RRC Polytech is committed to enacting Truth and Reconciliation and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in everything we do. A big part of this commitment is creating representative and inclusive spaces on our campuses.

To visually represent our shared commitment and dedication to fostering safer spaces where all students, staff and visitors feel they belong, RRC Polytech created a personalized Pride design.

The 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.

*”Progress” Pride Flag by Daniel Quasar is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Consultation Process

Each design element was subject to a consultation process with RRC Polytech’s Knowledge Keepers’ Council*, Students’ Association, and Gender and Sexual Diversity working group. The College also worked with the Rainbow Resource Centre on the evolution of the design.

*McLeod, A. Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and the Métis community of Norway House in northern Manitoba. Pride Flag Consultations – Knowledge Keepers Council meetings. April – June 2022.

Elements of Design

This evolution corresponds with the adoption of the 2SLGBTQIA+ acronym, leading with “2S” as an act of reconciliation and acknowledging that Indigenous people have a history and culture that honours and is inclusive of Two Spirit Peoples.

The triangle represents the badge that LGBT prisoners were forced to wear in Nazi concentration camps. Its placement also forms a teepee, which is a shelter shape used historically by many First Nations people. The resulting arrow shows forward movement, while demonstrating progress still needs to be made.

The Medicine Wheel incorporates traditional Indigenous stories and teachings, while its purple and yellow borders honour intersex individuals. Each colour used in the design represents and holds an important meaning — from healing to sunlight, for example.

• Lavender – Diversity
• Hot pink – Sex
• Red – Life
• Orange – Healing
• Yellow – Sunlight
• Green – Nature
• Turquoise – Magic
• Indigo – Serenity
• Violet – Spirit
• Black & Brown – People of Colour
• Light Blue & Pink – Transpeople
• White – those living with HIV/AIDS

Where to Find the Design

RRC Polytech’s personalized Pride flag flies alongside the Treaty One and Red River Métis flags at the bus loop entrance of the Notre Dame Campus, as a symbol of unity, pride and inclusivity.

You can also find the design painted on walkways at our Notre Dame, Exchange District and Portage campuses, where it serves as a reminder of our shared values and the understanding that our work in making our campus community more equitable, diverse and inclusive has not finished.

For more information, including usage requests, contact diversity@rrc.ca.

At RRC Polytech we recognize that diversity within our communities is one of our greatest strengths. We are committed to fostering working and learning environments that recognize and celebrate the diversity of our students and our staff. Together, we are working toward a place where we understand, embrace and uplift each other’s culture, and where all are welcomed for who they are, and for what we can build together.

RRC Polytech’s Anti-Racism Action Committee is a working group of motivated staff dedicated to addressing anti-racism through awareness, learning, events and initiatives that spark action and meaningful, positive change. The Committee has put together this resource list to help the College community in our journey towards anti-racism, by raising awareness and taking action.

As you read these resources, it would be helpful to refer to the Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion’s (CCDI) Glossary of Terms, a reference tool for inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility terminology. They define race as a social construct and anti-racism as an active effort to eliminate all forms of racism. Here are the definitions of some key terms referred to in these resources: 

• Anti-racism is a conscious choice – it’s not the absence of racism, but rather the decision to actively condemn racism and recognize the impact it has on the people around us. There is no room for racism in any of our spaces and everyone is held with the same expectation to respect all people.  
• Institutional racism is racism that is woven into policies and functions at the organizational and governmental levels – which affects people and opportunities broadly and to varying degrees. 
• Intersectionality is recognizing how the identities of an individual can affect their experiences in different ways, particularly in matters that are impacted by discrimination. 

RRC Polytech’s Anti-Racism Action Committee:

If you’d like to get involved in future efforts focused on advancing our shared commitments to Truth and Reconciliation; and, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility within the College consider joining RRC Polytech’s Anti-Racism Action Committee. Staff and students can participate in events hosted by this working group. If you would like to make a commitment to anti-racism and participate in activities hosted by the Anti-Racism Action Committee, please fill out this anti-racism commitment form.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact diversity@rrc.ca.

June is Pride Month, in commemoration of the Stonewall Riots that took place in 1969. While Pride is a time to celebrate the contributions of the 2SLGTBQIA+ community worldwide, it’s equally an opportunity to recognize its history rooted in the gay rights movement, the progress that has been made towards greater rights, and to continue to advocate for equity and inclusion.

In 2022, RRC Polytech unveiled its new personalized Pride design, which is an evolution of the Progress Pride flag. The design, which is painted as walkways on the Notre Dame, Exchange District, and Portage La Prairie campuses, represents our shared commitment and dedication to fostering safer spaces on our campuses where all students, staff, and visitors feel that they belong.

Last June, RRC Polytech’s personalized Pride flag was raised alongside the Treaty One Nation and Red River Métis flags at the bus loop entrance of the Notre Dame Campus, as a symbol of unity, pride and inclusivity. The flags fly year-round as a daily reminder of our shared commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and enacting Truth and Reconciliation in everything we do.

Show Your Pride!

Throughout June and beyond, there are resources to support you in learning how to best be an ally, amplify 2SLGBTQIA+ voices, and take action in creating greater inclusion in your personal and professional life.

RED Forum 2024

On Friday, May 31, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., join members of the Gender and Sexual Diversity Working Group at their Experiential Expo booth, part of RED Forum 2024. Activities will include a Match the Pride to the Flag game, DIY button making, and Pride flag giveaways. Plus test your knowledge with a quiz for a chance to win a prize!

Drop by to participate; registration is not required.

The Forecast is Calling for Rainbows: Winnipeg Pride Parade and Rally

For over a decade RRC Polytech has brought together students, staff and their friends/family members to walk alongside the College’s float in the Winnipeg Pride Parade and Rally.

On Sunday, June 2, everyone in the RRC Polytech community is invited and encouraged to bring friends, family, and pets downtown for a few hours to celebrate inclusivity and feel the love, as we show our support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Details are still be finalized and will be shared closer to the date, but a hard-working crew is once again preparing our elaborate float, tailgating festivities are being planned for prior to the event, and each registered participant will receive a complimentary RRC Polytech Pride themed t-shirt.

Canadian Pride Historical Society Talk

RRC Polytech is honoured once again to welcome Jonathan Niemczak to speak with the campus community as part of our Pride Month celebrations.

Jonathan is the Chair and CEO of the Canadian Pride Historical Society (CPHS), Past President of Pride Winnipeg, and a gender, sexuality, and relationship (GSRD) advocate with over fifteen years of community leadership experience.

• Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2024
• Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Location: Roundhouse Auditorium (Second Floor), Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Exchange District Campus

Registration to come.

Resources for Beyond Pride Month

Our support for and allyship with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community doesn’t stop after Pride Month. Visit the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion on Campus Resources page for an evolving list of self-directed learning, including the Library’s Gender and Sexual Diversity Guide, to help foster understanding, allyship, and advocacy all year round.

Manitoba Access Awareness Week (MAAW) is observed annually to raise awareness about accessibility issues that affect people with disabilities in Manitoba. It is important to be aware of these issues, remove barriers and celebrate access and inclusion.

RRC Polytech is committed to continuing its work to remove barriers to education and employment, and to promote access and participation in all aspects and activities of the College. Each member of the RRC Polytech community shares the responsibility of creating an equitable and inclusive environment.

All employees can access the Accessible Customer Service Standard Training and Accessible Information and Communications Standard Training through HRIS/My Portal/My Learning, to learn about the requirements of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act and Standards and resources available at the College. 

RRC Polytech offers programs and services to help with accessibility. You can find more information on our websites:

• Accessibility at RRC Polytech Public Website
  • Student Accessibility Services 
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services 
  • Inclusive Hiring and Interview Accommodations 
  • Accessible Parking
• Accessibility at RRC Polytech Internal Site (Staff Forum)
  • Supportive Employment Program 
  • Individual Emergency Plan 
  • Accessibility Training and Learning Resources for Staff
  • Accessible Information and Communication Content Creation Resources 

The Manitoba Accessibility Office will be hosting free daily webinars from May 27 to May 31 in recognition of Manitoba Access Awareness Week. We will be highlighting these webinars and other learning opportunities through Staff News posts in the coming days.

RRC Polytech is committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming, supportive and respectful of the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. We will continue to identify and implement strategies to ensure that individuals in the College community have equal opportunity to achieve their employment and educational goals.

You can let us know your questions or feedback regarding accessibility using the feedback form or by emailing diversity@rrc.ca.

Observed annually on the third Thursday of May, Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is a time for thinking about and advocating for digital access/inclusion and people with accessibility needs or disabilities.

What is digital accessibility?

Digital accessibility refers to the ability of people with disabilities or impairments to independently interact with digital content, for example, websites and mobile applications. The goal is creating a barrier-free experience through embedding accessibility as a core requirement for all technologies and digital products.

Visit the GAAD website to learn more about digital accessibility.

Manitoba Access Awareness Week

Later this month – May 26 to June 1 – marks Manitoba Access Awareness Week. To recognize this week, the Manitoba Accessibility Office will be hosting four informational webinars, including the kick-off to Manitoba Access Awareness Week (MAAW) featuring an overview of the requirements under the Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation.

Register for the kick-off to MAAW webinar.

Further resources:

• Learn more about the Accessibility Act for Manitobans and its five standards for making real, measurable and effective changes to accessibility.
  
• Accessibility at RRC Polytech, including the Accessibility Plan.
  
• Student Accessibility Services at RRC Polytech.

Post written by Dr Obren Amiesimaka and Justine Hawley, Gender and Sexual Diversity Group Members at RRC Polytech.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) is marked every May 17. Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia are probably words you’ve heard before. They refer to the “fear, dislike, or hatred of and discrimination against 2SLGBTQIA+ people”(Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion’s Glossary of Terms) because of their gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

Derogatory language, violence and various forms of discrimination, at work or in the law/education/life generally, are few examples of homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia. These acts of discrimination can be subtle, but they don’t have to be overt to negatively impact 2SLGBTQIA+ folk. Sadly, many members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Canada and around the world still face discrimination due to homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. We should not be complicit by letting these hateful actions occur without repercussions or anyone standing up.

The theme for this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is “No One Left Behind: Equality, Freedom and Justice for All”. At RRC Polytech, we are committed to pursuing equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do, and this is embedded in our Strategic Plan. We strive to be allies, show kindness to, and respect the dignity of everyone, no matter who they are and who they love.

Think about how you can be a 2SLGBTQIA+ ally and stand against homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia this May 17 and always.

• What is IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia)?
• Being a 2SLGBTQIA+ Ally
• Allyship is leadership
• How to be an Ally to a Bi+ Person
• What Does Trans Allyship Look Like?
• Join the Gender and Sexual Diversity Working Group at RRC Polytech
• CCDI’s Glossary of Terms
  • Homophobia: a fear, dislike, or hatred of and discrimination against 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Homophobia presents in many forms, and can be structural/systemic, interpersonal, or internalized.
  • Transphobia is the fear, dislike, or hatred of and discrimination against trans people. Transphobia exists through offensive jokes, exclusion, denial of services, employment discrimination, intentional misgendering, harassment, and violence.
  • Biphobia: Fear, dislike, or hatred of and discrimination against bisexual people. Biphobia presents through offensive jokes, exclusion, bi-erasure, harassment, and violence. Biphobia exists both within and outside of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

May is Asian Heritage Month, a time to honor and commemorate the histories, cultures and contributions of people of Asian origin within Canada. The theme for Asian Heritage Month 2024 is “Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: Amplifying Asian Canadian Legacy.” This theme celebrates the rich heritage and contributions of people of Asian origin within Canada while also looking forward to the future with optimism and hopefulness.  At RRC Polytech, we want to mirror this celebration of heritage, and future focused optimism, by offering the following resources, activities, and events aimed at deepening our shared understanding of Asian histories and cultures in order to engage meaningfully in our celebration and recognition of people of Asian origin within our community.

While Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich histories, cultures and contributions of people of Asian origin within Canada, it also serves as a reminder that our work to address historical and ongoing racism continues.  We encourage everyone to take advantage of these resources; to participate in the various events and activities planned throughout the month; and to use this time to deepen our understanding, celebrate diversity, and foster a culture of inclusivity, belonging and anti-racism within our College community.

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 following resources:

• 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.

May 6 marked Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, which commemorates the lives and heroism the six million Jewish people who died in the Holocaust. Following Yom HaShoah, there are week-long commemorations in our community, including synagogue services, film screenings, and educational programs. Visit the Jewish Federation of Manitoba’s website for more information.

Today, May 6, 2024 we recognize Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorates the lives and heroism of Jewish people who died in the Holocaust. Each spring, the community comes together at the Manitoba Legislature with municipal, provincial, and federal government representatives to commemorate the six million Jews who perished in the Shoah.

Today, the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg will host the Annual Public Holocaust Commemoration from 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm at the Grand Staircase, Manitoba Legislative Building, 450 Broadway.

This ceremony features candle lighting, music, readings and prayers. All are welcome to attend. Register for the commemoration event here.

Following Yom HaShoah, there are week-long commemorations in the community, including synagogue services, film screenings, and educational programs.

RRC Polytech celebrates International Girls in ICT Day 2024

Every year on April 25, RRC Polytech celebrates International Girls in Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Day. RRC Polytech and the instructors within the ICT program share the same values to create an equitable, diverse, and inclusive place both inside our classrooms and the industry once they graduate.

Currently inside global cybersecurity, men make up 78% of the industry. However, the percentage of women in that sector is rising by the decades, with 13% of women 60 or older, and now 24% of women under 30 in the workforce. At RRC Polytech, we see this as a room for growth inside our programs.

In a study published by ICS2, over half of the testing sample believed that building an inclusive, more diverse team is crucial in the security team’s success. This is an important value that Hosna Safiarian, RRC Polytech Instructor in the Data Science and Machine Learning program, also believes is critical to the future success inside the ICT sector.

“Empowering women in the IT field will foster democracy in the IT world. Democracy has consistently engendered creativity, innovation, prosperity, and justice in society, and the IT world is no exception. We can see these diverse ideas infusing fresh vitality into IT products and services, akin to new blood coursing through veins,” says Hosna.

Hosna Safiarian was born in Iran, in the Middle East, where gender norms within careers were heavily influenced by society. Despite this, she found a silver lining and turned challenges into opportunities in the field of IT.

When Hosna entered high school, she initiated a coding competition, leading a team of girls to run different algorithms in computer science. This experience taught her a valuable lesson: ‘We can achieve good results if we try hard enough; we just need to be brave.’

Throughout her career she has made significant efforts as a woman in the fields of academics and the IT industry. She volunteered to teach computer science topics in girls’ schools in Iran to prepare them for this field. Hosna has published more than 15 articles in Persian and English about data science, which serve as valuable references for Iranian students.

Additionally, Hosna has served as a teaching assistant at the Masters and PhD levels, mentoring many female students with their thesis in the field of data science. With their help, she has created a significant amount of educational content on data science, Artificial Intelligence and big data topics.

In the IT industry, she has overcome seemingly insurmountable barriers. By completing numerous international courses and obtaining numerous certificates, she has succeeded in securing a position as a data science expert in Iran’s industry.

Now, as an Instructor at RRC Polytech, Hosna shares her passion for ICT with her students.

“I hope that more girls will fall in love with math and coding, enter the IT world, and turn the challenges of this field into a unique growth opportunity.”

She always tells her students, ‘Wherever your challenges lie, that’s where your potential for growth exists,’ – inspiration she’s gained from Harnessing Jung’s Wisdom on Fears.

In Canada there are currently 25,000 unfilled positions in cybersecurity, so bringing more women into ICT continues to be a crucial step in creating a more diverse and inclusive industry.

RRC Polytech is encouraging more women to enter the field through a training and work-integrated learning pilot with the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) and Microsoft.

The pilot will recruit 20 students who are women in RRC Polytech’s Information Technology programs to acquire foundational Microsoft Cybersecurity training and certification, mentorship, and experiential work-integrated learning – all at no cost to the student.

To learn more about the ICTC and Microsoft Cybersecurity Training Pilot, or to register, visit here.