RDP Hosts Indigenous Culture Camp

Jun 03, 2024
A group sits outside in a large circle on a sunny day. Behind them are three teepees

In collaboration with regional partners, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) welcomed educators, faculty, staff and students to Indigenous Culture Camp May 30 and 31.  

Alongside Indigenous leaders, Red Deer Public Schools and Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, RDP offered this culturally immersive professional and personal development opportunity on RDP’s main campus.  

“Indigenous Culture Camp provided an opportunity for participants to connect and expand their knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing and being through land-based learning,” says Lloyd Desjarlais, Dean of Indigenous Initiatives. “This event is one example of how RDP creates meaningful reconciliation initiatives and educational enhancements for diverse stakeholders.” 

Indigenous Culture Camp featured a variety of sessions that provided authentic outdoor teaching and learning opportunities in tipis, Métis trapper’s tents and an Inuit tupiq. The sessions included a Métis Fiddling and Jigging Demonstration, Traditional Parenting: Medicine Wheel Teachings and Blackfoot Teaching History, Traditions and Language.  

Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders from the region played significant roles in the teachings at the Camp, leading sessions by sharing their culture and knowledge.

As a benefit to students of all ages, teachers and post-secondary instructors will be able to integrate the knowledge and experiences they have gained from Indigenous Culture Camp into the classroom. However, the advantages of attending Indigenous Culture Camp go beyond professional practice.  

Through these unique experiences at the Camp, participants also had the opportunity to foster meaningful reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Peoples as supported by RDP’s  
Reconcili-Action Plan 2023-2028.  

The Reconcili-Action Plan 2023-2028 represents an important step in RDP’s commitment to the recognition of Treaties, advancement of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, allegiance to Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Indigenous Education Protocol and its responsibility to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Reconcili-Action Plan was created by RDP faculty and staff in consultation with Indigenous Peoples. 

The Indigenous Culture Camp kicks off a variety of planned initiatives that RDP has in store as the Polytechnic community recognized National Indigenous History Month in June.  

Learn more information about Indigenous initiatives at RDP.  

Media Inquiries

Communications Team

Phone: 403.342.3389

Email Us

Related News

A group shot of Stuart Callum, Lloyd Desjarlais, Caitlin Fox and Scott Bollman
Scotiabank Donates $250,000 to Support Land Based Learning & Reconciliation Space at RDP
Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has received a significant boost in education and cultural enrichment with a generous $250,000 pledge from ScotiaRISE, Scotiabank’s social impact initiative that helps remove barriers to career advancement and employment. The funding will contribute to the establishment of the Land Based Learning and Reconciliation Initiative that aims to create a dedicated space on campus for learning, community engagement and the promotion of Indigenous traditions and teachings. “Elders and staff at RDP have identified an on-campus location which is an ideal setting for an Outdoor Learning Space, located on the south side of the campus adjacent to Waskasoo Creek, the space features a natural amphitheater, pathways and ample open space suitable for a range of programming,” comments Lloyd Desjarlais, Dean, Indigenous Initiatives. “The space, surrounded by abundant wildlife and access to naturally growing medicinal plants sacred to Indigenous communities, will serve as a dynamic venue for integrating cultural and Indigenous perspectives across all of our academic programs.” Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic, emphasized the significance of Scotiabank's contribution: "We are immensely thankful for this generous donation from Scotiabank, which will allows us to offer distinct educational and cultural experiences to our students, faculty, staff, and
Indigenous Perspectives Conference graphic
RDP to host Indigenous Perspectives Conference
Red Deer Polytechnic is excited to host the Indigenous Perspectives Conference from February 9-10, 2023. The conference, which is planned by student volunteers, provides Polytechnic learners, faculty, staff, alumni, educators and community members with immersive academic, cultural and social experiences. The Indigenous Perspectives Conference, which is organized by the Education Undergraduate Society of Red Deer Polytechnic in collaboration with several partners, offers a range of engaging sessions. The sessions include Indigenous Games and Cross-Curriculum Connections, Talking Circles, Nehiyam/Cree Language Lesson, The Spirt of the Métis, and Tipi Teachings. “The Indigenous Perspectives Conference plays an important role in the academic, personal and professional journey of many people by growing their knowledge and understanding of Indigenous experiences and perspectives,” says Annika Sudlow, Vice President of RDP Education Undergraduate Society and Advisor of the Indigenous Perspectives Conference. “Through the generosity of our sponsors – Central Alberta Regional Consortium, Indigenous Student Services, and support through the Cultural Activities Trust Fund provided by the RDP Students’ Association – we are able to offer this conference at no cost, which reduces barriers to participate.” Kendra Rosychuk, a Cree and Ukrainian pow wow dancer, will be the keynote speaker on February 9. Rosychuk is a fitness trainer