Equity, Diversity and Inclusion on Campus

News and Events

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

May 15, 2023

May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia – a day that was created to raise awareness of the discrimination and violence faced by individuals of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

This year’s theme is “Together Always: United in Diversity”. At RRC Polytech, we believe that diversity is our strength. We are committed to creating inclusive learning and working environments where everyone feels sale, respected, and celebrated. Homophobia, transphobia and biphobia have no place within our college community.

Below are resources and further information on homophobia, transphobia and biphobia to support your learning journeys so that you can counter fear and panic with compassion and reason, and to make a difference in all our communities.

RRC Polytech is committed to being allies for everyone – it doesn’t matter who you are, everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect.

On May 17 (every day), take a moment to reflect upon how you can stand up and speak out against discrimination; how you can create a safe and inclusive space that respects all individuals; and how you can support 2SLGBTQIA+ friends and colleagues.

If you have any questions or comments, please email us at diversity@rrc.ca.

Resources:

Being a 2SLGBTQIA+ Ally

Allyship is leadership

How to be an Ally to a Bi+ Person

What Does Trans Allyship Look Like?

Fondation Émergence: The LBGTQ Phobias Are Just As Irrational campaign

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

CCDI’s Glossary of Terms – which includes the following definitions:

  • Homophobia: a fear, dislike, or hatred of and discrimination against LGBTQ2+ 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 LGBTQ2+ community

National AccessAbility Week and Manitoba Access Awareness Week

May 12, 2023

The province of Manitoba observes May 28 to June 3, 2023, as Manitoba Access Awareness Week (MAAW). Celebrated annually in conjunction with National AccessAbility Week, its purpose is to raise awareness of accessibility barriers experienced by Manitobans with disabilities and to promote removal of these barriers.

RRC Polytech is committed to developing a culture of diversity and inclusivity for the communities we serve. We believe in equal access to education and employment, and we are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming, supportive and respectful of the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities. The College will continue our work to meet, and exceed where possible, the mandate of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA).

To advance this commitment to accessibility, RRC Polytech has created an Accessibility Plan, which is updated every two years by the Accessibility Working Group, representing programs and departments across the College.  You can read more about RRC Polytech’s Accessibility Plan, Student Accessibility Services, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services and Supportive Employment Program on our website. Centre for learning & Program Excellence (CLPE) has developed resources and guidelines on Staff Forum for staff and faculty to create accessible instructional and informational materials.

The Accessibility for Manitoban’s Act Information and Communication Standard was enacted in May 2022, and post-secondary institutions are required to meet the requirements of the Standard by May 1, 2024. To help the College community prepare for this Standard, the following session will be offered at RED Forum: Access in Action: Are you ready for the 2024 Information and Communication Standard? This information session will be led by a panel of staff bringing different perspectives to the conversation – Instructional Design, Instruction/Teaching, Student Accessibility Services and Accessible Technologies. Topics will include an overview of the Standard, inaccessible content and its impact, and designing content with accessibility in mind. Register for RED Forum here.

The Manitoba Accessibility Office will be celebrating Manitoba Access Awareness Week 2023 with a zoom webinar on Thursday, June 1, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The theme of the event is “Reducing Barriers to Web Accessible Information and Communications”.  It will include four short talks with organizations that received Manitoba Accessibility Fund (MAF) grants in 2022/23 to complete activities enhancing web accessibility and experiences for end users. To register for the webinar, please visit the Eventbrite page to sign up to attend

If you have any questions or feedback about RRC Polytech’s Accessibility Plan, please email us at diversity@rrc.ca.

Film Screening: In the Shadow of Gold Mountain

May 10, 2023

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.

Canadian Jewish Heritage Month 2023

May 1, 2023

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:

National Film Board of Canada:

  • CCDI Webinar: Antisemitism: How to recognize and prevent it in the workplace
    • Login is required. Free to sign up for RRC Polytech staff!

Asian Heritage Month 2023

April 30, 2023

Portrait by Paolo Gonzales

May 1 marks the beginning of Asian Heritage Month, a time to reflect on and recognize the many contributions that Canadians of Asian heritage have made and continue to make to Canada.

RRC Polytech is proud to have a diverse community of staff and students from different backgrounds and cultures. One way to create a more inclusive culture on campus is by learning the stories of the people we work and learn with every day.

To begin the month, Creative Communications student Paolo Gonzales shares his creative non-fiction story Canada Is In The Heart, a reflection of what it means to be Filipino as a first-generation immigrant to Canada.

Read the full story here

Share your story

This month we invite RRC Polytech community members of Asian heritage to keep the conversation going – share your story today.

Fill out the Asian Heritage Month form here

International Day of Pink: April 12

April 6, 2023

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 12th 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.

Trans Day of Visibility

March 22, 2023

Written By: Justine Hawley, Resource Management Technician, Library and Academic Success Centre, Gender and Sexual Working Group Member

On November 20, 2022, RRC Polytech recognized Transgender Day of Remembrance and highlighted some Canadian icons who have inspired future generations of transgendered individuals to be who they are, and stand up for themselves and their community. We remembered the leaders, the trailblazers and the loved ones we have lost.

Even in the darkest times it is important that we still celebrate the light around us. Did you know that Canada is the first country to collect and publish data on gender diversity from a national census? Or that younger Canadian generations were three-to-seven times more comfortable expressing their identities? Change still needs to continue to happen until equity can be reached. However, the fact that the average life span of someone identifying under this umbrella has risen nearly ten years, is telling us we are marching in the right direction.

Manitoba is a great place to live. Rich in cultural diversity, we have fantastic artists, amazing restaurants, and we didn’t get the title of ‘Friendly Manitoba’ for no reason. Our beautiful province is also home to some amazing Two Spirited, transgender, and non-binary heroes that are continuing to advocate and stand up for trans* rights.

Shandi Strong (she/her/hers)

What can be said about Shandi Strong that hasn’t been said before? She is a pillar for the transgender community in western Canada. In 2016, she was the first openly transgendered person to run for provincial office. She’s been on the board for Winnipeg Pride, Manitobans for Human Rights and Our Own Health Centre. She even led the very first Trans March in Manitoba. It is evident by all the amazing work she’s done and all of her accomplishments that she is a shining star of Manitoba’s trans community. When asked why she loves her trans identity, she said:

“Before transition, I spent most of my life scared and trying to fit in. Finding connections and chosen family within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community finally helped me see myself and my potential. The journey wasn’t easy but because I endured it, I emerged stronger and more confident today than I ever thought possible.”

Feather Talia (he/she/they)

Art comes in many forms and Winnipeg is not lacking in that department. Feather Talia is an example of the drag queen scene in Manitoba. She not only performs fantastic, lively shows but also represents the Two-Spirit (2S) community. Originally, she started her drag career in Regina, SK, before making a home in Winnipeg. She’s works with the Sunshine Bunch through the Sunshine House, a community drop-in and resource centre that focuses on inclusion and harm-reduction. She’s also a member of the very talented group The Bannock Babes. When asked about why she loves her 2S identity and how it’s positively impacted her life, she said:

“I love my 2S identity because it just makes sense. For all my teen years, and some of my early 20s [sic], I was confused about my own personal identity (like most people are) and when I stumbled on the term Two Spirit and doing my own research, something in me just clicked. I do believe I carry Two Spirits within me. One masculine and one feminine. This also helps make me a good storyteller. Being 2S also helps me with my drag persona! It truly makes me the best version of me!”

Kael McKenzie (he/him/his)

Did you know that Manitoba is the home to the very first transgendered judge in Canada? The Honourable Judge Kael McKenzie made his way to the history books in 2015. Not only does he represent the vibrant Métis community, he’s also showing the world that you can be successful and live life as your authentic self. He has a long list of accomplishments such as serving as the Manitoba Chair for the Canadian Bar Association, acting president of the Rainbow Resource Centre and he is a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. He’s a husband and a father of two and when asked why he loves his trans* identity he said:

“When I transitioned, I found myself. For the first time in my life, I felt comfortable in my own skin. I cannot imagine being anyone other than I am now. I have immense gratitude that I live in a time in history where I can be who I am and still be able to work in the profession that I love.”

As you can see, there are amazing Manitobans who are the warriors of change, inclusivity and diversity. Their contributions to the transgender community, which they are a part of, are shaping history and shaking up the Cis-tym. We appreciate and applaud them, and all the other people, paving the way to an even more inclusive future in Canada.

Sign a Heart in Support of Trans Rights

On Friday, March 31, 2023, you’re invited to join us in The Spectrum (Located on the Mall Level of the Notre Dame Campus) to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. by signing a heart to show your support, and enjoy some tasty treats.

If you or anyone you know is in crisis, contact one of these supports for transgender-specific guidance:

Resources:

If you have any questions or comments, please email us at diversity@rrc.ca.

World Down Syndrome Day 2023

March 21, 2023

To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day 2023, RRC Polytech is pleased to share two short films worked on by Creative Communications (2013) graduate Monique Pantel.

Growing up in Winnipeg, Monique and her parents lived in the same duplex as L’Arche Winnipeg, an organization which creates homes, social opportunities and jobs for people with intellectual disabilities. The connections Monique has made through L’Arche have lasted a lifetime. In her 20s, she worked part-time at the L’Arche Tova café, and took on additional roles within the organization to help promote and uplift the community. One of the ways she’s been able to do that is through her work on two short films, Linda’s Wish and Freebird. Both films were inspired by the lives of people with Down syndrome who are part of the L’Arche community.

Monique currently lives in Cambutal, Panama with her family and is a successful international photographer specializing in wedding and lifestyle.

Linda’s Wish

Created by Monique Pantel and her father, Hubert Pantel

The 6 minute short film, a creative collaboration between father and daughter Hubert Pantel and Monique Pantel, celebrates Linda’s life-long dream of becoming a bride. On her special day, Linda was surrounded and supported by her friends and family, complete with cake, dancing and a bouquet toss.

“I’ve known Linda my entire life. She spent Christmases with my family. And she’s had a lifetime love for white dresses, fancy rings and everything wedding related. Last summer (2018), her community of friends and family came together to celebrate her and she finally got to experience what it felt like to be a bride. A true lifelong wish for her. To say that capturing this day was special- is an understatement. This short film was created in collaboration with my hero, my dad, whose older footage of Linda really helped shape this film.” – Monique Pantel.

Freebird

Created by Nicholas Herd and directed by Michael McDonald & Joe Bluhm

Freebird is the coming-of-age story of a boy with Down Syndrome who learns to navigate the world with a loving mother, an absent father, a classroom bully, and a life-long crush. In just five minutes, we watch 45 years of his life flash by. Freebird Creative Director, Nicholas Herd, is the first film maker with Down syndrome in history whose film has been long-listed for an Academy Award.

#LotsOfSocks

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.

World Down Syndrome Day: #LotsOfSocks

March 20, 2023

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

Sign a heart in support of Trans Rights

March 17, 2023

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 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 ›