RDP recognizes Pride Month with Progressive Pride Flag Raising

Nationally renowned First Nations artist and Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) alum, George Littlechild was the guest of honour at a special event marking the start of National Truth and Reconciliation Week at RDP. Public employees of RDP, the Students' Association of RDP (SARDP), and the RDP Alumni Association purchased a piece of Littlechild’s art entitled 4 Star Art Warrior. The organizations graciously gifted the artwork to RDP’s permanent art collection in recognition of the contributions of students, employees, and alumni and to honour Littlechild’s connection to the Polytechnic. The painting will ultimately be displayed inside the main entrance of Red Deer Polytechnic as a reminder to students, staff, and visitors of the ongoing journey towards reconciliation. The artwork was officially unveiled at a special event held on Monday, September 25, in the Arts Centre Main Stage on RDP’s main campus. Local First Nations leaders, community members, and RDP students, staff and faculty listened as Littlechild shared his personal story as a former RDP student and Indigenous artist. This special event is one of many taking place at Red Deer Polytechnic to acknowledge Truth and Reconciliation Week. About Dr. George Littlechild: Dr. George Littlechild was born in Edmonton, Alberta, of Plains

Red Deer Polytechnic hosted a variety of events and initiatives during Métis Week to provide learning opportunities about Métis culture and history, to celebrate the contributions of Métis people and to commemorate the legacy of Right Honourable Louis Riel. On November 16, Canadians recognized Louis Riel Day, which honours the contributions of Right Honourable Louis Riel as a political leader, an advocate for Métis rights and the founder of Manitoba. The week surrounding Louis Riel Day is recognized as Métis Week (November 14-18). “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,” says 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 was a range of learning opportunities that included a session about Indigenous war veterans and a presentation of “ Métis Memories of Residential Schools,” which is a collaborative project between the University of Calgary, Métis Nation of Alberta and Rupertsland Institute. In addition, there was also a screening of “Hiding

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