Red River College unveiled its newest campus with a grand opening celebration in Portage la Prairie on Wednesday.
Located in the former Victoria School building, RRC says the new campus marks the College’s continued commitment to providing increased educational access for rural and Aboriginal learners.
More than 50% of the Portage Campus’ student population is Aboriginal. Which is why it was only fitting that the College’s commitment to First Nations communities was echoed in its grand opening celebrations.
“Today is a bit of a historic event for Red River College — we have never opened a campus in the traditional way of the First Nations people,” said RRC President Stephanie Forsyth, herself a member of the Tsimshian First Nation in B.C., before kicking off a ceremony that featured greetings from provincial, civic and First Nations leaders, as well as a traditional pipe ceremony, dancing and drumming.
The newly-renovated building replaces the Southport campus (just outside Portage la Prairie) and offers more space for study areas, student and staff lounges, instructor office space and a new Aboriginal Centre.
A number of special guests were in attendance, including MGEU President Lois Wales, MGEU Aboriginal Liaison Cathy Woods, and Manitoba Minister for Advanced Education Erin Selby.