Red Deer Polytechnic celebrates Métis Week

“Throughout Métis Week, Red Deer Polytechnic students, employees and community members had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge about Indigenous ways of knowing and being by engaging with Métis knowledge keepers and partaking in daily cultural opportunities,” said Lloyd Desjarlais, Director of Indigenous Initiatives. “These collaborations and learning opportunities help to advance Truth and Reconciliation and to contribute to a culturally diverse campus.”

Over five days, there were a range of learning opportunities that included a session about Indigenous war veterans and a presentation of “Métis Memories of Residential Schools”, a collaborative project between the University of Calgary, Métis Nation of Alberta and Rupertsland Institute. In addition, there was also a screening of “Hiding in Plain Sight”, which highlights Métis history and culture in Red Deer.

Officials say individuals were able to view Métis resources and to gather as a community to enjoy a soup and bannock lunch. Faculty and staff also had the opportunity to learn about the role of Métis women, Métis history and identity, and RDP Centre for Teaching and Learning’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“Red Deer Polytechnic acknowledges the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Actions, our responsibility to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the recognition of Treaties,” said Stuart Cullum, RDP President. “Métis Week provided an opportunity for the Polytechnic community to continue to grow our relationships with Indigenous learners, knowledge keepers, organizations and communities.”

Individuals had the opportunity to observe and participate in Indigenous games through collaboration with RDP’s and the Red Deer Native Friendship Society.

Throughout the week, the lights of the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre displayed blue, red and white, they say, in recognition of the Métis Nations and their contributions to Alberta and Canada.

Officials state that on the main campus, Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Métis Flags are permanently raised to recognize the land where RDP is located and to signal the Polytechnic’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.

More information about RDP’s Indigenous Student Services is available online.

by rdnewsNOW Staff

Red Deer Polytechnic celebrates Métis Week

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