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.

The Skin We’re In invites viewers into the mind of an emerging intellectual and firebrand. Boasting intimate access to one of Canada’s most intriguing voices, it profiles Desmond Cole as his most exciting chapter unfolds.

This is his journey from journalist to activist, unfolding in real time. We follow Cole as he travels across Canada in pursuit of stories, examples, and knowledge about black identities and experiences.

The Social Justice Engagement Club is an initiative put on by the Anti-Racism Action Committee to create a space for students, faculty and staff to foster a learning community that advances Truth & Reconciliation, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Event Details:
Day: Thursday, March 21, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00pm
Locations:

• Notre Dame Campus: Active Learning Classroom (Library, CM27)
• Exchange District Campus: Roundhouse Auditorium

Registration: Click on this link and submit the form to register for the event.

RRC Polytech is recognizing Pink Shirt Day on February 28, 2024. The annual anti-bullying event began in 2007 in Nova Scotia when a grade 9 boy was bullied for wearing a pink shirt.

Two of his classmates organized a schoolwide protest, asking all students, teachers and staff to wear pink in solidarity and to demonstrate there is no place for bullying.

Pink Shirt Day’s mission is to create a more kind, inclusive world by raising awareness and funds for anti-bullying initiatives.

The Campus Store has purchased shirts where proceeds support Indigenous community programs, kindness promotion and bullying-prevention programs in schools across Canada, and program subsidies to Indigenous Schools. Oromocto First Nation student artist Brooke Gillam designs this year’s artwork:

Artist Statement:

“I chose a sacred feather because it symbolizes and represents a high honour, wisdom, power, and freedom. The three hearts inside represent kindness, friendship, and love. When I tied the two together, it felt right because my heart told me it felt like it was meant to be.” -Artist Brooke Gillam Oromocto First Nation

Stand for kindness and wear pink on Pink Shirt Day to show your support for safe and inclusive campuses, workplaces and communities.

Please note the Campus Store will be closed February 27-29.

Respectful College – Online Training

RRC Polytech has developed a course called Respectful College to support our commitment to a safe and inclusive working and learning environment where everyone is entitled to be free from bullying, harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence.

The Respectful College course is available to all staff and students and takes about two hours to complete. Staff and students who complete the full training, including learning activities, will be eligible to print a Certificate of Completion. Login to LEARN to complete the course.

February is Black History Month, an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities, who have been a part of shaping Canada’s heritage and identity. The theme for Black History Month 2024 is Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build. You can learn more about Black history in Canada on the Government of Canada website.

Black History Month at RRC Polytech

RRC Polytech is committed to pursuing equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. During Black History Month the College community is encouraged to heighten their awareness of the Black Canadians in our lives who impact us daily – celebrate their successes and contributions and spend time learning about the many ways cultural diversity enriches our lives.       

Library & Academic Services has created the Anti-Black Racism Learning Toolkit to help everyone better understand racism and how to take action against it. An additional list of resources will be shared below.

New members of the College’s Anti-Racism Action Committee are always welcome to join a working group of motivated staff and students dedicated to making a difference across our campuses. If you are interested in attending a meeting, please reach out to Co-Chair Rebecca Molly Hiebert.   

RRC Polytech is sponsoring a community event entitled Supporting the Winnipeg Black Collective: Action Vision & Change on February 16^th at Fort Richmond Collegiate. All members of the College community are invited to show their support by attending the dinner and symposium featuring a keynote address by Canada’s award-winning Black Justice Strategy Co-author, Zilla Jones, BMA, JD.

The evening’s festivities will celebrate Afro-Caribbean Black Canadian communities’ by paying homage to its rich history and celebrating Afro-Caribbean Black (ACB) people’s great accomplishments in our present times. The evening’s social gathering will encourage audience members to dance, sing and contribute to a thought-provoking panel discussion on the Black experiences in Winnipeg, empowering ACB community members, and supporting local Black Businesses and Initiatives.

The third annual event is organized by the Afro-Caribbean Mentorship Program (ACMP) and the University of Manitoba Black Alliance (UMBA). RSVP is required as space is limited.

Click for more details and to register

As part of the event sponsorship, one RRC Polytech student of African/Black descent (including international students) will be awarded a Book Bursary of $400, providing they submit their application before the deadline of February 10^th.  Please encourage any students or classmates who might qualify to fill out the brief online form to apply.   

Click to apply

Black staff, alumni and students have previously shared some personal stories to help others better understand the significance of Black History Month and we recommend you revisit them through the following links:      

Sharing Stories – Tanya Hansen Pratt

Sharing Stories – Gbolahan Olutayo Oduntan

Sharing Stories – Phyllis Reid-Jarvis

Stay tuned to the Diversity blog and RRC Polytech’s social media channels for additional events and stories throughout February, as the celebration of Black History Month continues.

Staff are also encouraged to complete the Anti-Racism training on LEARN this month, if you haven’t already. The course speaks to unconscious bias, microaggressions, systemic racism, and privilege and purposefully challenges our staff to act when confronted with racism or discrimination, to create safe learning and working environments for all.

As we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians, we also recognize the importance of equity and inclusion beyond the month of February. At RRC Polytech, we are committed to pursuing equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do, year-round.

Additional Resources:

• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) Resources has created a commemoration guide for Black History Month that RRC Polytech employees can use to celebrate and recognize the diverse experiences of Black Canadians: Commemoration Guide (PDF).
• CCDI is also hosting a free, live webinar for its employee partners on February 9, Celebrating Black History Through Story (Staff only; login required)
• CCDI past recording (no login required) Addressing Anti-Black Racism in the Workplace
• CCDI past recording (no login required) History of race and racism in Canada
• CCDI Educational resources on racism and anti-Black racism
• Winnipeg Public Library: Black History Month
• Black History Manitoba: Events Calendar
• CBC’s Black on the Prairies and Being Black in Canada
• National Film Board of Canada: Black Communities in Canada
• Government of Canada: Noteworthy Historical Figures  
• CBC’s “The Secret Life of Canada” podcast: Crash Course on Black Nurses
• Black Chamber of Commerce
• Canadian Human Rights Museum: Black History and Human Rights (Sundays are free)
• Beyond anti-racism, anti-discrimination statements and charters (Scarborough Charter discussions) | Feb. 8 at 3:30 – 6:00pm
• The Mental Health Effects of Anti-Black Racism (Panel discussion on Feb. 6 at 6:00 – 8:30pm)

If you have any questions, please contact us at diversity@rrc.ca.

RRC Polytech’s second annual Inclusion Week is February 26 to March 1, 2024! The week-long event is filled with in-person and virtual opportunities for students, staff and faculty to learn how to embody equity, diversity, and inclusion at work, in class, and in our personal lives.

We strive to host accessible events. If you require an accommodation, please email diversity@rrc.ca.

Diversity counts on our campuses. At RRC Polytech, we are committed to pursuing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in everything we do – and to do this, we need to know who’s here at the College. By completing the Student and Employee Diversity Self-Identification Survey, you will help us assess our current EDI initiatives, programs and policies and help us make meaningful progress in our shared priorities

Schedule of Events

Monday, February 26

Queer Voices, Inclusive Choices: Transforming Academic Spaces
Keynote with Dr. Robert Mizzi
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | In-person and virtual
Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae

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.

register

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).

Tuesday, February 27

Read&Write – A Literacy Support Toolbar Now Available at RRC Polytech
With Erica Ament
10:00 to 11:00 a.m. | Virtual via MS Teams

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!

register

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.

Wednesday, February 28

The Inclusive Library: From Searches to Collections
Presented by Library and Academic Services
Facilitated by Fatima DeMelo
10:00 to 11:00 a.m. | Virtual through MS Teams

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.

register

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. 

Finding your voice and advocating for change
With Isha Khan
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | In-person and virtual
Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae

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!

register

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. 

Yoga with Holly
12:10 to 12:50 p.m. | In-person and virtual

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

register – in-person

register – virtual

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.

Thursday, February 29

Drag Storytime with Miss Gender
12:00 to 1:00 p.m. | In-person
NDC Library (CM18)

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.

Intro to Basic American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture
With Cheryle Broszeit and Kyra Zimmer
2:00 to 3:00 p.m. | In-person
Prairie Lights, NDC

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.

register

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.

Friday, March 1

Lateral Violence to Lateral Kindness
With Tanya Clarke-Marinelli
8:30 to 9:30 a.m. | In-person and virtual
Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, EDC

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!

Register

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.

Supportive Employment Information Session (for Staff and Faculty)
With Joy Gilpin
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | In-person
Prairie Lights, NDC

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.

register

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.

Pow Wow Teaching with Ray (Coco) Stevenson
1:00 to 2:00 p.m. | In-person
Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, EDC

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. 

register

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. 

Self-Guided Resources

RRC Polytech’s second annual Inclusion Week is coming up, February 26 to March 1, 2024! The week-long event is filled with in-person and virtual opportunities for students, staff and faculty to learn how to embody equity, diversity, and inclusion at work, in class, and in our personal lives.

We are excited to announce the Inclusion Week keynote speaker, Dr. Robert Mizzi, who will be presenting a session entitled Queer Voices, Inclusive Choices: Transforming Academic Spaces.

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).

Stay tuned to the Diversity blog and Staff/Student News for the full Inclusion Week schedule of events.

Signed up to volunteer for Inclusion Week? The Planning Committee is currently finalizing the programming and will be reaching out with volunteer opportunities in the coming weeks.

The following message contains content – mentions of transphobia, trans violence, and suicide – that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experience.  

Post written by Justine Hawley, Chair, Gender and Sexual Diversity Group at RRC Polytech

Transgender individuals have existed throughout history, appearing in various cultures and societies long before the common era. Despite their historical presence, society’s treatment of members of the transgender community has been marked by discrimination, prejudice, and violence. The vast timeline of human existence illustrates the normativity of transgender lives. Despite this, contemporary society still struggles with acceptance and equality for transgender, non-binary, and other gender non-conforming individuals.

The term “trans” serves as an umbrella encompassing a spectrum of gender identities that do not align with an individual’s assigned sex at birth. This definition encapsulates transgender individuals, non-binary persons, and others who transcend conventional gender norms. Despite this broad understanding, societal resistance and discrimination against trans individuals persist, often stemming from ignorance, fear, or deeply ingrained biases.

Transphobia, the systematic prejudice and discrimination against transgender individuals, has created an oppressive environment that deeply affects their lives. This hostility not only threatens their existence but also leads to alarming rates of violence and suicide among the trans community. The struggle against transphobia has left many individuals physically and emotionally scarred, emphasizing the urgency for societal change and acceptance.

Transgender Day of Remembrance, observed annually on November 20th, serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost to transphobic violence. It is a day to honor the resilience of those who fought for equality, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions towards a more inclusive society. Taking a moment to reflect on the struggles faced by transgender individuals and commemorating those who are no longer with us is an essential step in advocating for a more equitable future.

Recognizing that a future without trans individuals is untenable and embracing a departure from cisnormativity are crucial steps towards creating a more harmonious and accepting world. It necessitates a collective effort to dismantle discriminatory systems, foster empathy, and celebrate the diversity of human experiences.

In acknowledging the historical presence and ongoing struggles of transgender individuals, we can strive for a society where everyone is respected, valued, and embraced for their unique identities. Embracing inclusivity and understanding is pivotal in building a world where transgender individuals can thrive without fear of discrimination or violence.

If you or anyone you know is in crisis, contact one of these supports for transgender-specific guidance:

• Trans Health Klinic
• Trans Lifeline

If you have any questions or comments, please email us at diversity@rrc.ca.

September 18-24 marks International Week of the Deaf, an annual opportunity to recognize and build awareness of the Deaf and hard of hearing community around the world. This year’s theme is A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere, which reminds us to promote and champion the importance of sign languages as a means of communication, fostering a world where Deaf and hard of hearing individuals can express themselves freely and be fully included in all aspects of society. 

Monday, Sept 18, 2023 – Declaration on the Rights of Deaf Children

The Declaration on the Rights of Deaf Children contains 10 articles proclaiming the rights of all deaf children around the world. This declaration is essential in promoting the rights of deaf children.

• To read and sign the declaration, showing your support for Deaf children’s rights around the world, click here. 
• Watch A Deaf Perspective Experience at school (5:14)

Tuesday, Sept 19, 2023 – Building Capacity Across the Globe

Building Capacity Across the Globe is all about raising awareness of Deaf people’s lived experiences and increasing capacities of local Deaf communities around the world. Deaf experiences include audism, which is discrimination against Deaf and hard of hearing individuals based on the belief that the ability to hear or behave as one who can hear is somehow superior. Some associations that support Deaf and hard of hearing individuals locally are:

• Manitoba Deaf Association 
  The MDA promotes and develops accessible, educational, recreational activities and interests for the benefit of the Deaf community. 
  
• Manitoba Cultural Society of the Deaf 
  MCSD-DAM’s vision is to integrate Deaf and non-deaf communities with complete accessibility and to empower Deaf culture, arts, and language. 
  
• Manitoba Deaf Sports Association 
  The mission of MDSA is to encourage participation in sports to strengthen, promote and instill values of cultural association by providing sporting opportunities to members of Deaf/Hard of Hearing communities. 
  
• Deaf Resource Centre 
  The DRC coordinates and/or provides resources, programs and advocacy to enhance the development of the Deaf community. 

Wednesday, Sept 20, 2023 – Realizing Nothing Without Us

Realizing Nothing Without Us is about encouraging governments and organizations to consult Deaf people and Deaf organizations in all projects and initiatives regarding Deaf people and sign languages. The resource below emphasizes the importance of having Deaf people be the ones to teach national sign languages to others and to pass on knowledge of Deaf culture and history. There are ASL classes taught here at the College which you may have seen in Staff News recently! The next offering of ASL classes is in the Winter Term through Continuing Education.

Here are some interesting resources on the topic: 

• Position paper on the primacy of deaf people in the development and teaching of national sign languages 
• Nothing about us without us: disability oppression and empowerment

Thursday, Sept 21, 2023 – Putting Deaf People on the Agenda

“Deaf communities worldwide work to ensure policies and programs reflect the lived realities of deaf people’s lives. Today we call upon national governments, international institutions, research centres, and policymaking bodies to centre deaf people in their work. There is still a significant lack of data on deaf people’s lives and less on the right to use national sign languages. Today we highlight the research done on deaf lives to date and call for more disaggregated data collection and monitoring of deaf people and sign languages.”

–wfdeaf.org 

• DeafDots serves Deaf and hard of hearing individuals across Canada by providing news updates in American Sign Language and La langue des signes québécoise (LSQ).
  
• The Daily Moth is based out of the US delivering news using American Sign Language covering trending stories and Deaf topics with a twist of humour and Deaf culture.

These news sources align with the World Federation of the Deaf’s call for national governments, international institutions, research centres, and policymaking bodies to centre Deaf people in their work. 

Friday, Sept 22, 2023 – Achieving Sign Language Rights for All

In 2014, French Deafblind artist, Arnaud Balard, designed a “Sign Union” flag for Deaf people and signing people who communicate in sign language everywhere. Check out this video of him explaining his vision for how he came up with the design and the meaning behind it.

Learn more about Canada’s six sign languages, including three Indigenous sign languages, through the Canadian Language Museum’s exhibit entitled Sign Language of Canada from the Canadian Language Museum. You can visit the virtual version of this exhibit, here.

Saturday, Sept 23 and Sunday, Sept 24

International Week of the Deaf continues over the weekend with more themes to consider:

• Saturday – International Day of Sign Languages: A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere
• Sunday – Building Inclusive Deaf Communities

To celebrate the use of the diverse sign languages used around the world, on Saturday, September 23, the Esplanade Riel and the landmark “WINNIPEG” sign at The Forks will be lit up in blue!

In recognition of Asian Heritage Month, join the Social Justice Engagement Club for a film screening and guided conversation for faculty, staff, and students.

We will be screening the National Film Board documentary, “In the Shadow of Gold Mountain”.

Filmmaker Karen Cho travels from Montreal to Vancouver to uncover stories from the last survivors of the Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act, a set of laws imposed to single out the Chinese as unwanted immigrants to Canada from 1885 to 1947. Through a combination of history, poetry and raw emotion, this documentary sheds light on an era that shaped the identity of generations.

The Social Justice Engagement Club is an initiative put on by the Anti-Racism Action Committee to create a space for students, faculty and staff to foster a learning community that advances Truth & Reconciliation, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Event Details:

Day: Tues. May 23, 2023

Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00pm

Location: Active Learning Classroom (CM27, Notre Dame Campus)

Registration: Click on this link and submit the form to register for the event.

As of 2018, Parliament designated May as Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions Jewish Canadians have made over the last 250 years and continue to make within communities across the country.

This type of observance helps us understand one another on a deeper level by highlighting communities and cultures. Acknowledging and appreciating the important contributions that Jewish Canadians have made to Canada from social to economic to political and more, highlights the country we have built together.

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

• 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
  • Login is required. Free to sign up for RRC Polytech staff!

International Day of Pink, also known as Day of Pink, is celebrated annually on the second Wednesday of April. It’s when we wear pink to celebrate diversity, acceptance, courage, and inclusivity within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and beyond.

You may be thinking, didn’t we just do this in February? Not quite, February is when we celebrate Pink Shirt Day.

Pink Shirt Day was created when two students attending high school in Halifax were upset about the bullying that took place when one of their peers wore a pink shirt to school on the first day. Together, those two students started an international movement that takes a stand against bullying.

While similar, Day of Pink was created to specifically take a stance on bullying and discrimination faced by members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The day, inspired by Pink Shirt Day, was created by the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD), previously known as Jer’s Vision. The purpose was to stand up against homophobia, transphobia, bullying, and to promote allyship as we move towards a future free of discrimination.

Day of Pink is for people who have previously, or recently, experienced discrimination because of their sexuality, gender identity, or gender expression. It’s for people to stand up and say, “this is not okay!” when these kinds of things happen in schools, workplaces, or anywhere. It’s for creating allyship. It’s for people to band together and be responsible for a future of kindness and inclusivity. We are strongest when we are together.

So, how can you take part in this global event? It’s simple, on April 12^th show your support by wearing something pink (get your shirt in our Campus Stores). It can even be your favourite cardigan, newest shoes, or a bracelet. Just a little something to show you care and stand by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community members at RRC Polytech, Winnipeg, and all over the world.

Take Pledge Against Hate!

Where:

• The Spectrum (Notre Dame Campus FM66)
• P407 (Exchange District Campus)

When: April 12 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

What:

• Sign the pledge against hate, intolerance, and oppression, and
• share a photo with the Pledge Poster with #DayOfPink.

We look forward to standing together for a brighter community.