This September, we join communities around the world in celebrating the International Week of Deaf People (September 21 to 27) and the International Day of Sign Languages (September 23).

This year’s global theme, “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights,” highlights the connection between Deaf rights, human rights, inclusive education, sign language access, and inclusion. Throughout the week, the Deaf Flag will be raised at the RRC Polytech Notre Dame Campus (NDC) as a visible reminder of our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and the recognition of Deaf culture and sign languages.

On September 23, the International Day of Sign Languages, the exterior lights at the Exchange District Campus (EDC) will be illuminated in blue as part of the Shine a Blue Light On Sign Languages campaign, a global initiative that celebrates sign languages, Deaf identity, Deaf culture, and Deaf people’s human rights. The lighting of EDC reflects our support for sign languages and our solidarity with Deaf communities worldwide.

American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf Culture, and Community

Language helps us connect, share our experiences, build relationships, and participate fully in our communities.

For Deaf people, American Sign Language (ASL) serves that same essential purpose. More than a means of communication, it connects people to culture, community, and identity, while supporting access, inclusion, and belonging.

As we mark 20 years since the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) recognized sign languages as full and equal languages, we celebrate an important milestone while recognizing that the work continues. Meaningful access to sign language and inclusive communication remain essential to accessibility.

The Deaf community’s rich languages, cultures, and contributions strengthen our campuses, workplaces, and society. Supporting sign languages means supporting cultural diversity, human dignity, and full participation in community life.

Celebrating Our RRC Polytech Deaf Community

One of the most meaningful ways to learn about Deaf culture is through the stories and perspectives of Deaf community members.

As part of this year’s International Week of Deaf People celebration, we are proud to feature a collaborative video showcasing members of RRC Polytech’s Deaf community. Through their stories and reflections, participants share what they are most proud of as members of the Deaf community, why ASL is important to them, and the role Deaf culture and sign language play in their lives.

Their stories highlight the importance of creating environments where Deaf individuals can fully participate, contribute, and thrive.

We extend our sincere thanks to Cindy Gent, Denise Watson-Jarigen, April Riel, Rick Zimmer, and Deborah Owczar, who generously shared their experiences and perspectives.

The video will be featured throughout the week on campus digital screens and through internal communication channels as part of our celebration of the International Week of Deaf People.

For additional information about Deaf and Hard of Hearing supports and services at RRC Polytech, please contact Jill Patterson, Manager, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS).

A Week of Awareness, Action, and Celebration

The International Week of Deaf People invites us to celebrate the richness of Deaf culture, recognize the importance of sign languages, and reflect on how each of us can contribute to a more accessible and inclusive community.

As part of this year’s celebration, members of the RRC Polytech community are encouraged to participate in activities and learning opportunities that promote awareness of Deaf culture and accessibility.

Consider taking time this week to:

• Watch the Deaf community feature video.
• Learn a few signs in ASL through our “A Sign a Day” series on Staff Forum.
• Explore accessibility resources available at RRC Polytech.
• Reflect on how communication access can help create a more inclusive campus for everyone.

Accessibility Resources

RRC Polytech is committed to supporting equal access to education and employment for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and employees.

Learn more:

• Accessibility at RRC Polytech
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
• For Staff:
  • Accessibility Training and Learning Resources
  • Accessible Information and Communication Content Creation Resources
  • Accessibility Quick Tips Hub
  • Supportive Employment Resources

Whether it is learning a few signs in ASL, ensuring information is accessible, or taking time to learn from the experiences of Deaf community members, meaningful inclusion often begins with small actions.

As we celebrate this week together, let us continue creating spaces where Deaf people are recognized, valued, and empowered to participate fully in every aspect of campus life.

Deaf people’s rights are human rights. Deaf culture matters. Sign languages matter. And together, we can continue building a more accessible RRC Polytech for all.

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities and reflect on how we can create more equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible workplaces for all.

DEAM is a national awareness campaign that highlights the value of employing and supporting people with disabilities and encourages employers, employees, and communities to help remove barriers in the workplace.

At RRC Polytech, we proudly support disability inclusion every day. Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) means creating environments where employees and students feel welcomed, supported, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Building Awareness Through Action

Disability is part of human experience. Some disabilities are visible, while many are not. Some are permanent, while others may be temporary or episodic.

Creating accessible workplaces benefits everyone. Accessible communications, flexible work arrangements, ergonomic workspaces, and inclusive practices help ensure that employees, students, and visitors can fully participate and thrive.

This Disability Employment Awareness Month, we invite the RRC Polytech community to learn, reflect, and take action by exploring the supports, resources, and learning opportunities available across the Polytech.

Did you know?

RRC Polytech offers a variety of supports and resources that help create more accessible and inclusive workplaces.

• Supportive Employment within People Services helps employees access workplace accommodations and disability management supports. Employees can contact their Human Resource Specialist or TotalCompensation@rrc.ca for more information.
• Individual Emergency Plans are available for employees with disabilities who may require assistance during an emergency. To learn more or request a plan, contact Safety, Health and Security Services at safety@rrc.ca
• Ergonomic Assessments help identify workplace barriers that may affect comfort, safety, and productivity. Employees can request an assessment of their workstation or work tasks through the Ergonomics Assessment Request Form or by contacting Safety, Health and Security Services at safety@rrc.ca.
• Employees can connect with the Neurodiversity Working Group and the Accessibility Garden: Community of Practice to share experiences, learn from one another, and help advance accessibility and inclusion at RRC Polytech.

Celebrating DEAM at RRC Polytech

Throughout October, RRC Polytech will recognize Disability Employment Awareness Month through awareness activities, learning opportunities, and community engagement.

Light It Up! For NDEAM™

On Thursday, October 15, 2026, organizations across Canada will light up their offices and buildings in purple and blue for one special night as part of Light It Up! For NDEAM™, the annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month campaign led by the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN).

RRC Polytech will join hundreds of organizations across Canada in demonstrating our commitment to disability-inclusive employment and celebrating the skills, talents, and contributions of people with disabilities through this national campaign.

One night. Hundreds of locations. One shared commitment to inclusion.

As part of the campaign, RRC Polytech will:

• Illuminate the Roblin Centre and the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute in purple and blue from October 15 to 31, 2026.
• Display the Light It Up! For NDEAM™ graphic on outdoor digital screens at the Exchange District, Notre Dame, and South Winnipeg campuses from October 12 to 16, 2026.

Join us by wearing purple and blue on October 15 as we celebrate disability inclusion and demonstrate our shared commitment to accessible and inclusive workplaces.

Learning Opportunities for Employees

The following learning opportunities are available to RRC Polytech staff and faculty.

Disability Awareness Training with Darrin Luke
Presented by Manitoba Possible

This training provides practical information and strategies for interacting respectfully and confidently with people with disabilities. It focuses on understanding disability, reducing misconceptions, and fostering positive and inclusive interactions. Participants will learn appropriate ways to communicate with people with disabilities.

The training also explores respectful language, disability etiquette, offering assistance, and avoiding assumptions and stereotypes. In addition, participants will learn about disability disclosure in the workplace, including considerations around how and when employees may choose to disclose a disability, as well as best practices for employers when receiving and responding to disclosure conversations in a respectful, supportive, and confidential manner.

Through discussion and real-life examples, participants will gain a better understanding of how small changes in attitudes, language, communication, and workplace practices can help create a more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment for everyone.

Choose the date and location that works best for you. The same session will be offered twice.

• October 7, 2026
  Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (45-minute presentation followed by an optional 15-minute Q&A)
  Location: A118, Notre Dame Campus

• October 8, 2026
  Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (45-minute presentation followed by an optional 15-minute Q&A)
  Location: E155, Exchange District Campus or online via Microsoft Teams

rEGISTER FOR Disability Awareness Training

Space is limited. Early registration is encouraged.

Meet the Presenter

Darrin Luke is the Training Coordinator at Manitoba Possible, where he educates the public about disability, accessibility, and inclusion.

Darrin acquired his injury at the age of 10 as a result of a cancerous spinal tumour, which caused him to become a T7 paraplegic. Despite this challenge, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and French from the University of Waterloo, an Education degree from the University of Windsor, and a Human Resources certificate through the University of Manitoba.

Darrin enjoys spending time with his spouse, Jenny, their dog Harley, and their cats Gretz and Clark. He is also passionate about sports and has completed four half marathons. His interests include sledge hockey, wheelchair tennis, and waterskiing.

Continue Your Learning Journey

Disability Employment Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and take action. Accessibility and inclusion are year-round commitments that benefit everyone.

Resources

• Career Services
  • Career Services LEARN site: A redesigned and accessible online resource that provides students with career planning tools, employment supports, job search resources, and career readiness information. Students can also access resources with ASL interpretation.
  • Accessibility Supports for Career Success (within the Career Services LEARN Shell): A module with resources and information related to disability-inclusive employment, including the Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) Series 2025 that provides insights about job searching, preparing for Work Integrated Learning, and academic success for students with disabilities

• Accessibility resources
  • Accessibility Plan: Learn about RRC Polytech’s ongoing efforts to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility across the Polytech.
  • Accessibility Training: RRC Polytech offers a variety of accessibility training opportunities to help employees create more inclusive and accessible environments. Mandatory training includes Accessible Customer Service and Accessible Information and Communication Standard.
    • Looking to build your accessibility skills further? Explore the RRC Polytech Instructor’s Guide to Accessible Courses. Available through LEARN and HR Unlimited’s My Learning section, this course provides practical guidance on creating accessible learning materials and applying the requirements of the Accessible Information and Communication Standard. While not mandatory, it is highly recommended for all employees.
  • Accessibility Quick Tips Hub: A collection of practical tips, tools, and guidance to help employees create more accessible documents, meetings, communications, digital content, and learning environments.
  • Tech Tips: Work Smarter, Not Harder: Explore technology tips and accessibility tools that support learning, communication, and productivity.
  • Accessibility Feedback Form: Share feedback, suggestions, or accessibility concerns to help improve accessibility services and experiences at RRC Polytech.
  • Employment Equity Self-Identification Questionnaire: Voluntarily self-identify to help the Polytech better understand and support the diversity of its community.

Additional Learning Resources

• CCDI resources
  • From Divide to Inclusion: Digital Access, Accessibility, and Skills Development for People with Disabilities
  • Indigenous Perspectives on Disability and Work: Promoting Employment Inclusion in Canada
• Manitoba Accessibility Office recordings
  • Accessibility at Work: Removing Barriers to Benefit All Employees
  • Breaking Barriers: Unlocking Accessible Employment

Disability Employment Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and take action. Whether it is participating in a learning session, improving the accessibility of a document, supporting a colleague, or learning more about disability inclusion, meaningful change often begins with small actions.

Let us continue this journey together as we build a more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all.

Rosh Hashanah, beginning before sundown on Friday, September 11, and ending after nightfall on Sunday, September 13, is the first of a series of significant High Holidays in the Jewish calendar. Rosh Hashanah, which marks the start of the Jewish New Year, culminates with Yom Kippur, beginning before sundown on Sunday, September 20, and ending after nightfall on Monday, September 21. The period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is considered very important as a time of reflection, repentance and renewal.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are followed by Sukkot, beginning before sundown on Friday, September 25, and ending after nightfall on Friday, October 2; Shmini Atzeret, observed on Saturday, October 3; and Simchat Torah, beginning before sundown on Saturday, October 3, and ending after nightfall on Sunday, October 4.

Whether the Jewish community observes the High Holidays from a religious or cultural perspective, there are specific ways in which Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are typically celebrated.

Rosh Hashanah

On erev Rosh Hashanah, it’s traditional to host large dinners with family and friends and enjoy sweet foods such as apples dipped in honey and honey cake to symbolize a sweet new year. Round challah, which represents the cycle of life, is also commonly served. These dinner celebrations take place over two nights, and many observant Jews attend synagogue services over the two days of Rosh Hashanah and listen to the shofar, a ram’s horn that is blown like a trumpet.

Yom Kippur

On Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, many observant Jews fast from food and drink and attend synagogue services on both erev Yom Kippur and throughout the following day until the fast ends. After sundown, family and friends often gather to break the fast together.

The 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are considered especially significant. Listening to the shofar and participating in community gatherings are common during this time.

Visit the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg’s Community Calendar for events happening during the High Holidays.

Shana tova umetuka! (Have a happy and sweet new year!)

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate people with disabilities, their identities, cultures, and contributions to our communities. It is an opportunity to recognize disability as a natural part of human diversity while challenging stereotypes, stigma, and barriers that continue to affect many people’s daily lives.

Disability Pride Month traces its origins to July 1990, when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in the United States. Today, it is celebrated around the world, including in Canada, where 22 per cent or 6.2 million Canadians live with a disability.

Throughout July — and every month of the year — we are encouraged to reflect on the barriers that people with disabilities continue to face and to take meaningful action toward removing them. By working towards understanding, accessibility, and belonging, we can help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in education, employment, and community life.

Accessibility at RRC Polytech

While the ADA is an American legislation, its impact has influenced accessibility laws and policies around the world. In Manitoba, the Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) became law in 2013 with the goal of identifying, removing, and preventing barriers to accessibility.

At RRC Polytech, we are committed to advancing a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) across our institution. We believe everyone deserves equitable access to education, employment, services, and opportunities. As one of Manitoba’s leading post-secondary institutions, we strive to create learning and working environments that are welcoming, inclusive, and supportive, while respecting the dignity, independence, and unique experiences of persons with disabilities.

This commitment is reflected in our ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and implement the goals outlined in our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Institutional Plan.

Student Accessibility Services

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) plays an important role in supporting an inclusive learning environment by coordinating accommodations and services for students with disabilities. Through individualized supports, SAS helps students access opportunities and resources that contribute to their academic success and overall experience at RRC Polytech.

To learn more, visit rrc.ca/accessibility.

Supportive Employment Program

For staff, the Supportive Employment Program helps ensure that workplace accommodations are available when needed. The program supports employees with disabilities by providing appropriate accommodations that enable them to continue working safely and effectively or return to work as soon as medically feasible.

RRC Polytech’s ongoing accessibility efforts are guided by our Accessibility Plan, which supports compliance with the Accessibility for Manitobans Act and outlines actions to create a more accessible campus and workplace for everyone.

June 27 is Canadian Multiculturalism Day, a time to recognize and celebrate the many cultural communities that help shape Canada’s diverse and vibrant society.

Canada became the first country to adopt multiculturalism as an official policy in 1971, later strengthening this commitment through the Canadian Multiculturalism Act in 1988. This recognizes the importance of preserving, sharing, and celebrating the many cultures, traditions, and identities that contribute to Canada’s story.

Multiculturalism is built on the belief that everyone should be able to take pride in who they are, celebrate their heritage, feel a sense of belonging, and participate fully in society. It is about respect, understanding, and recognizing the value that different experiences and perspectives bring.

At RRC Polytech, diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Our campuses bring together students and staff from many backgrounds, cultures and lived experiences. We are committed to creating learning and working environments where people feel welcomed, respected, and valued. By embracing the many cultures represented across our campuses, we create opportunities to learn from one another, strengthen connections, and build a more inclusive Polytech community.

Community Voices: A World Within a Word

One of the most powerful ways cultures are preserved and shared is through language.

Language is more than communication. It carries memories, identities, stories, traditions, values, humour, and ways of understanding the world. It connects generations, keeps cultures alive, and helps people remain connected to their roots.

To mark Canadian Multiculturalism Day, members of the RRC Polytech community shared a word or phrase from their language that holds special meaning. Each contribution provides a glimpse into the experiences, values, and perspectives that shape our community.

As you explore these words, you will discover that language can hold much more than a definition. A single word can carry stories, memories, relationships, and an entire world of meaning.

Together, these words offer lessons about community, resilience, belonging, kindness, and connection, and remind us of the many voices that make our Polytech community stronger.

A mosaic of languages and cultures. Handwritten words and phrases shared by staff members to celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day.

Why These Words Matter

These are just some of the many languages and cultures represented across our Polytech community. Canada is home to hundreds of languages, each offering unique ways of understanding family, community, resilience, care, and belonging.

When we learn even a single word from another language, we gain more than a new term. We open the door to experiences and perspectives beyond our own and deepen our appreciation for the diversity around us.

A big thank you to all our contributors for sharing your words and stories in this feature. Your participation creates opportunities for learning that build understanding, connection, and respect. These moments remind us that multiculturalism is strengthened through everyday opportunities to listen, learn, and share.

Resources and Ways to Engage

Participate

Communities across Canada host events for Canadian Multiculturalism Day. Explore opportunities to celebrate, learn, and connect in Manitoba and beyond.

Stay informed

• Explore resources about the history of multiculturalism in Canada, including information about multiculturalism, educational resources, teaching tools, and research.
• Learn more about cultural observances and upcoming events through the EDIA Blog and resources such as the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion’s (CCDI) 2026 Diversity Calendar (CCDI login required)  and the Celebrate Everything page in Staff Forum.

Share your story

Take part in the Celebrate Everything initiative and contribute your own traditions and experiences to help shape future blog features.

Support inclusion efforts (staff)

If you feel comfortable, consider completing or updating Employment Equity Self-Identification in HRIS. This helps ensure our community is accurately represented and supports efforts to build a more inclusive workplace.

June is National Deafblind Awareness Month in Canada. It’s a time to recognize and honour the diverse experiences of people who are Deafblind. At RRC Polytech, we’re learning how to create a campus that welcomes everyone.

According to CNIB, an estimated 466,000 Canadians over the age of 15 are living with some degree of dual sensory loss. Deafblindness is a relatively low-incidence disability in Canada, affecting about 1% of the population, but is not recognized as distinct by the Federal Government. Many Canadians who are deafblind lack access to supports and services to help them fully engage in their communities.

What is Deafblindness?

People are considered Deafblind when they have both vision and hearing differences that make it harder to access information through sight or sound alone. Because of this, many people who are Deafblind use other ways to connect, like touch, technology, or support from others.

There are many types of Deafblindness. Everyone’s experience is unique. For example:

• Congenital Deafblindness means the person was born Deafblind or became Deafblind early in life, usually before learning language.
• Acquired Deafblindness happens later in life. It can happen for many reasons, including changes that come with aging.

Deafblindness is not just about senses, it’s about how we make sure people can fully take part in school, work, and community life.

Resources and Learning

Want to learn more? Here are a few great places to start:

• RRC Polytech’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. To book an ASL-English Interpreter or for note taking support  submit this form.
• CNIB Deafblind Community Services provides support and emergency services for people who are Deafblind in communities across Canada.
• DeafBlind: Blind But Not Blind | JennyLynn Dietrich | TEDxSalem (12:46)
• Busting myths about what it’s like to be deafblind | Deafblind Awareness Week | Sense (7:02)
• Insights into the Deafblind Community (59:40)
• The Canadian Helen Keller Centre

Every year, Canada recognizes National AccessAbility Week, beginning on the last Sunday in May. First launched by the Government of Canada in 2017 and later recognized through the Accessible Canada Act in 2019, the week highlights the importance of accessibility and inclusion across the country.

In Manitoba, the week aligns with Manitoba Access Awareness Week (MAAW), a province-wide initiative that promotes awareness, celebration, and action toward a more accessible and inclusive society.

Together, these observances recognize the leadership, contributions, and lived experiences of persons with disabilities. They also highlight the ongoing work of individuals, organizations, and communities to remove barriers and create spaces where everyone can participate fully.

Accessibility at RRC Polytech

At RRC Polytech, accessibility is a shared and ongoing commitment that shapes learning, teaching, and campus life.

Every two years, we renew our Accessibility Plan and report on progress to the Manitoba Government. The plan helps guide efforts to improve access, reduce barriers, and create more inclusive experiences for students, staff, and visitors.

Behind this work are employees, students, and teams across the Polytech community who are helping turn accessibility goals into meaningful action.

This year, in recognition of National AccessAbility Week and Manitoba Access Awareness Week, we are celebrating some of the people whose everyday efforts are helping build a more accessible and welcoming RRC Polytech.

Accessibility work happens in many different ways, through teaching, technology, communication, campus operations, advocacy, and lived experience. The stories below highlight students and employees who are helping create meaningful change across the Polytech community.

These stories show accessibility in action at RRC Polytech. Whether redesigning course materials, improving communication access, clearing pathways before sunrise, or sharing lived experiences, each effort helps build a stronger and more inclusive community.

As we recognize National AccessAbility Week and Manitoba Access Awareness Week, we thank the students, employees, and teams whose work continues to make a meaningful difference across RRC Polytech.

June marks Pride Month, a time to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and recognize their voices, contributions, resilience, and progress.

Pride Month traces its roots to the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, when members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their supporters stood up against police violence and discrimination at the Stonewall Inn. This moment became a turning point for the modern 2SLGBTQ+ rights movement and inspired years of advocacy, protest, and progress around the world.

Why Pride Still Matters and the Importance of Allyship

Despite progress in rights and representation, many people in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community still face discrimination, exclusion, and safety concerns. Visibility is important, but being seen doesn’t always mean being included, respected, or safe.

This is why Pride still matters. Pride is a celebration of identity, resilience, and the progress of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, but it also reminds us that the work isn’t done. Challenges remain, and real change requires continuous action.

Allyship is how we turn visibility into meaningful support and change. It means actively supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community through steps like:

• Listening and learning from others’ experiences
• Speaking up against unfair treatment
• Supporting and validating people’s identities
• Amplifying voices that are often ignored
• Creating spaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ people feel welcome and valued

Pride is both a celebration and a call to action. By showing up, learning, and acting alongside the community, we can transform visibility into true inclusion and continue addressing the challenges that remain.

Pride at RRC Polytech

At RRC Polytech, Pride is reflected through community participation, allyship, and creating inclusive spaces for students and staff.

Winnipeg Pride Parade

Over the past several years, RRC Polytech has proudly joined the Winnipeg Pride Parade, one of Manitoba’s largest celebrations of diversity, inclusion, and community pride.

On June 1, 2025, more than 335 students and staff marched together in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, gathering alongside thousands at the Manitoba Legislative Building to celebrate visibility, belonging, and inclusion.

Check out the Pride Parade Photos on RRC Polytech’s Flickr page.

Behind the Pride Float

One of the most recognizable parts of RRC Polytech’s participation in Pride is the annual Pride float.

The float is a collaborative project led by the Pride Planning Committee and built by teams from the School of Skilled Trades and Technologies. It features RRC Polytech’s personalized Pride design, an evolution of the Progress Pride flag that represents all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and includes specific Indigenous elements. This reflects the Polytechnic’s ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation.

Each year, the float is updated to better support 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff, and community members attending the parade. This year, accessibility is a key focus, with efforts underway to ensure the float is welcoming for all participants, reflecting RRC Polytech’s broader commitment to inclusion.

Community Voices: Reflections on Pride Month

Leading up to Pride Month, students and staff shared reflections on what Pride means to them and why participating matters. Each perspective helps build a broader understanding of Pride and its impact within our community. These stories highlight how Pride creates connection, belonging, learning, and support.

What Pride Month means to us personally and within the community

What attending the Winnipeg Pride Parade felt like

Memorable moments from past parades

Why showing up at Pride matters

Pride Month Kickoff at the Interlake and Peguis-Fisher River Campus 

A big shoutout to the Interlake and Peguis-Fisher River Campus in Selkirk for kicking off Pride Month on April 16 with a student-led celebration. The event, organized by Business Administration students, brought the campus community together through activities, conversations, and resources focused on Pride and inclusion.

One highlight was a surprise performance by a student from the Health Unit Clerk program, creating a meaningful and uplifting moment. The event fostered a welcoming and positive space for all attendees.

Show your Pride with RRC Polytech!

This Pride Month, RRC Polytech encourages students, staff, and community members to take part in Pride Month activities throughout June.

Pride Month is both a celebration and a reminder of the ongoing work toward inclusion, dignity, and human rights.

At RRC Polytech, Pride is reflected not only through events and symbols, but also through the people who share their stories, support one another, and help build a more welcoming community.

This June, we invite you to take part not only in celebration, but also in continued learning, connection, and action.

Post compiled by Dr Obren Amiesimaka, Gender and Sexual Diversity Working Group Member at RRC Polytech. Thanks to our eight contributors for sharing their perspectives: Tracy Zhou, Jodi Z, and six other staff and students.

Standing against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia is essential, which is why May 17^th each year is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). The theme of #IDAHOBIT2026 is “At the heart of democracy”, underlining that justice and equity for everyone is at the centre of truly democratic societies. In that spirit, we hear eight voices from amongst our staff and students on the importance of IDAHOBIT.

IDAHOBIT means a lot

The significance of this observance cannot be overemphasised: “IDAHOBIT is a day of visibility, reflection, and courage. It reminds me that people like me exist everywhere, even in places where it is difficult to be open. … it represents both how far we still need to go and how important it is to speak up and be seen.”

Another voice notes the day helps raise awareness that “we’re still making progress on the path towards inclusion, acceptance and understanding” and it spotlights “topics that are tough for some to talk about and accept.” “This day will continue to be relevant as long as there’s resistance towards 2SLGBTQIA+ rights”.

For yet another contributor, IDAHOBIT provides an opportunity to share “personal experiences of homophobia in the hopes that it might make space for individual reflection and change.” However, care should be taken for it not to feel “like a performative occasion where institutions …pat themselves on the back.”

The dad of a transgender child, on IDAHOBIT, celebrates “watching [his] son (assigned female at birth) move from a place of anxiety and depression in junior high, to being a confident, thoughtful and assured high school student with his sights clearly set on post-secondary education.” He also celebrates “love, curiosity and connection as the basis for human thriving” alongside “organizations like Trans Manitoba – who fight for trans rights and visibility, and the rights of people of all genders.”        

It is also a time when he reflects on how: “shame, judgment, blame and violence continue to be seen as acceptable responses to trans folks, [and] trans people are categorized as aberrant, mentally unwell, and therefore, a target for attack”.

Describing Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia “are forms of fear, misunderstanding, and prejudice” based on people’s sexual orientation and gender identity.  This can present in different forms: “avoidance and micro-aggressions, … the laws …and regulations”, alongside “strangers misgendering you/your partner, forms that can’t be accurately completed, and in people’s actions from disgusted smirks to physical violence.” They can also be on a range of levels, from systemic and structural to internalised and interpersonal. “For example, as a bisexual person, [a contributor] faced stereotypes and lack of acceptance even in queer spaces.” In whatever format, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia cause “emotional, psychological and physical harms within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.” Some note that the ‘phobia’ part does not indicate a justified fear but a willful antipathy towards the very existence of queer folx.  

The world we deserve

A world without homo-, bi- and trans-phobia is one where queer folx “don’t have to explain or justify who they are”, “would be able to open… socials without [seeing] acts of hate.”; and where “what you have (or don’t have) in your pants is no longer interesting.”

As a contributor says:“It looks like my family members acknowledging my spouse, not my “friend”, and celebrating our marriage equally to those who had straight marriages. It looks like inclusion that goes beyond tolerance and into celebration of the uniqueness 2SLGBTQIA+ [folx] bring to our vibrant world. …It’s not only allowing us to eat at the table, but it’s meeting our unique ‘diets’ and not complaining about the inconvenience but being excited that you get to try something new because we’re at the table. It looks like safety when we travel, and not having to research laws and perceptions before booking the trip. It looks like checking into hotels and not being questioned for having one bed. It looks like servers not mistaking us for friends or for our gender presentation. It looks like all men having the freedom to embrace femininity without fear of being othered.”

Anti-2SLGBTQIA+ myths got to go!

There are several homo-, bi- and trans-phobic myths that must be set aside; such as the ideas that queer folx “must have mental illness”, choose to be 2SLGBTQIA+, or are a passing “trend” or “fad”. Others are that “it is ‘common sense’ that everyone is either a man or a woman”, or that “bisexual people are ‘more likely to cheat’ or are ‘confused’. … Trust and loyalty are about a person’s character, not their sexual orientation”.

Tips on supporting IDAHOBIT

Anyone wishing to uphold the IDAHOBIT spirit should “listen to us. Vote like our lives depend on it (they do). Be open to unlearning, and when you make a mistake, do not ask us to make you feel better about it. Learn. Move forward knowing better and doing better. Help us carry the weight.”   

“Go into the world with curiosity and a humble desire to understand (not judge) that which seems different to you… There are many experiences of being a man or woman all along a spectrum.” “Avoid making assumptions about others’ identities. Stand up when you see discrimination, even in small everyday situations. And most importantly, create spaces where people feel safe to be themselves—because acceptance starts with how we treat each other daily.”

“Be kind”, “keep an open mind” and allow yourself to “unlearn … to aid in relearning a new narrative.”

The quotes shared in this blog reflect the personal views of the contributors.

At RRC Polytech, we acknowledge that homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia exist, and that their impacts are real. We strive to create safe and supportive spaces for meaningful reflection and conversation, while recognizing that these topics may bring up strong emotions, particularly for those with lived experience.

We encourage students and staff to take care of their mental health and access the available supports and self-care resources through the Supports and Resources page and Staff Forum.

May is Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, a time to explore and celebrate Jewish culture, faith, and history, and to honour the enduring contributions of Jewish communities to Canada’s social, political, and economic life.

The month also holds special significance for Jewish communities worldwide, as it often aligns with Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, which marks the spring harvest and commemorates the giving of the Torah.

Learn more about Jewish culture and history, and celebrate Jewish Heritage Month with the following resources:

• Jewish Canadian History
• Jewish Heritage Guide

National Film Board of Canada:

• The Jews of Winnipeg, Bill Davies, 1973 | 27 min.
• Full Film Selection for Canadian Jewish Heritage Month
• 12 Books to read for Jewish Heritage Month via CBC
• The Secret Life of Canada: Jewish Montreal: A culinary history – A CBC podcast episode
• CCDI Webinar: Antisemitism: How to recognize and prevent it in the workplace
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