the intentional approach rooted in Indigenous knowledge and ways of being, guided by a Knowledge Keeper and supported by both RRC Polytech and MGEU.

“The signing reflects the collaborative work of RRC Polytech and MGEU to live our shared values, advancing Truth and Reconciliation organizationally and within Manitoba,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“This process stands out across Canada, setting a precedent for other post-secondary institutions by aligning with Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement (TRCE) and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA), honouring Indigenous Knowledge Protocols, and fostering leadership, mentorship and systemic change at the Polytech.”

To review RRC Polytech’s collective agreement, a joint Truth and Reconciliation Working Group was established through an expression of interest, comprised of eight staff and faculty representing both parties.

Guided by Kookum Barbara Bruce’s teachings, ceremony and wisdom, the group ensured the process moved forward in a good way, grounded in Indigenous Knowledge Protocols. Using priority-setting and Design Thinking — a non-linear, iterative process that reflects true Indigenous engagement — the working group developed recommendations under key themes for the collective agreement.

“It was my honour to be asked to bring ceremonial ways to the discussion and deliberation of components of the collective agreement. I think it had a profound effect on the outcome of these discussions,” says Bruce. “The success of the collective agreement is credited to the people involved who accepted and invested in the process, allowing spirit to guide the discussions,”

The key themes of inclusive language, family, leaves, and sickness and health align with principles of Truth and Reconciliation, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Twenty-one recommended actions from these themes were put forward to RRC Polytech’s labour management committee.

“This new agreement represents a meaningful step toward reconciliation and is an example of how we can use the opportunities presented through collective bargaining to make the lives of workers and their communities better” says MGEU President Kyle Ross.

“We are proud of what has been achieved through our collaboration with RRC Polytech, guided by the leadership and knowledge of Kookum Barbara Bruce, and are excited to see how these changes help members feel more respected, supported and included.”

Nearly all actions were implemented in RRC Polytech’s 2025–2028 collective agreement — a level of adoption rarely seen in collective bargaining and a testament to the leadership of the working group and supporters from both RRC Polytech and MGEU. These additions to the agreement encourage and support the recruitment and retention of Indigenous employees.

Not only does this collective achievement advance Truth and Reconciliation within labour relations and the collective bargaining process at the Polytech, it also reaffirms both parties’ commitment to continue this work collaboratively, ensuring future reviews and recommendations reflect shared values rooted in Truth and Reconciliation and EDIA.

RRC Polytech and MGEU have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to re-commit to reviewing the collective agreement through the next bargaining process.

Truth and Reconciliation is a journey. Together, RRC Polytech and MGEU have created a model that demonstrates what is possible when values guide action — resulting in tangible outcomes that will shape future collective agreements and hopefully inspire similar efforts across other organizations.

Learn more about the actions implemented within RRC Polytech’s 2025–2028 collective agreement to advance Truth and Reconciliation.

There’s a meaningful new addition to the flags that fly on the front lawn at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus. This morning, in recognition of the International Week of Deaf People and the International Day of Sign Languages, the Polytech raised the Deaf Flag for the first time in its history, following a short ceremony open to the community.

“Today is a wonderful celebration of our values in action,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO. “RRC Polytech strives to be a place where all members of our community can learn, work and thrive. Our hope is that through raising this flag, we are sending a powerful message to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community that they are welcome and supported on our campuses.”

Deaf staff and faculty members initially raised the idea of flying the flag to demonstrate the Polytech’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, and to show all members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community that they have a place at RRC Polytech.

“The Deaf Flag is a symbol of unity and inclusiveness, making the timing of today’s event all the more significant as we welcomed the return of the ASL-English Interpretation program to RRC Polytech this fall,” says Cheryle Broszeit, an instructor at RRC Polytech.

The ASL (American Sign Language)-English Interpretation program recently underwent an academic transformation of its content, design and delivery to better meet the emerging needs of learners and the community and was led by feedback from the Deaf and interpreting communities. This fall, there are nine students enrolled in the renewed program.

“The ASL-English Interpretation program underscores the value of the connection between the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and interpreting communities,” says Broszeit. “The new and improved program now has a stronger foundation for our students, so they can begin their careers as interpreters confidently and competently once they graduate.”

This morning’s event featured remarks from Meier, Broszeit and Rick Zimmer, Deaf advocate and former instructor and coordinator of Deaf Studies programs at RRC Polytech. Current Deaf students and students from the ASL-English Interpretation program came together to raise the flag.

French Deafblind artist Arnaud Balard designed the flag, which was adopted by the Deaf French National Federation in 2014 and has since been flown around the world. The Deaf Flag is a powerful symbol for Deaf communities, representing unity, recognition and the ongoing fight for equal rights. RRC Polytech sourced the flag directly from the World Federation of the Deaf.

The Deaf Flag now joins flags representing Treaty One, the Red River Métis and RRC Polytech’s Inclusive Pride flag, which are flown year-round at RRC Polytech. It will be flown for the remainder of the week, and every year moving forward during the International Week of the Deaf.

RRC Polytech is hosting its seventh annual Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement (TRCE) Week to mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, on September 30.

This year, TRCE Week began on Monday, Sept. 22, with a virtual keynote from Phyllis Webstad, whose story of Residential Schools started the Orange Shirt movement in 2013.

RRC Polytech has also partnered with Nursing student Dasia Chatkana, whose original design is featured on the RRC Polytech Orange Shirt in support of the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, which is awarded to Indigenous students every year in January.

“Every year for seven years, the RRC Polytech community has come together to learn about Truth and Reconciliation and Canada’s true history from Indigenous perspectives,” says Jamie Wilson, RRC Polytech’s Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy, Business Development and Research.

“It’s important for us as an educational institution to not only affirm these histories centring Indigenous Peoples, but also to raise awareness to non-Indigenous Canadians that what they were taught in school doesn’t necessarily reflect all realities.”

TRCE Week is five days filled with sessions to educate the RRC Polytech community about the many different responsibilities of Truth and Reconciliation.

While Truth and Reconciliation is a year-round commitment for RRC Polytech, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a focal point that encourages employees and students to immerse themselves in Indigenous Teachings, storytelling and experiences.

Opportunities to cultivate understandings of the true history and current issues impacting Indigenous Peoples, and reconciliation efforts by society as a whole, contribute to a stronger, more unified community that benefits all members.

“Truth and Reconciliation is an ongoing process of learning and integrating new information, disentangling ourselves from misinformation and unlearning what we think we know, and opening ourselves to truths that might surprise or challenge us,” says Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement.

“All the sessions we host this week are something that each participant can take back to the classroom, to the workplace and to their personal lives — so they can continue the lifelong journey of learning today, tomorrow and every day into the future as we work towards building a better and brighter future for all,”

Planned sessions include a virtual keynote from Phyllis Webstad, whose story inspired the Orange Shirt movement; a Two Spirit Sharing Circle; workshops for Talking Sticks, drumming, and painting; and panel discussions with the Knowledge Keepers Council and staff on Indigenous perspectives in inclusive hiring and belonging.

Other sessions explore Inuit culture, traditional teachings like the Cedar Bath, and the historical timelines of the First Nations and Métis.

RRC Polytech’s original Orange Shirt, which is released every year as part of TRCE Week, was designed by Nursing student Dasia Chatkana and can be purchased through the Campus Store.

To learn more about Truth and Reconciliation Week sessions, see the full event schedule.

This week, 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, the College’s Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development.

“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 Social Innovation and Community Development program.

It does so 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 of Canada’s 96 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 experienced, independent third party.

The College’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 partnerships with the federal and provincial governments, and generous corporate partners like TD Bank Group and Canada Life.

“Through Mittohnee, we will create the space and provide the right resources and mentorship to help transform the business ideas that 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, 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 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 yesterday by Dan Vandal, minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Northern Affairs.

“Our government is committed to creating economic opportunities and ensuring everyone gets a fair shake,” Vandal said in a news release. “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.”

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,” says 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

Yesterday’s event also marked the announcement of Mittohnee’s first director. Amy Jackson, a member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and a dedicated community connector and entrepreneur who founded online business Nativelovenotes, will lead this new initiative for the College.

For more than a decade, Jackson has worked alongside provincial and federal governments in northern Manitoba, and through these experiences has deepened her understanding of public service and community advocacy.

As Manitoba continues to grow, there’s no question that the demand for skilled tradespeople is as high as its ever been.

According to the province’s labour gap statistics, trades such as automotive service technicians, carpenters, electricians and construction labourers are some of the most in-need career paths over the next five years.

Trades, though, can be a male-dominated space. According to a 2020 study by BuildForce Canada, just five per cent of the 1.1 million trades people in Canada identify as female. While this is a significant increase from where the industry was 10 years ago (3.7 per cent in 2008), it shows just how important equal representation and creating space is when it comes to young women entering trades.

Enter the Girls Exploring Trades and Technology camp, or GETT. Started by RRC Polytech in 1999, GETT is a summer camp at the College’s Notre Dame Campus where instructors and staff help introduce young girls aged 12 to 14 to a variety of trades — free of charge.

“The girls get exposure to a whole lot of different non-traditional career options for them,” says Christina Lambert, who has been running the camps since 2006.

In a whirlwind four days, camp participants are introduced to plumbing, woodworking, cabinetmaking, welding, robotics, transportation, bricklaying, and more. At the end of their camp experience, each participant brings home a project made using experience earned in the camp: a desk lamp built with iron pipe.

Reaching girls in their tweens and teens is critical for starting their path into a trades career, Lambert emphasizes. That’s because when they enter high school, they’ll need to select courses that set them up for success in vocational training or at a polytechnic, depending on where they choose to go.

“At that age, they start deciding what kind of classes they want to take in high school, and we want to impress upon them the importance of math and science,” she says. “When we started running the camps, we were finding that young women weren’t too excited about math and science — so we make these camps exciting and hopefully open different doors for them. There’s been a fantastic response.”

GETT was revamped in 2019 to give more of an introduction across trades, with 32 spots available for young girls to participate across two weeks. Lambert says the College does everything possible to match participants with female-identifying instructors as well, so that a role-model relationship could potentially bloom.

The free aspect of the camps is also critical, because it means young girls of any means can take part and see their future in trades.

“Our camp is totally free because we don’t want to exclude those students who may not be able to afford to come to camp,” says Lambert. “We are adamant on this, simply because we want students from different financial backgrounds.”

The success of GETT can be seen when campers return to the RRC Polytech campus as high school graduates, entering a trades program that will kickstart their career.

“I’ve been stopped in the hallways by students who’ve returned and taken a trades program, and they’ll ask, ‘Do you remember me?’” laughs Lambert.

“Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t — there are so many campers over the years! — but it’s so rewarding to see and hear that. Any time you can introduce trades training to students at a young age, it’s a benefit.”

Manitoba’s trades industry sees the benefit too, with many reps becoming sponsors of GETT to encourage new projects and ensure — even at these introductory levels of learning — that girls can see where the industry is at today.

“Industry needs people and they’re always happy to help us out,” says Lambert.

In the future, it’s hoped that GETT can expand its 32 spots slightly so more girls can participate — this past year, the camp received 140 total applications. By returning to the drawing board every year, the camps can also ensure they’re right on the cutting edge.

“We go back to our instructors and ask what we can add to vary the experience. A couple years ago, we added bricklaying, as an example. Every year, we try to vary it so it’s not always the same.”

Profile by John Gaudes (Creative Communications, 2012)

Tattoo and multimedia artist Shayre Curé says her art is often specifically created for the enjoyment of clients and customers, whether it’s displayed in their houses or on their skin.

This year, Curé partnered with RRC Polytech to create an original Red Shirt design to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S) and to support the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award for Indigenous students.

“As a Métis artist, my goal is to create art that brings awareness to this important issue,” says Curé. “I want my art to not only reflect cultural heritage, but to inspire future generations to continue the fight for justice, equality, and empowerment.”

The new design portrays a woman with the emblematic handprint over her mouth representing the “No More Stolen Sisters” movement, which was launched to express the outrage and grief over the loss of so many women, girls and Two Spirit people that — in many cases — could have been prevented. Curé worked in collaboration with a committee of Indigenous staff at the College to come up with the concept.

Her relationship with RRC Polytech first began earlier this year, when the Indigenous Student Support Centre purchased a piece from her entitled “The Silent Genocide on Turtle Island.”

It was a piece that took her years to complete. In 2018, she’d hand-drawn the concept after her best friend Kayla was killed in a hit-and-run. The death of her best friend was devastating, though grief was not unfamiliar to Curé, as Kayla’s brother had also been murdered eight years prior in 2010.

She’s also known many people whose friends and family have gone missing or were killed over the years, and says it’s humbling to be able to honour them through her art and bring light to their stories.

Curé returned to the concept last October, when previously undisclosed details of Kayla’s case were revealed. To deal with the emotion that bubbled to the surface, the pain of injustice, and the reminder of loss, she transformed the original hand-drawn concept into a multimedia painting using acrylic paint and beads.

The emotional and powerful expression of grief and hope captured in the painting moved RRC Polytech to approach Curé with another opportunity to collaborate — this time on a new Red Shirt design to bring more awareness to MMIWG2S, and to support Indigenous students through the proceeds from sales.

“Since settlers set foot on Turtle Island, a silent genocide has been perpetuated against Indigenous women … (who) are 12 times more likely to be murdered or to go missing than non-Indigenous women in Canada,” says Curé, who’s been tattooing at Tattoos by Rodriguez for the past five years and regularly creates art on skin and canvas alike.

“Through the design of this shirt, along with the acrylic painting I created for the Indigenous Student Support Centre, I pay tribute to my best friend Kayla Arkinson — her life was tragically taken on June 23, 2018, in Sagkeeng First Nation.”

Curé’s Red Shirts can be purchased at the College’s Campus Stores, with all proceeds going to the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award. Every Red Shirt is produced and supplied by Red Rebel Armour, owned and operated by Indigenous RRC Polytech graduate Sean Rayland-Boubar.

“Working with Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs to represent Indigenous ideas and movements is integral to the societal change we aim for,” says Carla Kematch, the College’s Director of Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement.

“Initiatives like the Orange and Red Shirts are not only a strong way to raise awareness of truth and Indigenous history, but it’s also an opportunity for Indigenous people to participate in their own stories. Curé’s story is unique but many people know it well from their own experience, which makes it all the more powerful.”

RRC Polytech has partnered with Graphic Design graduate Leticia Spence — an Ininew artist and entrepreneur from Pimicikamak in Treaty 5 Territory — to create an original design for Orange Shirt Day and Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is tomorrow, Sept. 30.

“Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters is a solemn day where we recognize and honour residential school survivors and those who never made it back to their families,” says Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement at RRC Polytech.

“It’s a day where we take action and raise awareness of the efforts that Indigenous communities and advocates make to find Indigenous children and bring them home. The world needs to know what happened at residential schools and why this work is important. Expressing our message through Indigenous art, teachings and symbolism is how we can heal.

“We’re so honoured to have worked with artist and alumna Leticia Spence. She shared her knowledge and skill to help convey this message of justice and created such a striking and meaningful representation of Every Child Matters.”

Spence graduated from the College in 2019 and has done work for Indigenous Tourism of Canada, the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, among many other organizations. She created the new Orange Shirt design in consultation with a committee of Indigenous staff members at RRC Polytech.

Spence’s design is intricate and intentional. As with the beadwork she observed family members creating while she was growing up, she wanted to ensure that the Orange Shirt design incorporated the intended energy represented by the Every Child Matters movement.

“I want whoever is wearing this t-shirt to feel a sense of hope and strength as they honour those who are currently being found, while also knowing that it’s okay to create space to honour themselves, as either direct residential school survivors or intergenerational survivors,” says Spence.

The design features a tree made up of florals, medicines and roots. Hummingbirds flank the tree, surrounded by rosehips, rosebuds and berries. First Nations, the Métis Nation, and the Inuit Nation are represented by symbols deeply intertwined with each nation: the cardinal directions, a wild rose forming an infinity, and fireweed flowers.

Every stroke and line forms a deliberate connection to Indigenous People — even the physical linework reflects Ininiwak beadwork, a traditional artform passed down through the generations. Every purchase of the shirt includes an artist’s statement, written by Spence, outlining the many representations present in the design.

This year, RRC Polytech also partnered with Red Rebel Armour — owned and operated by Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship graduate Sean Rayland-Boubar, of Peguis First Nation — to produce the shirts.

“My Brothers’ and Sisters’ voices were silenced for too long,” says Rayland-Boubar. “To me, Orange Shirt Day means giving a voice to all the children who were robbed of their culture, family, strength and song. A song that never had a chance to be heard, a drum that never found its rhythm.

“A celebration of spirit that should have had a lifetime to flow with the rivers, run with the wind, connect their spirit in ceremony and follow the path that Creator had laid out. It’s about Reconciliation, bringing the darkness to light and talking about the truth.”

Shirts are available for purchase at the RRC Polytech Campus Stores, with all proceeds going to support the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award when applications open in January 2024.

Mínwastánikéwin is a Cree word meaning to set it right; the award, valued at $1,000, is intended to alleviate some of the financial burden Indigenous students may experience each year.

In 2022, artist Peatr Thomas created the first RRC Polytech Orange Shirt, the proceeds of which, along with a $1,000 donation from the RRC Polytech Students’ Association, allowed for two students to receive the award in February 2023.

This year marks the fifth annual Truth and Reconciliation Week at RRC Polytech. Events span over two weeks, including nearly 20 student-, staff- and community-led sessions and self-guided resources aimed at educating the College community about the many different facets and responsibilities of Truth and Reconciliation.

This year, nearly 90 volunteers from all areas of the College joined the TRC Week Planning Committee to help organize events, activities and learning opportunities.

RRC Polytech is hosting its fifth annual Truth and Reconciliation Week to mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, on Sat., Sept. 30.

The week begins Monday, Sept. 25, with the Fall Equinox celebration at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, and will span over two weeks of student-, staff- and community-led sessions aimed at educating participants about the many different facets and responsibilities of Truth and Reconciliation.

“When RRC Polytech held its first Truth and Reconciliation Week five years ago, two people were leading the charge,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy, Business Development and Research.

“Today, Truth and Reconciliation Week is supported by almost 90 volunteers across all campuses, allowing the College community to come together to learn from and engage with Indigenous People.”

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada calls on post-secondary institutions to create a more equitable and inclusive society by closing gaps in social, health and economic outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and people.

RRC Polytech’s second strategic commitment is to “commit to Truth and Reconciliation, and pursue equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.”

Truth and Reconciliation is not just about providing equal opportunities to Indigenous learners — it is also about educating the publics RRC Polytech serves of the true histories that have often been neglected by western textbooks and reconciling potential dissonance with facts as related by Indigenous scholars, historians and Knowledge Keepers.

Truth and Reconciliation is a year-round commitment for RRC Polytech, but the focal point of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation allows employees and students to immerse themselves in Indigenous teachings, storytelling and experiences.

Opportunities to cultivate understandings of the true history and current issues impacting Indigenous people, and reconciliation efforts by society as a whole, contribute to a stronger, more unified community that benefits all members.

“Truth and Reconciliation is a small phrase that encompasses many larger and intricate meanings,” says Carla Kematch, Director of Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement.

“It’s also an ongoing process of learning and integrating new information, disentangling ourselves from misinformation and unlearning what we think we know, and opening ourselves to truths that might surprise or challenge us. This work is part of a lifelong journey that we encourage staff and students to commit to today, tomorrow and everyday into the future as we work towards building a better, brighter future for all.”

Truth and Reconciliation Week includes events and activities exploring Residential Schools and the experiences of Survivors; Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters; Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People; and colonization and its effects on a global scale.

It will include events centred on Indigenous values and ways, like the power of a thoughtful and collaborative land acknowledgement, engaging with Elders and learning traditional teachings, and integrating Indigenous perspectives into research to obtain stronger, more holistic data.

Staff and students across the College have come together to organize a wide range of sessions, many of which feature special guests who’ll offer their expertise.

See the full event schedule here.

The art of RRC Polytech grad Leticia Spence is featured in media across Canada and the globe; closer to home, you’ve likely seen it worn proudly by fans and players at Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose games.

For her latest work, Spence — a Graphic Design grad from 2019 — partnered with the College to create this year’s Orange Shirt Day illustration in support of Truth and Reconciliation and the Every Child Matters movement.

Spence’s concept for the shirt came through collaboration with Indigenous staff members at the College, who felt her design provided a beautiful and harmonious representation of all Indigenous Nations.

She grounded the design in Cree floral beadwork and integrated symbols from the Inuit and Métis Nations: fireweed flowers, wild roses, rosebuds and berries. The focus on nature represents the Peoples’ roots in the land, Spence says, while the foundational beadwork carries energy and transfers the art’s intention spiritually.

“I want whoever is wearing this t-shirt to feel a sense of hope and strength as they honour those who are currently being found while knowing that it’s okay to create space to honour themselves as either direct residential school survivors or intergenerational residential school survivors,” says Spence in an artist’s statement that will accompany each shirt sold.

“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.”

Spence credits her mom with recognizing her talents and encouraging her to pursue art from an early age. To nurture her creativity, her mom would occasionally buy her pencils, paints and sketchbooks — items Spence says she treasured due to the unpredictability of their circumstances.

Between living on reserve and in downtown Winnipeg, Spence found stability hard to come by in many aspects of her childhood. Her anxiety, compounded by her environment, inclined her to withdraw, especially in high school. Sometimes she’d go days without speaking to another student.

Spence was a shy kid and says that art was her rock — the thing that anchored her and helped her to get out of her head. It was an escape as much as it was a home — how she expressed herself when she couldn’t find the words. She recalls often staying up until 3:00am drawing to forget about the things happening around her.

In her last year of high school, Spence began considering a career in the arts, inspired by a brochure commission from the Rainbow Resource Centre, the first time she’d been paid for her art. She was later invited to the organization’s graphic design studio, where she witnessed the behind-the-scenes creation of art for commercial use.

At the time, though, Spence was too busy with schoolwork, and later — despite prompting from a teacher who encouraged her to consider college courses to develop her skills — opted instead for university. Three years of school (and one language exchange program in Japan) later, she found she was spending too much time on theory, writing and waiting, and not enough time creating.

She revisited her teacher’s recommendation and applied to RRC Polytech in 2017.

“My career is truly like capturing a flash in a bottle,” says Spence. “I didn’t anticipate much, but all the opportunities I’ve taken, they’re more than what I thought I could achieve. Growing up in Winnipeg and experiencing racism and poverty can make it hard to see your value at first.”

Of the many projects Spence participated in throughout her career, she says her proudest accomplishments are those where she could authentically express her identity as an Ininew person.

In 2022, Spence collaborated with Inuit artist Jason Sikoak and Métis artist JD Hawk on the Truth and Reconciliation Keepsake for the Royal Canadian Mint and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. She says it was the first project she put into the universe that wholly represented her identity, and that gave her the space to demonstrate her Cree values and knowledge without restraint.

This year’s Orange Shirt Day collaboration with RRC Polytech is one of the first projects she’s worked on since taking time off after experiencing burnout. Focusing too much on keeping up with production left her emotionally and financially drained.

“My work comes from a spiritual place, but if I can’t nurture that because of all this other stuff going on — you know, making deadlines, meeting expectations, paying bills — it really impacts the quality,” she says. “I took a break this spring for some much-needed rest, then when RRC Polytech came knocking with this design proposal, it was a really exciting and welcome opportunity.”

Spence’s shirts — which commemorate both Truth and Reconciliation Week and Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters (on Sept. 30) — mark the last project she’ll complete in Manitoba before making an exciting move to Quebec, where she looks forward to new career opportunities, reconnecting with family, and exploring the province’s diverse music scene.

Produced by Red Rebel Armour, an Indigenous streetwear outlet owned and operated by RRC Polytech grad Sean Rayland-Boubar, the shirts can be purchased through the College’s Campus Stores.

All proceeds go to the College’s Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, which aims to alleviate financial burden for Indigenous students. Last year, two students received the award thanks to support from the College community and the RRC Polytech Students’ Association.

Artist’s Statement

As an Ininew person, I wanted to create something utilizing Cree florals because beadwork is something that I grew up watching my family members do. Beadwork carries energy. I’ve been taught to put good intentions into my beads and that’s what I wanted to achieve through this t-shirt design.

I want whoever is wearing this t-shirt to feel a sense of hope and strength as they honour those who are currently being found, while knowing that it’s okay to create space to honour themselves as Residential School Survivors or Intergenerational Residential School Survivors.

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.

I wanted to create a tree with florals because of the medicine and protection they gift us, to represent our connection to this land and how we’re rooted here.

On the outer perimeter of the tree, sunflowers with seven petals represent the seven Grandfather Teachings and thirteen strawberries for the thirteen moon cycles.
Starting from the top, just below the strawberries, is a fireweed flower for the Inuit Nation.

The floral with the four cardinal directions in the middle represents First Nations.
The wild rose with two rosebuds creating the infinity symbol represents the Métis Nation.

Flanking the tree on each side are two hummingbirds feeding from the nectar of the flowers in the middle. I chose hummingbirds for their ability to see things from multiple perspectives. The hummingbirds, along with the vines branching out from the trunk of the tree, build out two faces to represent our ancestors that walk with us on our journeys.

I chose to branch out rosehips, rosebuds and berries from the bottom of the tree because they’re common motifs in Cree beadwork.

This week, RRC Polytech raised three flags in an act of unity, pride and inclusivity to mark the beginning of National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month.

The Treaty One flag, Red River Métis flag and RRC Polytech’s new inclusive Pride flag will now fly year-round at the Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg to acknowledge the history of the land, respect for the treaties made on the land, and representation of the people who live here.

“RRC Polytech is committed to enacting Truth and Reconciliation and equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. A big part of that is creating representative and inclusive spaces on our campuses,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech.

“By raising these three flags, we are demonstrating to staff, students and community members that this is a place where you belong. We know that there are still institutions and situations where 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous and Métis people don’t feel welcome or recognized, but at RRC Polytech we are sending a firm message that everybody belongs and is welcome here.”

The flag-raising was attended by representatives from the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), Peguis First Nation, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation and RRC Polytech’s Knowledge Keepers Council, along with Elders and Knowledge Keepers from Treaty One Territory. Ray “Coco” Stevenson provided a hand-drum flag song for the ceremony.

Treaty One Flag

Treaty One represents Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) and Nehiyaw (Cree), original peoples of the territory of present-day southern Manitoba, including the forks of the Assiniboine and Red rivers, a vital trade and gathering site. Treaty One Nation comprises the seven First Nations that were signatories to the first of the numbered treaties, originally signed in 1871 at Lower Fort Garry.

“I am extremely proud to see RRC Polytech raise our Treaty One flag on their campus today. Despite the spirit and intent of the treaty, which has benefitted the people of Manitoba for over 150 years, we were continuously denied our rights, our titles, our jurisdictions, our culture, our language and our children,” says Treaty One chairperson Chief Gordon Bluesky, of Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation.

“Despite our darker periods of history, we are still standing strong, and each one of these flag-raising ceremonies is a concrete, tangible expression to our Treaty Partners that we are still here. Today, we can all look forward to a brighter future for the next generations and feel the pride in sharing the history of Indigenous peoples on this land. Through these actions of reconciliation, our young Indigenous learners have a very bright future ahead.”

Elements of the Treaty One flag symbolize the original spirit and intent of the treaties: green to represent the grass, blue to represent the waters, and yellow to represent the sun. The red represents the circle of life and the Indigenous people who inhabit this land. The seven points around the sun represent the seven signatory First Nations.

Red River Métis Flag

The Red River Métis have a rich and important history, language and culture. The Red River Settlement — now Winnipeg — is the heart of the Red River Métis Homeland and the birthplace of the nation.

“The Red River Métis have been fighting to have our rich culture, heritage and history recognized and respected for over 200 years,” says Joan Ledoux, the MMF’s Minister of Provincial Education and Associate Minister of Métis Employment.

“Manitoba is the only province in Canada to have been brought into confederation by an Indigenous nation with the signing of the Manitoba Act in 1870, intertwining the history of the Red River Métis with the history of Manitoba. Today, the MMF, the National Government of the Red River Métis, has made great strides in advancing our Nation and regaining our rightful place in Canada’s confederation. This flag-raising today is one small step toward a brighter future for our Red River Métis youth, ensuring that they know their identity is recognized and celebrated as they achieve their educational goals.”

RRC Polytech recognizes the impact the Red River Métis had in the formation of this city, province and country. The Red River Métis were instrumental in confederation and fought battles to retain their rights throughout history — in the courtroom, in houses of government and on the battlefield.

RRC Polytech Pride Flag

Last year, RRC Polytech unveiled its new Pride Flag, which was painted on pedestrian walkways at the Notre Dame, Exchange District and Portage Campuses. The flag will also be flown at the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute throughout the month of June.

The new Pride design is an evolution of the Progress Pride flag that includes representation for all 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex and Asexual) community members, and includes specific Indigenous elements. It was designed in consultation with the College’s Knowledge Keepers’ Council, Students’ Association, and Gender and Sexual Identities working group, and with representatives from the Rainbow Resource Centre.

The flag’s triangle represents the inverted pink triangles LGBT prisoners were forced to wear in Nazi concentration camps. It’s location at the bottom of the flag also forms a tepee shape, representing shelters used throughout history by many First Nations people in Manitoba. The Medicine Wheel incorporates traditional Indigenous knowledge and teachings, while the purple and yellow circles around the Medicine Wheel recognize intersex folx.

“At RRC Polytech we are committed to our reconciliation journey as we walk the path of understanding, respect and advocacy with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community,” says Vera Godavari, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist. “As a learning organization, we celebrate our progress and continue our dedication to this important work through these ongoing initiatives.”