Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation – Today, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) and the RRC Polytech Students’ Association (RRCSA) invites students and staff to learn more about Sikh Culture at the annual Turban Pride Day event at the Notre Dame Campus.
 
The turban is an important symbol for many Sikh Canadians, signifying individual sovereignty, self-respect, courage and human equality. These are all values RRC Polytech embodies, and this annual event provides an opportunity for the community to come together and learn through experiencing being wrapped in a turban and asking questions to Sikh staff and students.
 
This event started in 2014 by business administration student (now RRC Polytech staff) Sukhjot Singh, to educate staff and students who might have questions about his turban but were too afraid to ask. The event is now led by the Red River College Polytechnic Students’ Association with support from the College. 
 
“Cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and RRC Polytech is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion within our community,” said Fred Meier, RRC Polytech President and CEO. “Events like Turban Pride Day create real learning opportunities to come together, to gain deeper understanding, and to create a more welcoming and inclusive working and learning environment for all. I look forward to participating each year and seeing the hallways full of students and staff excited to share, learn and wear a turban with pride.”

Turban Day takes place each year on April 13 as part of Sikh heritage month. In 2023, Manitoba became the first province to officially recognize Turban Day. Last year at RRC Polytech, approximately 300 turbans were tied, a number that left Prachi Chawla, RRC Polytech student and President of the Students’ Association proud. 
 
“Fred Meier came and tied a turban around his head. He made an effort to ask questions and it meant a lot,” said Chawla. “Every year that RRC Polytech hosts this event we are overwhelmed with the positive conversations, and the curiosity that has stemmed from Turban Pride Day.”

RRC Polytech prioritizes creating a safe place for people to share about their culture, and a welcoming place for others to learn.  
 
“We are hoping to build cultural awareness, and to bridge the gap between the different communities- bringing in cultural inclusivity. For us, wearing a turban is both cultural and religious, and I love answering any questions that people may have,” said Mohitpreet Kaur, Vice President of the Students’ Association at RRC Polytech. 

The annual event will take place today at the RRC Polytech Notre Dame Campus from 11:00am – 1:00pm and media is invited to attend.

When: Today, Friday, April 12, 2024 
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 
 
Where: Library Hallway at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus 

For more information:
Caleb Jutzi
Communications Intern
519.697.8062
cjutzi@rrc.ca