Red River College Polytechnic celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs, art, and culture

Students, staff and community members gather at Red River College Polytechnic campus for an Indigenous cultural celebration, showcasing the works of entrepreneurs and local talent through food, fashion, and music. Temi Olatunde reports.

By Temi Olatunde

It was an Indigenous cultural explosion at Red River College Polytechnic, as staff, students, and community members gathered for an event showcase — in partnership with RBC Future Launch — celebrating art and culture on Wednesday afternoon.

“Everything is just come together so wonderfully and there’s such a great turnout,” said Terri-Lynn Anderson, events coordinator of Indigenous Student Supports at Red River College Polytechnic.

“It feels wonderful, honestly, because I know there’s a lot of indigenous people that haven’t grown up with their culture myself as well. So it just feels really nice to be able to showcase all of the indigenous talent that we have here in this city. And for everyone to see.”

Indigenous Market at RRC. (Photo Credit: Mike Sudoma, CityNews)

The event was held in the Manitou a bi Bii daziigae building, and featured Indigenous entrepreneurs and local talent sharing their cultures and work with those in attendance through food, fashion, and music including a performance by Juno Awards Nominee Indian City.

Traditional Inuit seamstress Gayle Gruben was excited to share her designs at the event.

“It feels wonderful. It’s a first for myself also. You know, I’m pretty low-key with my work and to have it showcased is spectacular. And I’m proud to show that Inuit wear and proud to be Inuvialuk,’ explained Gruben.

Business owner, Autumn Beardy highlights the importance of cultural representation in the community through an item she has on display.

Indigenous Market at RRC. (Photo Credit: Mike Sudoma, CityNews)

“I think everybody wants to be seen in terms of like what drives them, what they’re really passionate about, what they’re really good at. These are people’s talents,” said Beardy.

“I got these little dolls to honor my daughter because she’s a little jingle-dress dancer. And I really wanted her to have something that looked exactly like her. Not like kind of like her. You never find this anywhere else. Like it’s not on the shelves. You can’t just walk down to any department store and buy her a doll that looks like her because it’s not there.”

Anderson says it’s important that the impactful works of Indigenous people in the community are recognized.

“Indigenous people, they’re here. They’re working. They’re doing such great things for the community.”

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