June is National Indigenous History Month, honouring and celebrating the rich cultures, histories and contributions of Indigenous Peoples across Canada. This month, RRC Polytech's Portage Campus proudly welcomes a significant new installation on its grounds - a student-made metal teepee. This permanent installation symbolizes RRC Polytech's commitment to Truth and Reconciliation while showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of students.
A Symbol of Collaboration and Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
"Our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation is woven into the very fabric of our campus community. We strive to create spaces where students, staff, and community members not only feel a deep sense of belonging, but also see their identities and stories reflected in our campus environment," said Guy Moffat, Manager of the Portage Campus.
The teepee, standing prominently on campus grounds, incorporates the Ojibway teaching of the Medicine Wheel and its colours, yellow, red, black and white. Beyond its striking visual design, the structure embodies applied learning, as every component was crafted and welded by students at the Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg.
A cohort of international students in the Introduction to Fabrication course collaborated to construct the teepee, gaining practical experience while learning about Indigenous culture in Manitoba.
"Students demonstrated not only technical skill but also a genuine respect for the cultural significance of this project," said Shylyte Bloodworth, Chair of Manufacturing at RRC Polytech. "Through this collaborative work, students acquired hands-on experience and made a meaningful contribution to our campus community and its commitment to reconciliation."
Cohort of international welding students who created the metal teepee.
This project exemplifies how education intersects with culture, enabling students to refine their skills while deepening their cultural understanding and appreciation.
RRC Polytech is grateful for the consultation and collaboration of the Portage Urban Indigenous Peoples Coalition - which is also known as Suta Kachicha - and the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation, in developing the idea to construct a metal teepee. We also acknowledge the Portage Friendship Centre and Suta Kachicha for their guidance on the colours used and the number of poles.
We invite the Polytech community to visit the Portage Campus and experience this meaningful installation for themselves. The teepee stands as a symbol of our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural understanding and collaboration. Come and witness the creativity and skill of RRC Polytech students, and join us in celebrating this significant addition to the campus.
