March 20 is Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day, on this day RRC Polytech is hosting a Two Spirit Film Festival to celebrate the radiance and diversity of Two-Spirit identities, expression and experience.

Join us for a screening of three films:

First Stories, Two Spirited – This short documentary presents the empowering story of Rodney “Geeyo” Poucette’s struggle against prejudice in the Indigenous community as a Two Spirited Jingle Dancer.

Second Stories, Deb-we-win Ge-ken-am-aan, Our Place in the Circle -Lorne Olson’s short documentary presents a vision he had of Two Spirited people dancing, laughing, and smiling. His vision spurs him to rediscover the strength of the past to better face the challenges of today.

Woman Dress – Pre-contact, a Two Spirit person named Woman Dress travels the Plains, gathering and sharing stories. Featuring archival images and dramatized re-enactments, this film shares a Cuthand family oral story, honouring and respecting Woman Dress without imposing colonial binaries on them.

Drop in; registration is not required.

In recognition of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, join the Social Justice Engagement Club for a film screening and guided conversation for faculty, staff and students.

We will be screening the CBC documentary, “The Skin We’re In.”

The Skin We’re In marks a distinctly Canadian contribution to the “Black Lives Matter” movement which originated in the US, but which describes a set of systemic injustices and disadvantages faced by all black people living in white-dominated societies. Cole asserts that anti-black racism is so all-encompassing in Canada that black people and their allies, far from congratulating themselves that they do not live in America, should be following the American example and dismantling the structures that continue to hold them back.

Join Elder Albert McLeod on Trans Day of Visibility for a talk centered on perspectives on understanding Transgender identities, challenges faced by the Transgender community, Two Spirit advocacy within the Winnipeg Trans community, and the importance of visibility and allyship.

Participants are asked to arrive at Emerging Media and Production’s Connected Classroom, Second Floor (G139) for 11:00 a.m. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m.

Drop in; registration is not required.

Inclusion Week is an opportunity to celebrate and promote everyday inclusion in all its forms at RRC Polytech and to support our commitment to pursue equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in everything that we do.

This opening event will kick off with opening remarks from Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic, followed by a keynote presentation from Dr. Robert Mizzi. Dr. Mizzi will speak on inclusion strategies, respectful work and learning spaces, and affirming and amplifying queer identities and knowledge.

Light Refreshments will be provided for in-person attendees. Space is limited so be sure to register early.

Dr. Robert Mizzi is the Canada Research Chair in Queer, Community and Diversity Education and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba.

Dr. Mizzi is a member of the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame and the Royal Society of Canada.

He has produced over 200 publications and presentations. His most recent book is Queer Studies and Education: An International Reader (Oxford University Press, 2023).

Over the past two decades, the field of positive psychology has expanded rapidly, and one of the most discussed areas has been gratitude. We know that people who practice gratitude lead healthier lives both physically and emotionally. Expressing and receiving gratitude at work directly and indirectly contributes to a culture of cooperative, motivated, and effective employees who give back and feel supported, appreciated, and recognized. By attending, participants will gain awareness on research-based strategies to improve the well-being of employees and the culture or organizations.

Please note that this session will not be recorded.

Join Erica Ament, Assistive Technologist with RRC Polytech, to explore an exciting new software available for all staff and students to use. Read&Write has digital tools with supports for reading, writing, notetaking, studying, comprehension, translation, and more! Learn how Read&Write reads digital text aloud, highlights information and collects your highlights, provides definitions, creates vocabulary lists, and translates text! Plus, these amazing supports are available for both your desktop, and web content! …and did we mention Read&Write is free?! You get all the above supports, and more, in a very user-friendly package, for the low cost of, free!

Please note that this session will be recorded.

About the Presenter
Erica Ament has been with the College for five years in our Student Accessibility Services department. Erica has worked with individuals with disabilities for over 15 years in various settings including: coordinating multiple after school recreation programs and summer camps for youth; as an Educational Assistant in the K-12 school system; in group homes; in daycares/summer camps; and even spent time volunteering to support elementary school students with disabilities in Central America. Erica holds a BA in Sociology and Conflict Resolution Studies, and during her studies explored and wrote about the education of individuals with disabilities. Erica strongly believes in I/UDL and is passionate about sharing how technology can support all learners.

Screening Tales of Ordinary Fatphobia by Josiane Blanc (24 min, 2019.) A powerful collection of testimonies from teenage girls who have been victimized by fatphobia, a social phenomenon that stigmatizes and discriminates against individuals because of their weight. 

What is fatphobia and what can be done to overcome it? With poetic illustrations and painful, compelling testimony, Tales of Ordinary Fatphobia offers multiple examples of the psychological effects of weight-based discrimination and bullying on adolescent girls.

Drop in; registration is not required. Popcorn and snacks will be provided!

While the library as an inclusive, physical space facilitates discussions relating to inclusion and libraries, factors like resource collection and changing keywords also play a role in silently fostering or limiting inclusion. In this session, participants will learn about inclusive searching of library resources and how access to information, in order to counter ignorance and foster allyship.

Outcomes/Key Takeaways:

• Recognize libraries are part of a larger discussion of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
• Describe RRC Polytech’s library’s evolution as a more inclusive library to include staff development, curated collections through our LibGuides, and indigenous subject headings.

About the Presenter
Fatima DeMelo has worked for the RRC Polytech library for 13 years and currently works as a Reference Technician doing everything from troubleshooting printers to answering student questions on chat or in person. When not on campus, she enjoys reading and goes from yoga namaste to boxing knock-out at the gym when not taking walks. 

In this featured speaker presentation, Isha Khan, CEO, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, will talk about finding our voice and advocating for change. This presentation will provide ideas and strategies for students and staff to create an inclusive work and learning environment. A question-and-answer period will be available at the end of the session.

Light refreshments will be provided for in-person attendees. Space is limited so be sure to register early!

About the Presenter
Isha Khan (she/her) is a lawyer, educator and community leader dedicated to building a culture of human rights in Canada and beyond. She has led the Canadian Museum for Human Rights as its CEO since August 2020.  

Isha holds degrees from the University of Manitoba and the University of Victoria. She worked in private practice as a lawyer in Calgary before returning to Winnipeg to lead institutional development and change management at United Way Winnipeg. She served at the Manitoba Human Rights Commission, first as legal counsel and then as Executive Director. Before assuming her role at the Museum, she was appointed by the Government of Canada to review the conditions of incarcerated people in segregation in federal penitentiaries.  

In addition to her professional accomplishments, she is a dedicated community volunteer who currently sits on the board of the Main Street Project and the executive committee of the International Network of Museums for Peace. She is also a past Board Chair of United Way Winnipeg. 

Throughout her life, Khan has helped build communities where everyone is respected and empowered to reach their full potential. She continues that work at the Museum, engaging people around the world in a growing movement for hope and human rights. 

Screening Tales of Ordinary Fatphobia by Josiane Blanc (24 min, 2019.) A powerful collection of testimonies from teenage girls who have been victimized by fatphobia, a social phenomenon that stigmatizes and discriminates against individuals because of their weight. 

What is fatphobia and what can be done to overcome it? With poetic illustrations and painful, compelling testimony, Tales of Ordinary Fatphobia offers multiple examples of the psychological effects of weight-based discrimination and bullying on adolescent girls.

Drop in; registration is not required. Popcorn and snacks will be provided!

Holly Pluchinski guides participants to stretch, breathe and feel good. Suitable for all levels; mats are provided for in-person session.

In-person yoga takes place in GM33, near the North Gym, NDC. Virtual registration includes access to the recording for one week post-class.

About Holly
Holly Pluchinski is a 400-hour registered yoga teacher who has been teaching since 2016. She believes that yoga can be both a tool for introspective growth and also fun which is why oftentimes there’s laughter in her classes. Holly’s yoga classes are often designed to embrace the brain to body connection through classic yoga poses and a focus on functional movements.

The Blanket Exercise is an in-person, experiential learning workshop for all RRC Polytech employees. It brings participants together to learn the effects of Canada’s shared historical colonization. It allows people to relate to history from a first-person perspective. To support our commitment in the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, to make progress on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, strengthening our culture and increasing positive relationships with non-Indigenous, Indigenous students, businesses, and communities, The Blanket Exercise helps direct our path forward in partnership with Indigenous peoples. 

For more information on the workshop, please click here. 

Don’t forget to get your supervisor’s approval and complete the Staff Development Activity Form.

Questions? Contact Taryn Presley at tpresley@rrc.ca. 

Join us for a dynamic reading of a storybook by local Drag Queen, Miss Gender. Modeled after similar events, the aim is to inspire a love of reading, while teaching deeper lessons on diversity, self-love and an appreciation of others. Following the reading, participants will have an opportunity for a Q&A with Miss Gender.

Drop-in; registration is not required.

About the Presenter

Miss Assuma Gender (she/her) is a funky, crafty, and weird little drag queen from Treaty 1. She’s the current reigning Mx. Queer Winnipeg, a member of the Sunshine Bunch, and has performed all across Manitoba with her friends. Assuma has been performing in drag for the last four years, bringing theatre, camp, and stories about her queer journey to every event. She’s always excited to talk, to sing, to listen, and to learn.

This workshop will offer an introduction to both basic ASL and Deaf Culture. Together we will learn basic greetings in ASL in conjunction with the ASL manual alphabet – utilizing fingerspelling as a communication tool and conveying cultural awareness and respect for the Deaf Community to widen awareness about Deaf Culture. This session will be interpreted.

About the Presenters

Cheryle Broszeit is an instructor in the ASL-English Interpretation Program and is currently also teaching ASL classes for beginners through RRC Polytech’s Continuing Education Department. Cheryle has been teaching at the college for 24 years. Cheryle, who is Deaf, comes from a large Deaf family and an active member of the Winnipeg Deaf Community. Cheryle is also an avid photographer, and nature lover who loves to travel.

Kyra Zimmer is an instructor in the ASL-English Interpretation Program and is currently also teaching ASL classes for beginners through RRC Polytech’s Continuing Education Department. Kyra has been teaching at the college for 25 years. Kyra, who is Deaf, comes from a large Deaf family and an active member of the Winnipeg Deaf Community. In her free time Kyra can be found spending time with her family, reading and swimming.

From the comfort of your own kitchen, Abby Legaspi leads at-home chefs through the step-by-step recipe for Crab Rangoon and Pork Shumai (Siomai – dim sum/dumplings). Cozy up with good food and lots of fun!

Note: The first 20 RRC Polytech students may request an ingredient kit to pick up from NDC or EDC. You will receive email confirmation. Student supply kits are limited, so register early.

Contact Kristi for more information: kdorian@rrc.ca

March 1st is Employee Appreciation Day. At RRC Polytech, we recognize that the hard work and dedication of each and every employee contributes to our shared success, which is why on Employee Appreciation Day we want to take the opportunity to recognize and thank the staff and faculty of RRC Polytech for all of the work you do everyday.

Employee appreciation coffee breaks are being planned at multiple campus locations – please join us for coffee, a cookie, and an opportunity to connect and celebrate with your colleagues at the campus location that is most convenient for you:

• Notre Dame Campus: March 1, 10:30 am – 11:30 am; Selkirk Lounge
• Exchange District Campus: March 1, 10:30 am – 11:30 am; Roundhouse, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae
• Interlake and Peguis – Fisher River Campus: March 1, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
• Stevenson Southport Campus: March 1, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
• Stevenson Winnipeg Campus: March 6, 10:00 am – 11:00 am 
• Winkler Campus: March 6, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
• Portage la Prairie Campus: March 6, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
• Steinbach Campus: March 6, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

The session will adapt a decolonized approach to lateral violence in the workplace by describing the essential characteristics of lateral violence, examining why we engage in lateral violence, exploring how lateral violence has affected individuals, redirecting lateral violence to lateral kindness and identifying specific lateral kindness behaviours that can be incorporated within our workplace, families, schools, and communities. There will be time for question and answers at the end of the session.

Light refreshments will be provided for in-person attendees. Space is limited so be sure to register early!

This session will be recorded for future viewing.

About the Presenter
Tanya Clarke-Marinelli is a proud First Nations woman from Hollow Water First Nation and the founder of TC Training Services. She served three years on the Board of Directors with the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce and serves as Vice President with Neemu-Egwah Inc.

This interactive and engaging session will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn more about RRC Polytech’s Supportive Employment Program. The session will cover:

• An overview of supportive employment, the supportive employment process and the roles and responsibilities of those involved;
• Information on general practices around requesting and providing medical documentation;
• An overview of the workplace accommodation process; and,
• Where employees can learn more information and/or access additional supports and resources

Please note that this session is open to faculty and staff members only.

About the Presenter

Joy Gilpin, Supportive Employment Consultant
Joy began her career in disability management after graduating from the Human Resource Management program at the University of Winnipeg and then graduating from the Disability Management Studies program at Dalhousie University. She subsequently obtained a Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) designation from the National Institute of Disability and Research (NIDMAR), making her uniquely qualified as a subject matter expert in the field of disability management. Joy has worked in a variety of disability management and safety roles in both private and public sectors and possesses a strong management skillset as a result of this combination of formal education and diverse work experience.

Join us for a lively game event as part of Inclusion Week, a collaboration between International Education and Campus Well-Being. It’s a fantastic opportunity to indulge in some sports, forge new connections, and explore well-being programs. We believe in the importance of sports and fitness for personal well-being. Gameplay will be kept to a lower intensity to intentionally include those who are new to sport or who haven’t played in some time. 

To save time during your entry, kindly sign the gym waiver form here. Remember your Student or Staff ID and indoor shoes for a swift entry swipe! 

All students and staff welcome – to come check out the gym, learn some basic skills and play a casual game guided by our knowledgeable staff. 

Participants may choose to play up to two of the following sports: 

• Badminton 
• Volleyball  
• Basketball 

Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Looking forward to seeing you there for a day of fun, fitness, and community!

If you have ever been to a powwow then you know what powwow songs sound like; the steady drum beat and vocals that accompany the various dances: jingle, fancy, shawl, traditional, and grass dance. But while it may seem like they all sound the same, there are many different types and songs for all occasions, from those sung to honour someone — like veterans’ songs — or those sung only in ceremony, like the Sundance. 

About the Presenter
Walking wolf Ray “Coco” Stevenson comes from Treaty 1 Territory with both Ojibway and Cree background. Home for Ray is Winnipeg, where he was born and raised. 

Coco is a traditional singer, drummer and a composer of traditional singing and well known for his roles within the Pow Wow community. He was first introduced to drumming and ceremonies over thirty years ago. His journey as an Indigenous artist started after that first introduction. Over the years he has recorded seven original albums of his own composed songs. 

• Students: https://www.rrc.ca/accessibility/
• Staff: https://www.rrc.ca/legal/accessibility/
• Autism and Neurodiversity Professional Development Courses: https://circa.educ.ubc.ca/professional-development/   

Staff/Faculty Training:

• Anti-Racism: A Journey to Allyship
• Four Seasons

eBooks:

• Inclusive Teaching: Strategies for promoting equity in the classroom (2022)
• Indigenization Guides

Videos:

• What is Anti-Racism?
• The difference between being “not racist” and antiracist | Ibram X. Kendi
• Supporting Allyship and Anti-Racism at Work (LinkedIn Learning login required)

CCDI Resources:

• CCDI: Educational Guide: Racism and anti-Black racism (PDF)
• Black History Month: Commemorative Guide (Staff only; login required)
• Educational Guide: Racism and anti-Black racism (PDF)
• Educational resources on racism and anti-Black racism
• Navigating race in the workplace
• Sustaining the Black Lives Matter movement in the workplace

RRC Polytech understands that personal and community well-being contributes to both student success and employee engagement. That’s why Campus Well-Being provides programs, services and resources to support the holistic health of students, staff and faculty. 

Through sport, fitness, recreation and mental wellness initiatives, we create a greater sense of well-being, belonging and connectedness in our campus community. Health is not only about our bodies, but also about our minds, emotions, spirit and relationships. 

Watch the presentation from Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and Students Accessibility Services team members on how you can create more inclusive learning and collaboration in online spaces.

• Creating Inclusive Online Classrooms and Meetings (25 min.)

• Reflection Rooms
• CCDI webinars: Staff only; login required
  • Religious holidays: A path to inclusion
  • Antisemitism: How to recognize and prevent it in the workplace
  • Islamophobia: Removing systemic barriers faced by Muslim communities

Celebrating Pride: An evolving list of resources and self-directed learning helps to foster understanding and allyship, all year round.

Staff/Faculty Training: Gender and Sexual Identities: Advancing Understanding and Inclusion

Eliminating Harmful Language: Content Warning: This website contains language that is offensive or harmful. Please engage with this website at your own pace.

• https://s.wsj.net/public/resources/documents/stanfordlanguage.pdf

Centennial College: Social Action Cards

• https://www.centennialcollege.ca/about-centennial/innovation-inclusion-reconciliation-and-healing/social-action-cards

Trans Historical: Gender Plurality Before the Modern

Transgender History: The Roots of Today’s Revolution

The Shape of Sex: Nonbinary Gender from Genesis to the Renaissance

• Gender and Sexual Diversity Guide
• Gender Diversity and Inclusion Statistics Hub (Statistics Canada)
• Honoring Trans Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Awareness (Human Rights Campaign)
• Egale: Preparing Students for the Transition of a Trans or Gender Diverse Person
• Egale: Affirming and Inclusive Language
• Gender and Sexual Diversity Working Group: join the group