Equity, Diversity and Inclusion on Campus

News

Diversity Counts on Our Campuses.

October 24, 2022

RRC Polytech recently launched the Diversity Self-Identification Survey, where all employees and students are invited to voluntarily self-declare as part of one or more of the following equity groups:

  • Women
  • Indigenous peoples
  • People with disabilities
  • Racialized persons
  • Persons of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community

Participation in the survey will help give the College an accurate picture of who is on our campuses, supporting future inclusive initiatives.

See why RRC Polytech employees and students are self-identifying, and share your story on social media by using the hashtag #CountMeINcluded.

Krista Lawson
Program Coordinator, Graphic Design

I’m self-identifying because diversity builds creativity. The more we can encourage a wide variety of voices to share their ideas, the more innovative and inclusive we become. 

Jose Manuel Castellon Alvarez
Instructor, Applied Computer Education

I’m self-identifying as proud Latino who learned the importance of speaking up. I want to be an agent of change, and by sharing my story, I want to encourage visible minorities to always be proud of who they are. We need to understand that microaggressions affect our performance. By educating ourselves on being inclusive and respectful, we will create a more productive and welcoming environment.

Make your voice heard and representation know. Complete the Diversity Self-Identification Survey today.

How do I navigate cultural differences? Intercultural Competence Workshop #2

October 21, 2022

Intercultural Competence Workshop #2: Navigating Cultural Differences

RRC Polytech Hospitality Homecoming Dinner, November 2019

Our classrooms, workplaces, and communities are made up of people with diverse and complex cultural backgrounds. To navigate these intercultural environments, Intercultural Competence is the ability that helps us to interact effectively and appropriately with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. By developing our intercultural competence, we foster our ability to recognize, acknowledge, respect, and incorporate an understanding of worldviews and their impact on relationships.

This 2nd workshop in the Intercultural Competence series will introduce the key concepts related to intercultural competence, such as intention and perception, objective and subjective culture, cultural frameworks and misperceptions, and finally some strategies for navigating cultural differences. 

This on-campus workshop is offered in the Connected Classroom at the Notre Dame Campus. Students and faculty can register in advance for a seat in the Connected Classroom, but space is limited to 50 participants. To increase access to these workshops, Emerging Media and Production is live-streaming each workshop through Webex for any registered online participants. A content recording will also be available after the event for students and instructors to access, and audience discussions will be edited out of the recording to respect the brave conversations of participants.

All on-campus participants will be provided snacks and beverages, along with a chance to win a door prize! Register today for your chance to win!

Date: Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm Central Time – US & Canada
Location: Connected Classroom, G139, NDC, 2055 Notre Dame Ave.
Campus: Notre Dame Campus + Online access

Click here to register for the workshop

Diversity Counts on Our Campuses.

October 17, 2022

RRC Polytech recently launched the Diversity Self-Identification Survey, where all employees and students are invited to voluntarily self-declare as part of one or more of the following equity groups:

  • Women
  • Indigenous peoples
  • People with disabilities
  • Racialized persons
  • Persons of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community

Participation in the survey will help give the College an accurate picture of who is on our campuses, supporting future inclusive initiatives.

Over the next several weeks, employees and students will be sharing why they are self-identifying. Share your story on social media by using the hashtag #CountMeINcluded.

Celeste Doan
Student, Community Development

Being people of colour, women, self-identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+, or being a part of any minority communities is usually considered as a life disadvantage by people around me. But I don’t want to see that being who I am as a disadvantage, I want to see it as my asset, that’s why I’m self-identifying. We should take pride in who we are.

Jeff Herkimer
Instructor, Teacher Education

I’m self-identifying because as an instructor to future educators in the RRC Polytech Teacher Education Program I believe it’s imperative that we become educated and respect human diversities if we wish to build a strong global community.

Make your voice heard and representation know. Complete the Diversity Self-Identification Survey today.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resources and Supports

October 14, 2022

Internal College Resources

Diversity Training

Diversity Awareness Courses (For Students)

Students can self-enroll in Diversity Awareness Courses on LEARN based on their own learning needs.

Training (For Staff)

ENGAGE (Staff Forum)

  • Respectful College
  • Blanket Exercise
  • Four Seasons of Reconciliation
  • Anti-Racism: A Journey to Allyship
  • Gender and Sexual Identities: Advancing Understanding and Inclusion

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

Indigenous Student Supports

Indigenous Student Support Centres

Indigenous Support Centre provides a home away from home where you can smudge, participate in events, cultural teachings and ceremonies, or spend time with friends.

  • Notre Dame Campus – F209
  • Exchange District Campus – P407

Elders in Residence

Elders-in-Residence are here to support education through Indigenous ways of teaching, learning and leading. Learn more and connect with an Elder.

Navigation Coaches

Navigation Coaches are a first point of contact for current Indigenous students and can help with everything from finding accessing important resources and information to understanding College processes. Learn more.

International Student Support

Support for newcomers to Canada – from future students to graduates. Learn more.

Gender and Sexual Identity Supports

Beyond Pride Month

RRC Polytech has an evolving list of resources to foster learning, understanding and allyship.

The Spectrum

The Spectrum is a new RRC Polytech Students’ Association (RRCSA) space for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies. Learn more.

Well-Being Supports

Student Counselling Services

Counselling services can help with personal and relational challenges, managing mental wellness, and to receive support through times of crisis. Learn more.

Staff Well-Being Support

Homewood Health’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a free, confidential and anonymous program for all RRC Polytech employees. Visit Homewood Health online.

External Organizations & Resources

Klinic Community Health

Klinic Community Health provides a full range of health-related services from medical care to counselling and education.

Website: klinic.mb.ca

Contact information:

Email: education@klinic.mb.ca
Phone: (204) 784-4090
167 Sherbrook Street
Winnipeg MB R3C 2B7

Manitoba Métis Federation

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) was established in 1967 to provide democratic, responsible, and accountable governance on behalf of Red River Métis. The MMF delivers programs and services including in the sectors of child and family services, justice, housing, youth, education, human resources, economic development and natural resources.

Website: mmf.mb.ca

Contact information:

Email: info@mmf.mb.ca
Phone: (204) 586-8474
300-150 Henry Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3B 0J7

Rainbow Resource Centre

Rainbow Resource Centre offers support to the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the form of counselling, education, and programming for individuals ranging from children through to 55+. It supports families, friends, and employers of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and provides ally education, awareness and outreach.

Website: rainbowresourcecentre.org

Contact information:

Email: info@rainbowresourcecentre.org
Phone: (204) 474-0212
170 Scott St
Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0L3

The Louis Riel Institute

As a charitable non-profit organization, the institute promotes the educational and cultural advancement of Métis people.  It is also responsible for promoting awareness of the values, culture, heritage and history of the Métis people in Manitoba.

Website: louisrielinstitute.ca

Contact information:

Email: lri@lrilearn.ca
Phone: (204) 984-9480
103-150 Henry Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0J7

Diversity Counts on Our Campuses.

October 10, 2022

RRC Polytech recently launched the Diversity Self-Identification Survey, where all employees and students are invited to voluntarily self-declare as part of one or more of the following equity groups:

  • Women
  • Indigenous peoples
  • People with disabilities
  • Racialized persons
  • Persons of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community

Participation in the survey will help give the College an accurate picture of who is on our campuses, supporting future inclusive initiatives.

Over the next several weeks, employees and students will be sharing why they are self-identifying. Share your story on social media by using the hashtag #CountMeINcluded.

Lovell Li
CSR Supervisor, Enrolment Services

I’m self-identifying because working at the Student Service Centre, I am committed to creating a safe environment where students and staff feel that they belong. I have been surrounded by amazing and supportive people throughout my career at the College, and I would like to ensure everyone has this same experience.

Jahnavi
Student, Business Technology Management

I’m self-identifying because I want to represent all women from minority groups, who strive hard every day to encourage belongingness and empowerment in the workplace, at the College, and in diverse communities. I have played a part in including and encouraging students at RRC Polytech as a former RRCSA Vice President Academic by helping them to fulfill their needs. We can unleash the power of diversity through inclusion, so let’s step forward and show everyone that they play an important role in making a diverse and inclusive environment.

Make your voice heard and representation know. Complete the Diversity Self-Identification Survey today.

Diversity Counts on Our Campuses.

October 3, 2022

RRC Polytech recently launched the Diversity Self-Identification Survey, where all employees and students are invited to voluntarily self-declare as part of one or more of the following equity groups:

  • Women
  • Indigenous peoples
  • People with disabilities
  • Racialized persons
  • Persons of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community

Participation in the survey will help give the College an accurate picture of who is on our campuses, supporting future inclusive initiatives.

Over the next several weeks, employees and students will be sharing why they are self-identifying. Share your story on social media by using the hashtag #CountMeINcluded.

Jojo Delos Reyes
Research Program Manager, Research Partnerships & Innovation

I’m self-identifying because I believe that for an organization to succeed in implementing EDI programs, it must have a solid baseline. From an applied research point of view, accurate data collection is vital in determining the appropriate next steps. We all must participate in moving the needle toward a more inclusive RRC Polytech.

Shay James
Customer Service Representative, Enrolment Services

I’m self-identifying because diversity drives creativity and innovation which will lead to a higher rate of productivity and performance if we decide to join forces together and become an advocate. According to Stephen R. Covey, ‘’Strength lies in differences. Not in similarities.’’

Make your voice heard and representation know. Complete the Diversity Self-Identification Survey today.

Diversity Counts on Our Campuses.

September 27, 2022

RRC Polytech recently launched the Diversity Self-Identification Survey, where all employees and students are invited to voluntarily self-declare as part of one or more of the following equity groups:

  • Women
  • Indigenous peoples
  • People with disabilities
  • Racialized persons
  • Persons of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community

Participation in the survey will help give the College an accurate picture of who is on our campuses, supporting future inclusive initiatives.

Over the next several weeks, employees and students will be sharing why they are self-identifying. Share your story on social media by using the hashtag #CountMeINcluded.

Marshall Richard
Indigenous Liaison Advisor, Academic Advising

I am proud to self-identify, share my heritage and who I am: Cree and Métis, a father, grandfather, a 60s Scoop Survivor, and a RRC Polytech alumnus. It’s important for me to represent for the past generations who fought to be here and for the future generations to be proud of who they are, where they came from and where they are going. Self-identifying helps us paint an accurate picture and shape the systems we need going forward.

Jenny Wang
International Projects and Student Recruitment Officer, Centre for International Education and Global Partnerships

Being aware is the first step to making any changes. We need to recognize ourselves and be recognized for who we truly are. I celebrate being an Asian woman and working professional and want to be the positive change I wish to see in the community.

Make your voice heard and representation know. Complete the Diversity Self-Identification Survey today.

The Rainbow Walkways Project and RRC Polytech’s Personalized Pride Design

August 26, 2022

RRC Polytech’s personalized Pride design is now permanently painted on the sidewalks in prominent locations at the Notre Dame Campus, Exchange District Campus and Portage La Prairie Campus, collectively known as the Rainbow Walkways Project.   

The College’s Pride design is an evolution of the Progress Pride flag that includes representation for all 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex and Asexual) community members, and includes specific Indigenous elements.  

“The Pride design reflects RRC Polytech’s on-going commitment to embedding equity, diversity and inclusion, and continuing our reconciliation journey as a College community,” says Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer. “As an organization, we will continue to evolve our practices, policies and physical spaces to ensure that our staff, students and community feel accepted and welcome on our campuses.”

Read More →

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

Learn more ›