Nuit Blanche Winnipeg is a free evening exploration and celebration of contemporary art that takes place on the opening Saturday of Culture Days. Held annually since 2010, the events and exhibits attract thousands of people to Downtown, The Forks, and the Exchange District. Nuit Blanche Winnipeg 2022 will take place on Saturday, September 24.

Nuit Blanche is looking for volunteers for Saturday Sep 24th, from 9:00 pm to 12:30 am. Volunteers will be required to monitor art installations, engage with attendees, answer any questions, hand out maps, direct attendees to the app, loosely track attendance, and potentially assist artists with set up or tear down.                     

There will be an orientation (in-person or online options available) the week leading up to the event. Volunteers will also be required to sign our code of conduct form.

Sign up to show your support, meet new friends and artists, and become part of the the biggest contemporary arts and culture celebration in Manitoba.

Click here to register.

My name is Carmen and as part of the Welcoming Week celebrations I would like to share a little bit about my story. 

9 years ago, on September 17, 2013, we arrived in Winnipeg after almost a year of preparation and planning. However, this was quite an adventure and a surprise in many ways since we arrived. 

We arrived with a family of three (my husband, my 1-year-old son, and myself), with only three suitcases and with numerous dreams, goals, fears, and the desire to live in peace and freedom. Now we are five, three children, my husband and I.  

Although you tried to prepare yourself for something like this, you always find things that you did not imagine or that you simply did not know like a blank canvas that you must shape and paint to the extent that life allows you. Yes, you do have to start from scratch in every way, starting with the language, professional path and even learning how to function in a total new world. 

We arrived in a town outside of Winnipeg. My husband got a survival job where he worked nights and rested during the day. Meanwhile I traveled an hour and a half in the mornings to study in Winnipeg and made the same journey back in the afternoons. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t impossible, because migrating is a decision that entails many sacrifices and a great desire to move on in life. The first years can be difficult and even almost impossible, but many newcomers have achieved it. You ask yourself: If others have achieved it before us, how can we not do it as well? That was the question that kept us fighting and searching for opportunities. 

And that is what we wanted when we arrived in this country, to find OPPORTUNITIES… and after a short time we began to see these opportunities and achieve them. Throughout these nine years I have discovered a country with its defects and virtues, but where dreams can come true, a country where you can materialize your goals if you work hard and commit to achieving them. 

I started as a student at the Language Training Center (RRC Polytech) and my level of English was literally zero. Now I am part of the RRC Polytech staff, and that has been a great opportunity to grow professionally and personally. I discover new things and meet many people every day. Every single day I wake up with the attitude of learning something new about my work environment, my city, my new culture, and my life. I feel that there is still much to discover and that keeps me attentive to the opportunities that will undoubtedly lead me to achieve the goals and successes that I have on my to-do list. 

Without a doubt, coming to Canada is one of the best decisions I have made in my life, it does not mean that I do not miss Venezuela, my people, my culture and everything that goes with it, it is simply that at this time I now understand that Canada is the place where I belong and although I love and miss Venezuela, Canada is the place where I live my present and where my future dreams are. 

Migrating is not easy, but it teaches us many things. We have to be attentive to these teachable moments and open our minds and our hearts to understand that at some point little by little you start to love and value the country where you are now and that this will become your country on a regular basis and your heart will always be divided because on one side you keep the treasures of the past and on the other side you will treasure the moments that have shaped you into a new and better human being. 

As we start to settle in and feel more comfortable with our daily routines, I encourage you to embrace the College’s culture of caring for one another and ensure that everyone both virtually and on campus continues to feel welcome and valued.  

Diversity is one of our greatest strengths because it’s our differences that often teach us the most. We are so fortunate to bring together students and staff from a wide collection of backgrounds, cultures and beliefs, making our College community an incredible resource from which to learn.   

Our commitment to inclusion guides us to seek opportunities to involve all of these unique sources of information in ways that are meaningful to them and helps to develop better strategies to interact with each other moving forward.   

This week we will be holding some special events and activities to celebrate international students, immigrants and all newcomers to Canada who have chosen to further their education at RRC Polytech.  

From September 9 to 18, RRC Polytech and the Language Training Centre are participating in Welcoming Week to promote inclusion and belonging. It’s the 10th anniversary of what is now a global event, and the third year Canada is participating nationally.  

Building confidence and developing a sense of belonging is essential to long term success and we want all students to know that sharing their culture, language and unique experiences enriches life on campus for everyone and we appreciate their contribution to the College community.       

Welcoming Week also allows us to showcase the benefits of our partnerships in the community, and with local and Federal government, which enhance learning opportunities and break down barriers to access and participation for international students, newcomers and refugees. 

A prime example is RRC Polytech’s Language Training Centre, a hub for helping newcomers achieve success in their fields, while bringing great impact to Manitoba’s communities. Its home at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae in the heart of Winnipeg, is convenient and accessible for learners and offers so much more beyond an opportunity to learn English. The supportive and energetic staff have created a dynamic learning environment that also connects students with their community and the supports they need to reach their education and career goals.  

Our partners in industry are in need of skilled workers and we are eager to prepare the next generation of leaders. By offering a welcoming, collaborative environment RRC Polytech is attracting the best and the brightest to learn, work and live in Manitoba.     

During Welcoming Week, we invite you to share your success stories, compete in fun activities for prizes, pose for photos, and explain who you are, why you’re here and the many reasons you’re proud of where you’re from. Use the hashtag #WelcomingWeek2022 on social media to have your message included in the national campaign. The goal of this initiative is to create a greater mutual understanding of the needs of others and an uplifting atmosphere to work and learn in.  

We are committed to ensuring our College community reflects Manitoba’s diverse population and welcomes the valuable perspectives of people from around the world. 

Be kind. Be curious. Be open. 

Fred 

Did you know that September 9th – 18th is Welcoming Week?

Welcoming Week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that help everyone feel welcome and that they belong in their local community. These values are important at the Language Training Centre and RRC Polytech.

Help celebrate Welcoming Week by participating in a variety of activities this week, including:

• Watching this website throughout the week for messages from the RRC Polytech and Language Training Centre leadership team
• Reading inspiring stories by staff and students that will be posted here and on LTC’s Facebook page
• Participating in the following on-campus activities on Sept. 15^th between 1pm – 3pm: 
  • English Conversation Club in-person kick off
    • Have fun and meet new people while practicing your English (E235 – Manitou a bi Bii daziigae) 
  • Welcoming Week photo booth
    • Write a welcome message/word, take a selfie at our photobooth (E210 – Manitou a bi Bii daziigae) 

Let’s celebrate some of the things that make RRC Polytech, the Language Training Centre and Canada great at Welcoming Week 2022!

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) will be hosting a free community celebration concert on Saturday, October 1st at 7:30PM at the Centennial Concert Hall (555 Main Street).

Everyone is welcome to attend this free concert but tickets are required.

Click here to get your free tickets.

Click here for more information.

Manitoba Start is offering several webinars. For more details and the full events calendar, please visit their website.

• Webinar: Spotlight on SEED Winnipeg- August 18
• Interview Skills Workshop- August 19 and 26
• Spotlight on Qualification Recognition- CPA Manitoba- August 23

Immigrant Centre is offering several upcoming employment and settlement events. For more events, please check out their website event calendar.

• Employment Services: Manitoba Food and Beverages – August 19
• Settlement Services: Canadian culture, multiculturalism & indigenous traditions – August 19
• Settlement Services: Police Services on Personal Safety- August 26

Multiple tours are being offered over the next two weeks to new and current students at the Notre Dame Campus and Exchange District Campus. 

Follow the following step to register for a tour:

1. Select your campus and preferred time and then click on a link below.
2. Select a date in the calendar, then click on the time so it turns blue.
3. Add your name and email address, and then click ‘book’.

A confirmation of the date, time, and location as well as visitor parking will be provided to you once you register. 

Notre Dame Campus Tours – All tours will start in front of the Campus Store.

August 15 – 19

• Notre Dame Campus Tour (1:00PM)
• Notre Dame Campus Tour (2:30PM)
• Notre Dame Campus Tour (4:30PM)
• Notre Dame Campus Tour (6:00PM)

August 22 – 26

• Notre Dame Campus Tour (1:00PM)
• Notre Dame Campus Tour (2:30PM)
• Notre Dame Campus Tour (4:30PM)
• Notre Dame Campus Tour (6:00PM)

Exchange District Campus Tours – All tours will start in front of the Student Service Centre.

August 15 – 19

• Exchange District Campus Tour (1:00 PM)
• Exchange District Campus Tour (2:30 PM)
• Exchange District Campus Tour (4:30 PM)
• Exchange District Campus Tour (6:00 PM)

August 22 – 26

• Exchange District Campus Tour (1:00 PM)
• Exchange District Campus Tour (2:30 PM)
• Exchange District Campus Tour (4:30 PM)
• Exchange District Campus Tour (6:00 PM)

If you have any questions, please contact Stacey Thorarinson at stthorarinson@rrc.ca . 

All students are invited to attend Red River Ready. This event provides a variety of sessions to help you prepare for success on your academic journey at RRC Polytech.

The Red River Ready orientation sessions are taking place on August 23 at the Notre Dame Campus and August 24 at the Exchange District Campus.

Come meet other students as you learn about the services and supports that will help you make the most of your time at the College, such as:

• Student Association
• Student Service Centre
• Library Services and Academic Success Centre
• Indigenous Student Support
• Student Support Services
• Career Services
• Campus Well-Being
• Accessibility Services and Counselling Services
• Safety and Health and Security Services
• Financial Aid, RPL, Academic and Program advising 
• Ancillary services (Parking, Campus Store)
• and more!

Click here to see more information about the event and to register.