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.

March 21 marks World Down Syndrome Day, and this year you’re invited to wear “lots of socks.” Lots of socks acknowledges what makes us all different, and yet the same.

Wear your most fun, colourful, eye-catching socks as a conversation starter. The idea is to get your socks spotted, so when people notice you can let them know you’re wearing them to raise awareness about Down syndrome. And then you can share everything you want them to know about Down syndrome.

Share your socks on social with #LotsOfSocks and submit a photo to be shared with the RRC Polytech community, here.

The RRC Polytech community showing their socks:

Learn more about the Lots of Socks campaign and ways to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day at worlddownsyndromeday.org

Join us on March 31 in the NDC Spectrum (FM66) to show your support for human rights for Transgender individuals. International Trans Day of Visibility is an annual event dedicated to celebrating Trans people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by Transgender people worldwide. One in 300 people in Canada aged 15 and older are transgender or non-binary.

Let’s showcase positive messages of support to show RRC Polytech is a safe and inclusive space for those identifying on the Trans spectrum. Please take a few minutes of your day to join us and sign your support.

• March 31st in the Spectrum (FM66)
• 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Sign a heart in support of Trans Rights
• Enjoy a sweet snack

Let’s use this day to rally support, build awareness and commit to an equitable future for those who identify on the Trans Spectrum at RRC Polytech and beyond.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is March 21. 

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.

Since then, some racist systems have been dismantled but, in many regions, too many individuals, communities, and societies suffer from the injustice and stigma that racism brings. We can use this day to reflect on the fact that Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities continue to experience racism and discrimination in Canada every day. We can re-commit to take action against racial discrimination in all forms to ensure a world where everyone has equitable access to all aspects of society. 

Source: Canada.ca 

Visit the Anti-Racism Action Committee’s booth on March 21st from 12pm-1pm in the NDC Library hallway and EDC Roblin Atrium to: 

• Commit to an action towards ending racism 
• Make a button and wear it to show your solidarity 
• Enter to win a book educating about anti-racism 
• Explore the Anti-racism book display 
• Get a treat! 

Join us in the fight to end racial discrimination! 

Resources

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Resources at the College

Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion Resources (For employees only; Login may be required)

• Webinar: Microaggressions: Microinterventions and microaffirmations (March 21, 12 pm)
• Guide: Racism and Anti-Black Racism

Winnipeg Public Library

The Winnipeg Public Library has compiled resources to help you learn more about different forms of racism, racial privilege, and what it means to be anti-racist.

To close out Black History Month, RRC Polytech in partnership with Black Manitobans Chamber of Commerce, hosted a living legend, the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae for a screening of Steadfast: The Messenger and the Message, the remarkable story of Dr. Jean Augustine who played a key role in the recognition of Black History Month in Canada, among many other notable and incredible achievements.

The Roundhouse Auditorium was full of students, staff, and faculty eager to celebrate the incredible life and career of Dr. Jean Augustine and hear her story from those she met along the way. Guests were lucky enough to hear Dr. Augustine share more of her story and answer questions from the crowd after the screening had concluded.

Dr. Augustine is known as a social activist, educator and trailblazing politician where she made history as the first African-Canadian woman elected to the House of Commons and was responsible for championing unanimous legislation to designate the month of February as Black History Month in Canada and helping to raise the only statue featuring women on Parliament Hill, the Famous Five Monument.

After the event, Dr.  Jean Augustine presented Kirk Johnson, Dean, School of Business, IT & Creative Arts and School of Hospitality & Culinary Arts, with a signed copy of “In Her Words,” a collection of convocation addresses she has delivered at various universities over the years. We hope to find a space at the EDC campus where we can display this gift prominently and proudly.

Thank you to Dr. Zita Somakoko, the Founder and President of Black Manitobans Chamber of Commerce, for reaching out and helping to put together this amazing event and to Dr. Jean Augustine for sharing your story.