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.

RRC Polytech is committed to creating a respectful community that is diverse, inclusive and equitable — a place where we can come together to better understand, embrace and uplift each other’s culture and experiences, and a place where all are welcomed for who we are, and for what we can build together.

Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims around the world, marked by obligatory fasting and a spiritual cleanse.

To members of the faith, the ninth month on the Islamic lunar calendar is considered the holiest and healthy adults who are able, are required to fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. Ramadan is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion and special prayers.

In 2024, the month-long fast of Ramadan begins around March 10 and ends around April 8. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate one of their major holidays called Eid ul-Fitr or the “Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.” In 2024 the holiday will be celebrated around April 10, and features prayer ceremony, food, games and presents for children as friends and family spend time together.

While the personal commitment to these sacred rituals may go unnoticed by some and spark curiosity in others, please be mindful that this observance may result in altered sleep patterns, changes in energy levels, increased anxiety around meeting deadlines, and requires a commitment to prayer timings.

Here are a few simple ways for non-Muslims to be supportive of students, staff and members of the College community who are fasting for Ramadan.

Be flexible, adaptable, and respectful.

Be conscientious of how much physical energy is required for an activity or outing you may propose, the time of day in which meetings or events may fall, and the settings in which you are doing them.

There are also various reasons Muslims may not be fasting, premised in the faith tradition or entirely personal, so you shouldn’t assume or ask someone if they’re observing. Please respect their privacy unless they choose to share and engage.

Be an ally in your department to those who are observing Ramadan and seek out more information to better understand and support your colleagues.

Click here to learn more about Ramadan

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. 

RRC Polytech encourages all staff, students and community members to take a stand against bullying.

Pink Shirt Day 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.

According to the Canadian Red Cross, more than half of bullying incidents stop within 10 seconds when a bystander steps in. 

#LiftEachOtherUp and take a stand against bullying by submitting a photo of yourself wearing a pink shirt

Submit your 2023 Pink Shirt Day photo here

Anti-bullying messages

“As someone who experienced bullying, I recognize the importance of taking the path to #LiftEachOtherUp as opposed to tearing one another down. A little kindness goes a long way – you never know what others are going through.”

Breanne Lucky, Staff

“It’s crucial to make a firm stance against bullying because all of us have the right to live in a warm and peaceful community.”

Claire May Tuazon, Student

“Life is hard, but it’s up to all of us to make it better.”

Lauren Dominici, Staff

“Psychological safety will create a better world.”

Yuyan Tian, Student

“The World needs to be a safe and happy place for all”

Robin (Staff) and Oliver

Respectful College – Onling 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.

Join panelists from RRC Polytech’s Board of Governors, Knowledge Keepers Council, Students’ Association, as well as staff members, for a discussion celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023. This year’s IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity, because equity isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have.

• Date: Wednesday, March 8, 2023
• Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Location: Hybrid event
  • In-person: Connected Classroom, G139, Notre Dame Campus*
  • Virtual: Livestreaming via MS Teams

*In-person capacity is limited to 30 people. If you would like to attend in-person, please register as soon as possible.

The event is open to all RRC Polytech employees and students. Co-moderated by Ebony Novakowski, Copyright Officer, Library and Academic Services, and Josh Malam, RRC Polytech student and former RRCSA Vice President, Academic.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. ASL-English interpretation will be provided for this event. 

Elder Martha Peet, RRC Polytech Knowledge Keepers Council, will be bringing greetings to start the panel talk in a good way. 

About Elder Martha Peet

Martha Peet, Inuit elder and storyteller from Taloyaok, Nunavut, telling stories is about sharing her own experiences and the traditional Inuit way of life.

Taloyaok was founded in 1948 when the HBC established a trading post. Five nomadic families moved in, including hers. Peet was born in 1950. “I was there from the beginning. I lived in an igloo in the winter and a tent in the summer. My job as a child was collecting cotton in the summer, for the wick on the seal oil (soapstone) lamp (fueled by blubber). I always had chores. I carried water twice a day from the lake. I made bannock and tea. We boiled our meat, seal and caribou,” she says.

A storyteller for over 30 years, Peet enjoys sharing stories about her life, where she is from, and the Inuit way of life of years ago including the importance of animals and traditions.

Meet the Panelists

Kookum and Knowledge Keeper Barbara Bruce – Flies High Thunderbird and Truth Talker, RRC Polytech Knowledge Keepers Council

Barbara Bruce is a citizen of the Red River Métis Nation – Michif aen Otipemisiwak.  Her beliefs of Indigenous traditional teachings are reflected in all of the work she takes on.

A Sundancer, Sweatlodge leader, and Pipe Carrier, her dedication to advancing the rightful place, recognition and acknowledgment of the Two Spirit community, Indigenous women, and children and youth are an integral part of her life.

Some of her past and current board appointments include: National Aboriginal Economic Development Board, Manitoba Communities Economic Development Fund, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Top 40 Under 40, University of Winnipeg Board of Regents and Chair of the Metis Child and Family Services Authority. Most recently, she Co-Led a working group for the University of Manitoba on Identity Fraud

Barbara has been recognized and honoured for her work by the Human Rights Commission of Manitoba for her significant contributions to promoting Indigenous rights and equality. She was honoured by ‘Keeping the Fires Burning’ as a Kookum/Grandmother for her contribution of the wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples. Sageeng First Nation honoured her for her extensive contribution to economic development in First Nation and Métis communities.  In recognition of her lifetime of work, she was inducted into the Order of Manitoba in 2018. In 2020, she was acknowledged in the Manitoba legislative Assembly in a Member’s Statement for her work and contribution as a Two Spirit Elder. In 2021, she received the Nellie McClung Manitoba 150 Women Trailblazer Award. In November 2022 she received the Natural Resources Canada Departmental Achievement Award in the category of Workplace Culture and Wellness and she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal of Manitoba in December 2022. 

Ruth Ola, RRC Polytech Board of Governors

Ruth Ola is the Quality System Manager at KGS Group Consulting Engineers and Project Managers. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified Manager of Quality and Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), Ruth is a leader whose experience spans across developing, implementing, improving, and executing Quality Management Systems (QMS). She works with the highest levels of corporate leadership in implementing continuous improvement and lean processes, and in business process design and strategic planning.

Ruth has a Master’s degree in Geography and worked as a Geographic Information System (GIS) professional in the earlier part of her career.

Ruth is the co-founder of The Prowezz Company Inc, a team focusing on developing leaders and agents of change. She is also an ASQConnEx expert with American Society for Quality (ASQ), delivering training for individuals, organizations, and communities, helping them to achieve excellence through quality.

She is the Section Chair of ASQ Manitoba. She coaches with the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Association (WMBA).

Dr. Jeanine Webber, Executive Director, Academic, RRC Polytech

Jeanine’s post-secondary educational journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies at Renison College at the University of Waterloo, followed by a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at York University, and a Master of Social Work and Doctor of Philosophy (Social Work) at the University of Toronto.

During Jeanine’s doctoral studies, she had the opportunity to teach at York University, the University of Toronto, and at Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. Additionally, Jeanine has extensive leadership experience within the college sector including that of Program Coordinator, Associate Dean at Humber, and formerly as Dean for the Centre for Justice & Human Services at Lethbridge College.

Jeanine has a passion for creating pathways for non-traditional learners and ensuring everyone has access to education. She brings a collaborative, values-based strategic leadership style with extensive experience in strategic planning, program development, program evaluation and renewal, and project management.

Outside of work, Jeanine enjoys reading, hiking, photography, traveling, volunteering within the community, and most importantly, spending time with family and friends.

Mandy Robinson, Director, Enrolment Services and Registrar, RRC Polytech

Mandy is a full status member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, born and raised in The Pas/ Opaskwayak Cree Nation area of northern Manitoba.  Mandy’s personal academic journey has not been easy or smooth, and her eventual success forged a dedication to use her education to assist those individuals who felt, like she once did, that university or college would never be an option. 

Mandy is the Registrar and Director of Enrolment Services at Red River College Polytechnic. Her portfolio includes Admissions, Student Records, Timetabling, Financial Aid and Customer Service.

Manpreet Kaur, President, RRC Polytech Students’ Association

Manpreet Kaur is the President of the Red River College Polytechnic Students’ Association, where she helps students and acts as a bridge between the college and the students’ association. She came to Canada as an international Student at RRC Polytech and is pursuing Business Technology Management. She also sits on the Board of Governors at RRC Polytech as a student representative.

Her role as president is to lead the organization, be the main spokesperson, and support the rest of the executive team. She communicates and encourages the team and works towards making our organization, the college, and our community a more welcoming and inclusive environment. She oversees and chairs committees where she needs to be efficient and organized. Manpreet always puts her best foot forward and is eager to learn, self-motivated, and willing to help and get involved. Her role requires her to collaborate, be creative, and problem-solving in our fast-paced student environment.

Take part in the conversation to #EmbraceEquity

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. Throughout February we will be highlighting and sharing the stories of Black staff, students, members of our Board of Governors as well as alumni. Stay tuned to the Diversity blog and RRC Polytech’s social media to learn more about members of our College community

Phyllis Reid-Jarvis, Board of Governors, RRC Polytech

The Journey

Phyllis Reid-Jarvis (she/her) MPH, PCC, CEO/Founder of Ultimate Potentials Corporation.

My work at Ultimate Potentials Corporation as a leadership and talent development consultant focuses on helping leaders see where change needs to occur. I work with leaders to support their organizations in achieving workplaces designed for all employees to thrive.  With over 25 years of combined experience in health, leadership, talent development, and social justice, I help leaders create transformative, diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces.

My professional journey has been filled with varying experiences, and now, looking back, all have prepared me well for where I am today. The word circuitous best describes my career path. It began at Mico Teachers’ College in Kingston, Jamaica, where I started training preparations to be a science teacher. Alas, this was interrupted when I immigrated to Manitoba with my parents in 1985.

I continued with my education upon arriving in Manitoba. I decided to switch career paths to pursue becoming a Registered Dietitian, a career in which I worked for almost twenty years. Despite having significant success as a Registered Dietitian, it was fraught with many barriers of exclusion and a need for more available and culturally-appropriate mentoring and support to help understand the Canadian culture and its practices of professionalism.  Highlights of my career as a Registered Dietitian include publishing two books on Solutions for health, working with CBC Radio as a health columnist on a weekly show, Food for Thought, representing Dietitians of Canada in Granada, Spain as a speaker at the annual International Congress of Dietetics and member of Breakfast for Learning Canada Board of Governors.

Importance of Representation

I arrived in Manitoba to discover that I was Black. Coming from a culture where one identifies with their country of origin, I was taken aback by ‘others’ need to reduce me to the superficiality of the colour of my skin! The silent racism below the surface of friendly Manitoba struck me. 

I am reminded of how the abuse of power and authority by one of my professors in my 4^th year at University was intended to deny me representation. I was getting A’s and high B+’s in most of my courses and was a recipient of the Alumni Association award for high-grade point average, but I  could only seem to get a low B at best from this professor.

I needed appropriate references to pursue my career as a Registered Dietitian, among other criteria for acceptance into the program. I booked an appointment to ask this professor if she would stand as a referee. Without skipping a beat, she said, “sure, but I don’t think you would like what I have to say.”I asked, “what do you mean?” She looked me in the eye and said, “We don’t want your kind in our program.” Again, I asked, “what do you mean?” She held her arm up and ran her fingers back and forth over it. It took me a few seconds to grasp the meaning of her gesture. I asked, “do you mean because my skin is black?” She folded her arms and leaned back in her chair. The meeting was over. This experience is one of many but is the most blatant form of denial of representation.

I am fortunate to belong to a family and community that taught me early in life to be proud of who I am and not to conform to society’s ideals of whom they think I should be. I use this to transform barriers into opportunities. This is a crucial mindset I continue to use today and teach, coach and mentor others to adopt as a transformative tool.

Contributions to the Board of Governors

My varied experience over the years helped shape what I bring to the table as a member of the Board of Governors at RRC Polytech. My lived experience and professional experience more than equip me to support RRC Polytech in achieving its strategic priorities. This is seen particularly around RRC Polytech’s commitments to talent development for the Province, the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s ( TRC) calls to action regarding Indigenous education and representation, and the pursuit to achieve Equity, Diversity and Inclusion by removing barriers to access and representation for equity-seeking Manitobans (persons who self-identify as a Person of colour, Asian, African, Caribbean, or African/Caribbean or Black) and marginalized Manitobans (Persons with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+).

I believe deeply in RRC Polytech’s commitment to its strategic priorities. I am honoured to be among fellow volunteers, students and staff who are also deeply committed to realizing RRC Polytech’s strategic priorities. 

Aspirations

I do this work because I know it’s important for everyone to be included, supported and recognized. I want to normalize these actions and make this known to fellow Manitobans. I will know we are successful when as Manitobans, we no longer are governed by blatant or worse, silent racism in our communities, workplaces and learning institutions. Success is realized when the TRC’s calls to action are fully implemented. When marginalized Manitobans (Persons with disabilities, members of 2SLGBTQIA+) and equity-seeking Manitobans (persons who self-identify as persons of colour, Asian, African, Caribbean, or African/Caribbean or Black) share 100% freedom, just like their white Canadian brothers and sisters.

“ We do not need first to be perfect before we can do what is right and just.” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Nigerian author and activist.

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. Throughout February we will be highlighting and sharing the stories of Black staff, students, members of our Board of Governors as well as alumni. Stay tuned to the Diversity blog and RRC Polytech’s social media to learn more about members of our College community.

Raymond Ngarbou, 2008 graduate, Community Development/Community Economic Development, RRC Polytech

Reposted from December 13, 2021

Raymond Ngarboui has a good reason for being late to a scheduled appointment at the Rainbow Community Garden on a recent August afternoon.

Within sight of IG Field at the University of Manitoba, the Garden is a place where families new to Canada are able to plant, tend, and harvest their own crops.

Among those waiting for Ngarboui is a group of students from Gordon Bell High School who have summer jobs on the Green Team, an employment program he manages in his capacity as a Community Development Coordinator for the Community Education Development Association (CEDA).

Not surprisingly, all eyes are on Ngarboui as he pulls up. With his easygoing manner, he has the full attention of the students. After speaking with them, he has time to sit down and talk about his career in community development.

To read more, click here.

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. Throughout February we will be highlighting and sharing the stories of Black staff, students, members of our Board of Governors as well as alumni. Stay tuned to the Diversity blog and RRC Polytech’s social media to learn more about members of our College community.

Omolara Adewuyi, Project Manager, RRC Polytech

What is your current role/occupation and what path/journey did you take to get to where you are today?

I am currently a Project Manager at Red River College. I am an alumnus of Red River College. I worked at Loblaw for five years as a Financial Analyst. At Loblaw, I worked in various departments, handled accounts reconciliation and reporting, led various process automation and improvements, met firm deadlines, supported the team to develop strategies to resolve cases in the client’s best interest whilst adhering to the Company’s policies and procedures, and was an excellent team player. I love volunteering. I held various positions in different clubs & committees. Eg Toastmasters, Equity and diversity committee. Etc.

Have you had any struggles in your career, and if so, how did you transform them into growth or success?

Whenever I am faced with difficulty, I resolve to use one or the other approach such as: Taking a break, going on a walk, going around the city on the bus (if time permits), and closing my eyes for at least 5 minutes. Then I start by identifying the challenge, asking for assistance, and maintaining an optimistic attitude toward my performance at work. These essential steps have helped me to become a hardworking, positive-minded, and motivated person who is not afraid of challenges. Most importantly, I have a seek-to-understand mindset and not a judgmental one.

What, if any, are challenges that affected you as a Black person in your career?

Personally, I have not faced discrimination or racism in the workplace. It may simply be that I refuse to identify any challenge as racism. Diversity in the workplace is a welcome development that can be improved upon with time. Many employees feel hopeless because they are afraid to put their job on the line to speak out against discrimination, so I think it is crucial to have open conversations about racial and gender bias.

Why is representation important to you and what does it mean for you?

Representation is vital because it creates a space where everyone can be seen and heard. People from different backgrounds will have various viewpoints thereby creating multiple ideas. We will be able to identify problems/ challenges from various angles and have better results. Seeing a person of color as a CEO or a Manager or in a top management position gives me hope and motivates me to put in more effort knowing that everyone is fairly treated and recognized.

How does your lived experience shape what you bring to the table in your role/occupation?

I have acquired a wide range of skills and experience that have given me the ability to bring positivity, a creative approach to solving problems, and the determination to always add value in any position. I am always willing to learn from experienced members of the company and be a positive role model to all my colleagues.

Anything else you would like to say or add?

I am grateful for this opportunity to share my experience and the lessons I have learned throughout my career. I hope to impact everyone positively.