RDP & Sunchild First Nation Launch Elders Village Program to Encourage Indigenous Students into Trades

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and Sunchild First Nation (Sunchild) have signed an agreement that will enable Sunchild First Nation School students an opportunity to gain firsthand experiences of trades work in carpentry, plumbing and electrical under RDP’s instruction and supervision, while also helping build homes for Elders near the Nation’s school.  

The Sunchild Elders Village Program is part of a wider Memorandum of Understanding that RDP and Sunchild have renewed, providing Indigenous students a unique opportunity to explore careers in trades close to home. Having sampled this trades work, students can then apply for RDP’s Red Seal trades programs.

In addition to trades, the MOU also highlights future work together in areas such as applied research, health & wellness and creative arts.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Sunchild First Nation and empower Indigenous students to achieve their academic and career goals,” says Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic. “RDP is committed to making education accessible for all learners and advancing economic and social development in the communities that we serve.”  

"The renewal of this agreement signifies a definitive effort to put words to actions in providing more opportunities for the students and members of Sunchild to advance their futures in trades through our engagement with RDP," says Councillor Clint McHugh, Sunchild First Nation.

Background Information

Through this MOU, Indigenous students have academic opportunities that include an introduction to skilled trades and on-reserve training such as upgrading and certificate programs. In addition, Indigenous students will be supported in their transition to study at RDP, including through Indigenous Student Services and the range of Student Services provided at the Polytechnic.  

With more than 100 industry-ready programs, including 17 apprenticeships, Red Deer Polytechnic provides enhanced education, training and applied research opportunities that prepare students for rewarding careers.  

As identified in its Reconcili-Action Plan 2023-28, Red Deer Polytechnic strives to build meaningful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island, create more pathways for Indigenous learners, honour and hold space for Indigenous Peoples and welcome the sharing of perspectives.

This MOU also supports goals identified within the Alberta Government’s Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs, a 10-year strategy that focuses on providing exceptional educational experiences, skills and training to meet the needs of the province’s future workforce. This strategy bolsters innovation, research commercialization and employers’ relationships with post-secondary institutions.  

The MOU will continue until June 31, 2029, when both parties can choose to extend it.