Support for Indigenous Learners
Many students like Sharon-Rose Bear regularly access support through the School of Indigenous Education to help manage their academic careers. The Circle of Friends Indigenous Student Mentorship Program supported by Canada Life is just one of the many supports RRC Polytech offers to Indigenous learners College-wide.
The Indigenous Support Centres at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses provide homes away from home where students and staff can smudge, participate in events, cultural teachings and ceremonies, or spend time with friends. The Centres are great places to start when students want to network or access support.
The Indigenous Student Supports team helps Indigenous students succeed with guided tools and resources, from community to classroom to career. The Indigenous Student Supports team provides holistic and interconnected wraparound supports that combine the best of Western and Indigenous ways of teaching and learning.
The Indigenous Student Support team hires students each year for the R-Crew. Bear was an R-Crew member at the Exchange District Campus for 2022-23 along with three other students. The R-Crew are leaders who support and encourage other students, assist with events and perform various administrative duties that develop and enhance their skillsets. These students are an integral part of the team and help to build connections throughout the community on campus.
Indigenous Education is stronger at Red River College Polytechnic with the support of Elders and Knowledge Keepers. The Elders-in-Residence and Knowledge-Keepers-in-Residence provide students with traditional, community-based support through Indigenous ways of teaching, learning and leading.
Navigation Coaches with the School of Indigenous Education are the first point of contact for current
Indigenous students and can help with everything from finding the way around campus, problem-solving, sharing essential resources and information, understanding College processes and accessing community services. They will also help connect students with other important support team members who can ensure students receive the help they need.