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 in everything that we do.

This opening event will kick off with a with a greeting and welcome message from RRC Polytech Senior Leadership, followed by a keynote presentation from Uzoma Asagwara. Uzoma will share their experiences as one of the first Black and openly queer MLAs to ever win a seat as an elected representative in Manitoba, as well as being Manitoba’s first gender non-conforming MLA.

Uzoma will offer insights about the importance of representation, and the challenges that come with a lack of representation, and ways in which we as a college community can help create environments and experiences that foster Inclusion.

Lunch will be provided to participants. Space in this keynote luncheon is limited so be sure to register early.

The in-person luncheon is at capacity. Please register to join us virtually!

About Uzoma

Uzoma Asagwara is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Addictions Specialist and former member of the Canadian National basketball team and in 2019 made history as the first Black, Queer, Gender Non-Conforming person elected to the Manitoba Legislative Assembly and across Canada. Most recently Uzoma became the first Black person to make a law in Manitoba when their Bill “The Somali Heritage Week Act” was passed in December of 2020 with the unanimous support in the Manitoba Legislature. Uzoma has been a long-time advocate alongside newcomer and refugee communities, two spirit and LGBTQ+ folks, youth and grassroots organizations.

In today’s society, there remains a lack of awareness, and sometimes bias, regarding mental health problems. This wellness session will assist participants in enhancing their understanding of the personal and environmental factors that can have an impact on mental health, the common signs and symptoms of mental health troubles, and the most appropriate prevention and intervention strategies.

While the library as an inclusive, physical space dominates 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

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

About Fatima

Fatima DeMelo has worked for the RRC Polytech library for 12 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. 

Join RRC Polytech’s Lori Walkow, Manager, Student Accessibility Services, Erica Ament, Assistive Technologist and Jill Patterson, Manager, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services as they examine the importance of designing learning and meeting spaces that are inclusive for all. Lori, Erica and Jill will explore various strategies that may be immediately and easily applied to your classrooms and meetings. Student Accessibility Services (SAS) and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services play a key role in this commitment by arranging accommodations and supports for students with disabilities however all College members can create inclusive environments for the benefit of the entire RRC Polytech community.

About the Presenters

Lori has worked at RRC Polytech’s Student Support Services for 13 years where she managed Exam Accommodations & Assistive Technology and currently manages Student Accessibility Services.  In addition to her managerial role, Lori develops individual accommodation plans for students with disabilities and conducts psychoeducational assessments.  Lori is passionate about inclusion and ensuring access not only for people with disabilities but for all College members. 

Erica works in Student Accessibility Services as the Assistive Technologist. She provides assessments and training to support students in using technology as a part of their education. Erica is an avid promoter of Universal/Inclusive Design for learning, and loves being able to share new technologies with others. Erica has worked in Student Support Services for the past five years.

Jill is the manager of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. Jill oversees the operation of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services unit by developing and implementing services that support access at the College and responds to the evolving needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.  Jill has worked at RRC Polytech for the past 22 years, initially as an ASL-English interpreter, and is committed to ensuring access for the entire College community.

Flower beadwork is a living tradition for the Métis people. This cherished art form has become so well known as a skill of the Métis Nation. A skill that was highlighted in the book The Flower Beadwork People by Sherry Farrell Racette.
In this fun, interactive, in-person workshop, participants will be guided through a traditional Métis beading project while simultaneously being enriched with knowledge about Metis history and culture.

Workshop supplies will be provided for participants. Registration is limited to 30 individuals.

About the Facilitators

Teresa Byrne is the Métis History and Culture Coordinator at Louis Riel Institute, which is an affiliate of the Manitoba Métis Federation. As the Louis Riel Institute Métis History and Culture Coordinator, she facilitates many Red River Métis history presentations, workshops, and tours. Teresa is a proud Red River Métis citizen and is very passionate about her heritage. She celebrates her culture through Métis sash weaving, Métis beadwork, and creating Métis traditional art projects. She is focused on passing these traditions to the citizens of the Red River Métis Nation. Teresa works with corporations and educators through workshops, tours, and presentations.

Teresa is a single mother to three amazing boys and a proud resident of the North End in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her motivation is her desire to make Red River Métis history, education, and culture more accessible to everyone who wants to learn it.

Join storyteller, Joanna White in the Immersion Room, as she shares her lived experience in an environment of rich and colorful illustrations, with immersive video and audio to motivate and inspire participants.

The Immersive Stories Program is designed to give students, faculty, and staff a first-hand opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding about multi-layered socio-cultural identities and lived experiences. As outlined in our new Strategic Plan, this program is part of the College’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, and the pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.

Participants will develop skills that will allow them to regularly check their personal, social, and cultural assumptions so that they can avoid making quick conclusions and judgments. This in turn will help to foster a diverse and inclusive College environment for students and faculty. 

Each session in the Immersive Stories Program will involve a discussion with a member of our RRC Polytech community, during which they will share their unique lived experiences, and invite participant questions and dialogue. These conversations will provide participants an opportunity to gain insights into the lived experiences of our diverse community and will assist in becoming aware of our own biases.

About Joanna

As the Indigenous Curriculum and Cultural Advisor for the Department of Community Services, Joanna White works with faculty to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and ways of teaching, learning, and helping into curriculum. She also facilitates learning and sharing circles for faculty, staff and students rooted in Anishinaabe culture. 

Have you ever heard the term “Miigwech” being used by our Anishinaabe friends and wondered what it meant? Or maybe you would like to learn how to say a simple greeting in Anishinaabemowin?

Learn to make bannock, a type of bread that is a staple and sometimes a treat with jams, butter or honey for Indigenous people.

Register for this fun, interactive workshop in which RRC Polytech’s Cory Whitford shares his very own bannock recipe while simultaneously immersing participants in the basics of indigenous language.

Take home bannock making supplies will be provided for participants. Space is limited so register early!

This workshop is at capacity.

About Corey

Corey Ralph Whitford has been teaching at RRC Polytech in the Indigenous Languages Program for five years, teaching through activities that shape a better understanding of Anishinaabemowin. Corey is eager to share his knowledge and provide guidance in all class activities to his students. 

Corey was born in Portage la Prairie and raised in Sandy Bay. His parents are from Long Plain and Sandy Bay, and both were fluent Anishinaabeg. Corey’s family spoke/speaks Anishinaabemowin, so he naturally picked it up along the way. 

Corey is passionate about what he does, continuing to serve his community and fill the vacuum for Anishinaabemowin knowledge at the College level. 

This panel provides a platform to center the voices and stories of those who represent a variety of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Understanding how to value and cultivate differences is a way to ensure that each member of our community can bring their whole being into the spaces that we share. This is no easy task, as there are many barriers in place that prevent everyone from feeling valued, respected, and involved in our community. Panelists will share the challenges they have experienced in their lives as well as suggestions for how to create more inclusive spaces within the community.

About Lauren

Lauren Dominici, M.Ed, is the Academic Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for the Centre for International Education and Global Partnerships at RRC Polytech.

Lauren works with students and staff at the College to gain knowledge and competencies related to achieving inclusion and equity within our communities. Before immigrating to Canada, Lauren spent nearly a decade as a public school educator in a community outside Chicago, Illinois.

Her experience working alongside the linguistically and culturally diverse youth provided the opportunity to learn the barriers that many students face and then worked toward solutions that created a more welcoming and inclusive school environment for all students.

About Erika Montenegro

Erika Montenegro studies International Business at RRC Polytech to get career growth in Canada. She immigrated to Canada with her family, her husband, and three children in August 2021. Like every immigrant, one of the reasons to have made this decision is to have a safe and quality life, and future opportunities for her three children. She learned to be a mother in her adolescence and faced the challenges that it entails at an economic and social level. She got a Bachelor’s degree in Economics in 2018 in Ecuador.

About Genelyn Navarro

Genelyn Navarro is an international Student from the Philippines, a wife, a mother, the youngest daughter and a friend who has many flaws but always thinks of a brighter side of the coin. Her positive outlook in life makes her resilient to adversities, and her way of embracing these challenges in this diverse environment is fantastic. Having a lot on her plate, she is ensuring to prioritize and meet all the required needs, including her volunteer activities inside and outside the campus. Aside from trying to stay on the honour roll, she is also the Vice President of the newly created Mabuhay Club and tries to reach out to international or local student needs.

About Tamara Correa

Tamara Correa is an enthusiastic woman, a student in the International Business program at Red River College. She was born in Quito, Ecuador. Her professional training is in Commercial and Financial Business, she knows that the diversity of thoughts and ideologies is very important in any business, and for that reason, she focuses on improving her active listening and communication skills day by day. In addition, she encourages people to work on their mental and emotional well-being, mainly on their self-esteem because it helps us to get the best out of ourselves in all of our life roles.

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 in children, 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.

About Miss Gender

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.

The Gender and Sexual Diversity Training aims to increase students’ awareness about gender and sexual diversity, and support participants in understanding the complexity of the gender and sexual diversity spectrum. Additionally, participants will learn inclusive strategies for respectful, affirming, and gender-inclusive communication. 

About the Presenters

Lauren Dominici, M.Ed, is the Academic Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for the Centre for International Education and Global Partnerships at RRC Polytech.

Lauren works with students and staff at the College to gain knowledge and competencies related to achieving inclusion and equity within our communities. Before immigrating to Canada, Lauren spent nearly a decade as a public school educator in a community outside Chicago, Illinois.

Her experience working alongside the linguistically and culturally diverse youth provided the opportunity to learn the barriers that many students face and then worked toward solutions that created a more welcoming and inclusive school environment for all students.

Stephen Sawchyn works as an English as an Additional Language Specialist with the Academic Success Centre where he helps students develop the language skills they need for success in their programs and industry.   Stephen is also on the ASC Diversity Team and delivers student workshops on a variety of topics including intercultural competence, gender and sexual diversity and anti-racism.

Join RRC Polytech’s Anti-Racism Committee for the third in a four-part virtual speaker series featuring champions of equity, diversity, and inclusion in a post-secondary setting, accompanied by a moderated panel discussion designed to inspire change.

The keynote speaker is Founder, CEO and Principal Consultant at Equitable Solutions, Laurelle Harris who will focus her discussion on ways in which systemic racism and ableism in combination can present in workplaces and educational settings and offer advice on how to address it.

About the Presenter

Laurelle Harris has academic training in Women’s Studies from the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba and has undertaken graduate studies in Women’s Studies and Black Studies at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Ms. Harris earned her law degree in 2001 from the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba and is an experienced litigator with formal training in mediation, arbitration and conflict resolution undertaken locally and at York University in Toronto, Ontario.  

For most of her career, Ms. Harris practiced law with a mid-sized firm in Winnipeg. Ms. Harris founded Equitable Solutions Consulting in 2020; Equitable Solutions (EQ, for short) offers services which help organizations meet their goals to be more equitable and inclusive, including: 

• Organizational assessments and equity action plan development;  
• Dedicated organizational support and strategic advice relating to equity, anti-racism, and leadership development; 
• People, culture, and wellness support, including workplace investigations, policy and process development, and equitable recruitment support;  
• Anti-racism and equity education. 

Coming from a family of educators, Ms. Harris finds teaching to be a rewarding way to contribute to effecting change in our communities. Ms. Harris teaches and practices using an anti-racist, intersectional feminist analysis to better understand, dismantle, and counter structural oppressions. She has taught Women’s Studies at the undergraduate level and has also taught at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law.  

Ms. Harris has served on local and national boards and committees and has volunteered extensively in the area of community health. Within the legal community, Ms. Harris also serves as a director with the Manitoba Law Foundation and as a member of the Legal Aid Manitoba Advisory Committee.  She also chairs the Manitoba Bar Association’s Equality Issues Section.  

Moderator:
Joshua Malam is a Marketing Major in the Business Administration Program at RRC Polytech. He believes strongly in community engagement and advocacy for students. A mature accessibility student, Joshua is familiar with some hoops and hurdles that persons with disabilities must navigate for equal opportunity and success. Both thankful for the opportunities afforded by Student Accessibility Services and the great love for RRC Polytech, Joshua volunteers time back to his college community. He Has sat on the Board of Directors for The Red River College Polytechnic Students’ Association and, in May, fulfilled a term as the interim VP of Academic. A fundamental principle guides Joshua to repair the world; cultural teaching passed down from his mother and the Jewish community. Joshua fights hard to give back to his community and help to break down barriers and help others navigate a path to success.

Panelists:

William Canard is better known to his friends and family as Billy Joe or BJ. He’s currently enrolled in the Social Innovation and Community Development program through the School of Indigenous Education at RRC Polytech. BJ is a 46-year-old Indigenous male who is visually impaired. Before his vision loss he worked as a cook and a chef for nearly 20 years so with his background in hospitality and the new skills he’s developing at the College he’s hoping to get into event planning. BJ enjoys a wide variety of interests from playing guitar and music, to audiobooks and is considering getting into the golf program at Blind Sports Manitoba.

Arnold Boldt O.C., M.Ed. has contributed extensively to variety of post-secondary teaching and leadership roles over the past 35 years. Beginning his career as an Instructor at Keewatin Community College (now UCN), he also served as a Chair, Principal and Executive Director of Inter-Universities North’s First-Year Distance Education program at KCC before moving on to create and administer an adult learning centre for the Nisichawayasihk Education Authority (in Nelson House).

He then spent 18 years with Saskatchewan Polytech serving as a Dean (technology), Associate Vice-President (learning & teaching) and Provost & VPA (interim). Since 2016 Arnold has been with RRC Polytechnic serving as Executive Director, Academic, Special Advisor to the VPA and now as ED, Policy & Projects.

Arnold’s involvement in elite-level athletics and para-cycling includes participation in six Paralympics and numerous national and world championships. His Paralympic high jump record of 1.96m in 1980 (Arnhem, Netherlands) still stands, as do his world championship mark of 2.04m (Rome 1981) and indoor mark of 2.08m (Herald Tribune Games, Winnipeg, 1981). He has been inducted into four sports halls of fame, including the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. For his life-long contributions to the Paralympic movement and advocacy for disabled people in Canada and other parts of the world, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada by the Governor General in 2012 and received both the Queen’s Golden (2002) and Diamond (2012) Jubilee Medals.

Immerse yourself in an introductory story of Truth and Reconciliation, from the relationship with “Earth Mother” to the experience of Residential Schools. This 10-minute installation is about healing and respect. Brought to you from the Emerging Media and Production Immersion Room, this 360° media-rich installation provides an opportunity to learn, discuss, and share thoughts and experiences related to Truth and Reconciliation.

Presentations happen every hour on the hour and half hour. Pre-registration is required as the capacity is 14 people per presentation.

Capping off Inclusion Week, join the RRC Polytech Students’ Association for a fun, inclusive event to celebrate the diversity of our College community. Feel free to dance, mingle, and just be yourself in a fun, safe, accepting and inclusive space. This licensed event will feature a DJ in an inclusive and accessible environment.   

You must pre-register to attend this event as space is limited. Admission is free; You must show valid student and government ID.