Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre Grand Opening

Jan 24, 2025

A group of RDP staff and students stand in front of an orange ribbon ready to cut it

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) celebrated the completion of the Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre on January 23, 2025, highlighting its cultural and community significance. While the Centre has been a vital resource for Indigenous students since opening last September, the installation of its indoor mural and signage now symbolizes the full realization of this important space.

A large group explores the new Indigenous Student Centre. The space features dynamic architectural and lighting accents

The Pónokaisissáhta Centre provides a welcoming environment where Indigenous students (and all members of the Polytechnic community) can access personalized advising, cultural programming and opportunities for connection. It embodies the principles of RDP’s Reconcili-Action Plan, a strategic guide for fostering reconciliation through education, engagement and community-building.

Stuart Cullum speaks in front of a large crowd with an orange ribbon in the foreground

“Part of our responsibility to the Indigenous students is not only bringing more Indigenous students into our learning environments, but ensuring they are successful,” said Stuart Cullum, RDP president. “This space does so many things, but it also ensures that the Indigenous students have a space to go to study, to learn, to meditate, to do ceremony.”

The event celebrating this milestone kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by an open house that featured storytelling by the fire in the outdoor space, live music from Métis Fiddler Billy Joseph in The FarSide Bar and Grill and the sharing of bannock and other refreshments. Guests toured the Centre, connecting with the Polytechnic’s Indigenous Initiatives team to learn more about the services offered and the Centre’s role in supporting student success.

A man performs in front of a crowd in the FarSide at RDP to celebrate the new Indigenous Centre

“By having our student centre, it allows us as an institution, myself as a Dean, and our staff members to address the unique needs of the Indigenous student population here at Red Deer Polytechnic,” said Lloyd Desjarlais, Dean of Indigenous Initiatives.

Lloyd Desjarlais addresses a large crowd at the Pónokaisissáhta Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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.

A group sits in front of a bright window inside the Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre

Students, faculty, staff and community members are always welcome to visit the Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre on RDP’s main campus.

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