Indigenous Student Services

Welcome to Indigenous Student Services at Red Deer Polytechnic

Indigenous Student Services offers academic, social and cultural support for First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Non-Status students at Red Deer Polytechnic. 

You will find our offices and the Indigenous Student Gathering Space located just inside the main entrance of Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus building. The Indigenous Student Gathering Space is a great place to connect with other students and with Indigenous Student Services staff. 

Our doors are open from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30pm, and you are welcome here. Contact us to learn more.

Connecting with Indigenous Student Services

There are many reasons to connect with us.  

Future Students
If you are interested in becoming a student, we can talk with you to learn your goals and help you navigate the resources and processes to achieve this.

Current Students
If you are a student, connect with our office to learn more about Indigenous education and awareness on Red Deer Polytechnic’s campuses. We also hold cultural events and activities throughout the year. 

To stay informed with up-to-date information, be sure to check our Upcoming Events page often or contact us. You can also follow Indigenous Services at Red Deer Polytechnic on Facebook to learn more.

Community and Cultural Connections
Indigenous Student Services can also help you with opportunities and connections beyond Red Deer Polytechnic.

We connect students with spiritual, traditional knowledge and language support. We also offer information about Indigenous agencies in Red Deer, along with supports from the community-at-large. We also provide information about the Polytechnic's land acknowledgement for everyone who may be a student, employee or guest on campus. 

You are welcome to contact us if you have questions, are looking to connect with the community or want to discuss any aspect of Indigenous culture.

Indigenous Students’ Graphic 

This graphic is a celebration and a representation of the diversity of Indigenous cultures on campus.

Indigenous students who graduate from Red Deer Polytechnic may choose to receive a Convocation stole with the graphic on it, symbolizing their culture and their connection to the Polytechnic. 

Creating the Graphic 
The graphic was created with input from several Indigenous communities, and it incorporates many cultural symbols that resonate with Indigenous students who attend the Polytechnic.

• A circle graphic was chosen to represent the circular life cycle and to house meaningful Indigenous colours and symbols
• These symbols include: Eagle, Buffalo, Inukshuk and Treaty Agreement
• The Métis symbol is woven into the center of the graphic as they are a part of all Nations
• The colours white, yellow, blue, red and black respect both the Treaty 6 and 7 Nations
• All seven Indigenous languages spoken in Alberta by the different Nations and Métis people

We are proud to have this symbol that was created from so many Indigenous perspectives to represent our diverse communities. 

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH INDIGENOUS STUDENT SERVICES AT RED DEER POLYTECHNIC

Click below to book an appointment with RDP Indigenous Services

Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment

Contact Us

General Inquiries
indigenous [dot] services [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca

Talitha Klym
Indigenous Student Success Coordinator
Room 1009G
403.357.3672
Talitha [dot] Klym [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca

Lloyd Desjarlais
Director, Indigenous Initiatives
Room 1009B
403.342.3284 
Lloyd [dot] Desjarlais [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca 

Learn more on our Facebook page at Indigenous Services at Red Deer Polytechnic.