Education

4 SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2023 EDUCATION GUIDE C anada Life and RRC Polytech establish new Circle of Friends Indig- enous Student Men- torship Program In June, Canada Life announced a $500,000 investment to help create a new Indigenous-led student men- torship program at RRC Polytech called the Circle of Friends Indige- nous Student Mentorship Program supported by Canada Life. The initia- tive will be offered across all college programs and campuses, providing support and guidance to Indigenous learners as they navigate post-sec- ondary experiences and move into the early weeks of employment. Sharon-Rose Bear, a student in RRC Polytech's Social Innovation and Community Development pro- gram, completed her first diploma in Community Development and will return this fall to pursue Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship. During her time at RRC Polytech, Bear has taken every opportunity to engage with the community and challenge herself, and she says she is looking forward to participating in the Circle of Friends program when it's imple- mented. As a student, Bear has taken on im- portant leadership roles. As a mem- ber of the School of Indigenous Ed- ucation Resource Crew or "R-Crew," she helped new and current students navigate college life and helped In- digenous Students Supports Team manage community events. Over the summer, she was part of the RRC Polytech team of students se- lected for the Sistering Indigenous and Western Science Programs (SIN- EWS)—a paid mentorship program through Natural Resources Canada intended to increase the represen- tation and participation of Indige- nous and non-Indigenous women in science-related disciplines and research. Bear says that post-secondary can be overwhelming, but the supports she accessed through the college helped her to balance the opportu- nities she wanted to pursue with her academic endeavours. Another ave- nue of support that connects gradu- ates with experienced industry pro- fessional she says will be helpful in ensuring that Indigenous students can confidently pivot from the class- room to career from the outset. "Many Indigenous students who come to RRC Polytech are diving into many new environments all at once: college, urban life, diverse communities, new schedules, bud- get management, and a big city to get around. It's a lot," said Bear. Bear says while she has been able to thrive during her time as a stu- dent, having mentors to support Indigenous graduates as they tran- sition from college-life to the work- force will be a huge benefit. "Many of us have developed a level of comfort and confidence on campus, but graduation presents the brand-new, bigger hurdle of going out into the workplace on our own – the cushion of the college is taken away. With the Circle of Friends pro- gram, students and recent graduates can take comfort in knowing they will have industry mentors all along the way that will share insights into what it takes to be 'ready,' as they transition into their new careers," Bear said. The Circle of Friends Indigenous Student Mentorship Program will help students facilitate connections with other students and industry professionals that otherwise may have been missed opportunities. This program is also one way RRC Polytech aims to increase partner- ships with Indigenous students, businesses and communities – a key priority for the college. Mentees will have access to first- hand insight into college experienc- es, the job hunt and adjusting to a new work environment. For mentors, having someone to share their experiences with not only will expand their own future industry connections, but bonding through shared experiences and goals can really help build their con- fidence in their careers. Teaching and learning is reciprocal—mentors engaging with mentees is another way that mentors can strengthen their own expertise. "This mentorship program will ensure Indigenous learners have more opportunities to connect with experienced industry profession- als and expand their networks by building strong relationships with mentors and other mentees along their academic journeys," said Tracy Brant, associate dean, the School of Indigenous Education. "In turn, mentors will also bene- fit from engaging with and learning from professionals who are entering their field with new experience and perspectives. Helping to facilitate these potentially lifelong connec- tions provides students with the tools they need to make the impacts they want to see in their commu- nities and beyond. The additional support of dedicated mentors in the fields they want to pursue will en- courage success in their academics and eventual careers." RRC Polytech's School of Indigenous Education: FOSTERING COMMUNITY, CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND NEW PATHS FORWARD RED RIVER COLLEGE POLYTECH SUPPLIED PHOTOS RRC Polytech and Canada Life announcing the Circle of Friends Indigenous Student Mentorship Program. From left to right: Scott Gillingham, City of Winnipeg mayor; Brian Bowman, vice president, sustainability and social impact, Canada Life; Fred Meier, president and CEO, RRC Polytech. Sharon-Rose Bear acting in her capacity as an R-Crew member at an RRC Polytech event. The Indigenous Support Centres at RRC Polytech are equipped with specialized ventilation systems to accommodate smudging and ceremony. Sharon-Rose Bear, RRC Polytech student and alumna. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 Indigenous education is stronger at Red River College Polytechnic with the support of Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

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