RRC Polytech is solidifying its commitment to embodying equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) with the launch of Inclusion Week.

From October 31 until Friday November 4, the College is hosting a series of virtual and in-person events designed to inspire its community to live out the values of EDI at work, in class, and in their personal lives.

“The principles of EDI are embedded into everything we do at RRC Polytech, and they make up an important pillar of our Strategic Plan. Rather than just talking about how important these values are, Inclusion Week gives our community the chance to experience these teachings first-hand through a variety of events they can attend throughout their typical work or school week,” says Fred Meier, President & CEO, RRC Polytech. “One of our strengths as an institution is that we care deeply about the people who work and study here – Inclusion Week helps to foster a respectful, equitable atmosphere for our entire community.”

RRC Polytech is committed to addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action within its operations and in its work to advance Indigenous education in Manitoba. This commitment is a critical foundation for the College’s work in pursuing EDI within the institution and its partnerships — because those goals cannot be advanced without doing the work of reconciliation. Inclusion Week builds off the momentum of RRC Polytech’s Truth and Reconciliation week, held at the end of September, to further provide staff and students with opportunities to engage in the principles of EDI.

Inclusion Week kicked off on October 31 with a keynote luncheon at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, focused on representation. During the event, keynote speaker Uzoma Asagwara shared their experiences as one of the first Black and openly queer MLAs to ever win a seat as an elected representative in Manitoba, as well as being Manitoba’s first gender non-conforming MLA. Events throughout the week include an Indigenous language and Bannock-making workshop, a drag queen story-time and q+a session, and a Diversity speaker event featuring Laurelle Harris, the Founder, CEO and Principal Consultant at Equitable Solutions. The week concludes with an inclusive dance party hosted by the Red River College Students’ Association.

“The events of Inclusion Week give our staff and students the opportunity to delve deeper into inclusive practices and to become better allies and co-conspirators,” says Cynthia Kulczycki, Instructor at RRC Polytech and a member of Inclusion Week’s planning committee. “EDI is important and fundamental to how we operate as an institution, but it can be accessible, too – it can be as simple, and beautiful, as learning another language, cooking a meal together, or listening to a story.”

RRC Polytech plans to make Inclusion Week an annual event to further deepen its commitment to EDI. For more information, visit rrc.ca/diversity.