The following message may trigger powerful emotions, especially for those with lived experience of victimization and violence. It is recommended that you read the message when you feel safe and supported. Resources are available, including REES (Respect Educate Empower Survivors), a community for survivors, a 24-7 Crisis Line, and additional support services for those affected by gender-based violence.

Today, December 6, RRC Polytech recognizes the National Day for Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Our flags are lowered at half-mast, and we ask that the College community observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. in the classroom, your workspace or at home.

December 6, 1989, 14 women, mostly students, who were studying in the field of engineering at Montreal’s École Polytechnique were killed at the hands of violent misogyny. Another 14 women were left injured and many more people were deeply traumatized by witnessing the horrific tragedy.

Today, we remember: Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewic.

All these women were denied the bright futures ahead of them. Several women were mere days away from completing the final course of their program, with jobs and travel plans lined up, ready to make great contributions to our society.

December 6is a painful reminder that such heinous violence is not merely something of the distant past. Women and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community continue to be victimized and targeted by gender-based violence, globally, nationally and within our province.

Recently within Manitoba, we have heard the difficult details of the murder of Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit peoples. Over the last 30 years, there have been over 1,400 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S) in Canada, and the loss of these lives is a stark reminder of this ongoing endemic issue.

Any life lost is a tragedy. Those lost could be our colleagues, mothers, daughters, sisters or aunts.

While today is somber a time, a moment to grieve the futures that were robbed of the 14 women – and all those we’ve lost due to gender-based violence – it’s also a time to foster hope. Together, we can take action and foster hope for a better future for women and girls, and remind ourselves of the deeply important “why” behind our shared commitment to embedding equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.

It’s up to us as a College community to create safer, inclusive spaces where no matter what someone’s gender expression is, they can show up as their authentic selves, pursue their chosen education and future, and succeed along the journey.

I invite you to join the College community in commemorating those we’ve lost and fostering hope for a better future free of gender-based violence. There are several ways you can show your support for the elimination of violence against women:

• Observe a moment of silence today at 11:00 a.m.
  
  
• Wear a white ribbon to symbolize your pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls.
  • Ribbons are available at the Student Association offices, Security Services (NDC and PGI), Campus Stores, Parking Office (NDC), and they have been sent to Regional Campuses.
    
    
• Attend Women and Gender Equity Manitoba’s vigil this evening at 5:30 p.m. at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae.
  • The event will also be livestreamed via youtube.com/ManitobaGovernment
    
    
• Learn more about gender-based violence and supports available.
  
  
• Today and throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence (from November 25 to December 10), add your voice to the conversation and share the ways you are being part of the solution to end gender-based violence. Use the hashtag #16Days.​​​​​​​

Today is an incredibly difficult time for many. Take good care of yourselves, and if you’re able to, take care of those around you. If you need someone to talk to, RRC Polytech staff have access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program through Homewood Health. Supports are available for students through Campus Well-Being.