Indigenous Student Services
Find the Support You Need On Campus
The Indigenous Student Services team is here to help support you through your education journey at RDP.
Our team can provide support with:
- Accessing on-campus and community resources
- Offering cultural support and guidance
- Assisting with student funding opportunities
- Facilitating smudging ceremonies
- Help in organizing Indigenous events on RDP's campuses
- Coordinating volunteer opportunities
Looking for something else?
Meet the Team
Lloyd Desjarlais, Dean, Indigenous Initiatives
Justice Soosay, Indigenous Student Success Coordinator
Kimberly Potts, Operations Manager, Indigenous Initiatives
Connect with Indigenous Student Services
Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre
The Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre is a place where students can feel a sense of belonging, access resources and celebrate Indigenous culture. It also serves as a reminder of RDP’s commitment to creating a campus where all learners are supported, and where the broader community can engage in meaningful intercultural dialogue.
Come visit us! Students, faculty, staff and community members are always welcome to visit the Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre on RDP’s main campus.
Program Options & Application Fee Waiver
Red Deer Polytechnic has a wide variety of programs for you to choose from. Find a program that interests you and start your journey toward a rewarding career!
Designated seating provides additional support for Indigenous applicants by reserving spots within specific RDP programs. These designated seats ensure that Indigenous students who meet the program’s admission requirements have access to the institution’s industry-relevant programs.
Programs with Designated Seats
- Advanced Accounting Diploma (5 designated seats)
- Alberta Health Care Aide Certificate (12 designated seats)
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics Diploma/Post- Baccalaureate Certificate (5 designated seats)
- Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies (12 designated seats)
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (12 designated seats)
- Bachelor of Applied Arts in Film Production (2 designated seats)
- Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects (2 designated seats)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (5 designated seats)
- Bachelor of Education (13 designated seats)
- Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (5 designated seats)
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering UT (5 designated seats)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (6 designated seats)
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology (5 designated seats)
- Business Certificate (5 designated seats)
- Business Diploma (10 designated seats)
- Computer Programming Diploma (8 designated seats)
- Culinary Arts Diploma (2 designated seats)
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma (2 designated seats)
- Early Learning and Child Care Certificate (4 designated seats)
- Early Learning and Child Care Diploma (4 designated seats)
- Educational Assistant Certificate (4 designated seats)
- Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Technology Diploma (4 designated seats)
- Justice Studies Diploma (4 designated seats)
- Kinesiology & Sports Studies Diploma/University Transfer (2 designated seats)
- Legal Assistant Diploma (5 designated seats)
- Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Transition (3 designated seats)
- Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma (4 designated seats)
- Medical Device Reprocessing Certificate (3 designated seats)
- Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate (4 designated seats)
- Network Administration (4 designated seats)
- Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma (3 designated seats
- Pharmacy Technician Diploma (3 designated seats)
- Practical Nurse Diploma (5 designated seats)
- Social Work Diploma (6 designated seats)
- Visual Arts Diploma (7 designated seats)
Application Fee Waiver
To support Indigenous students, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has introduced an application fee waiver for Indigenous applicants as part of the Indigenous Reconcili-Action Plan 2023-2028. This initiative reduces financial barriers, providing equitable access to post-secondary education.
How to Apply for the Fee Waiver
- Online Applications: Applicants who submit online will need to pay the application fee initially. After applying, contact Indigenous Student Services to request a fee waiver. The fee amount will be credited to your RDP account, reducing your tuition costs.
- In-Person Applications: Apply in person at RDP to have the application fee waived directly, with no need for a credit or refund.
- Refunds for Non-Admission or Non-Attendance: If you apply online, are not accepted, or choose not to attend, a refund of the application fee can be processed. Note: Please allow up to six weeks for processing of refunds.
In order to waive the application fee, proof of ancestry is required. If you have any questions or want help with this process, please contact Justice Soosay.
Applying to Attend RDP
Step 1: Search for the program that interests you.
Step 2: Make sure you are aware of the deadlines to apply.
Step 3: Looking for funding options? Click here.
Step 4: Schedule an appointment with Indigenous Students Services, if you'd like to discuss your options.
Step 5: Schedule an appointment to request an application fee waiver.
Step 6: Follow the steps on How to Apply when you are ready to apply to your program.
Housing on Campus
Red Deer Polytechnic offers a variety of Residence options for students to have a comfortable and welcoming home away from home.