Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
RRC POLYTECH – INTERLAKE AND PEGUIS-FISHER RIVER CAMPUS CONVOCATION
Selkirk Recreation Complex
Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
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Fellow Manitobans, travelers on the road of life and learning – it is a pleasure to share this day of celebration with you.
As Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, it’s a powerful experience to join you here to celebrate education in Selkirk, so close to the signing site of Treaty One.
I acknowledge that our province is located on the treaty territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Dakota and Dene nations and the homeland of the Red River Métis. As well, Manitoba includes northern lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit.
Today, as we celebrate graduates from Peguis and Fisher River, we are also – with heavy hearts – thinking of family and friends from across Manitoba who have been forced from their homes by wild fires. And we are grateful for the everyday heroes who – like many among you – continue to fight hard to protect communities throughout the province and provide support to those in need.
As part of Manitoba’s commitment to partnership with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people and to the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration, we must come together to support those most affected by this terrible fire season.
Of course improving opportunities for education for Indigenous people is also a very important part of the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
As Lieutenant Governor – and before that, in my earlier work in adult education and the K-12 school systems – I have had the opportunity of watching the proud, hopeful faces of students and their friends and family members at many graduation ceremonies.
Graduations of any kind are special milestones for the individuals receiving their diplomas or certificates.
They are also important community celebrations.
That is especially the case today, as we applaud the achievement and hard work of today’s graduates and consider what their education means to the communities of Peguis and Fisher River First Nation.
Today’s graduates have developed valuable knowledge and experience that will allow them to meet community needs in health care, education and infrastructure. Their new skills will strengthen the economy of their first nations, of the Interlake and of our entire province.
It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get to this day. Graduates – each of you is here because you committed yourself to your studies, whether you did so full-time or part-time, or you had to balance education alongside family commitments or a job.
You’re also here today because of the dedication of your instructors and the support of your family and community.
To everybody who is part of extended Red River Polytech family – congratulations and thank you for your dedication to learning and growing in Manitoba,
Merci. Meegwich. Shalom
