Beginning on Monday, November 18, 2024, CBC Manitoba will be set up at the Notre Dame Campus for two weeks to explore topics and issues that matter to the RRC Polytech students and community as part of the Communities in Focus series.

CBC Manitoba journalist Jim Agapito, videographer Travis Golby and Community Connection Senior Producer Nadia Kidwai will be spending time digging into stories that matter to our community.

The goal of Communities in Focus is to tell stories that reflect the province’s many people and places. Communities in Focus often travels to different parts of Manitoba – they’ve been to Poplar River First Nation and Lac du Bonnet already this fall, and now they want to know more about the RRC Polytech community.

Where they will be:

They will be setting up shop on the Notre Dame Campus in the library hallway on the mall level.

Welcome event: They will be hosting a welcome event to introduce the team to the college community, and to allow the community to introduce itself, from 11 am-1 pm on Monday, Nov. 18. Students, staff and faculty are invited to say hello, grab a bite to eat and share a bit about our RRC Polytech community.

Office Hours: Community Connection Senior Producer Nadia Kidwai will be holding office hours Nov. 18 and 19, and Nov. 25, 26 and 28 from 11am-1pm – please swing by for a chat and to share your story.

Panel discussions: Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 11 am and Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 12 pm, we will be hosting informal but informative panel discussions where your fellow students take the lead and give us their perspectives on issues of the day.  

Look for topics and how to get involved in Staff and Student news in the days leading up.

Live shows: CBC will also be recording live from RRC Polytech: Radio Noon (Thursday, Nov. 21 from 12-1pm), and Information Radio (Thursday, Nov. 28 from 6am-8:30am).

Share your stories

The goal of the Communities in Focus initiative is to meet people, hear their stories and then share those stories. They want to tell stories that reflect and represent our province and out community is invited to share.

If you have a story idea, please get in touch by email: nadia.kidwai@cbc.ca or call 204-296-0846.

CBC Manitoba’s Communities in Focus series

CBC Manitoba has hosted several Communities in Focus events and toured many places across the province. Over the last year, CBC Manitoba has set up community news bureaus in the Interlake, Steinbach, Virden and Island Lake.

If you have questions about CBC’s Communities in Focus event at RRC Polytech, please contact collegerelations@rrc.ca

Monday is Remembrance Day, our annual reminder to reflect and honour those who have served and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace.

All campuses will be closed on Monday, November 11 and all campus flags will be lowered to half-mast in observance of this day.

Today, is Indigenous Veteran’s Day, which specifically recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of Indigenous soldiers. Today, Indigenous people are celebrated and acknowledged at all levels for their contributions to Canada’s military history, and hundreds of ceremonies and vigils are held across the country to honor and reflect on the Indigenous experience in the Canadian military.

To recognize, acknowledge, respect and remember what Indigenous veterans did for our country, the School of Indigenous Education at RRC Polytech is gifting staff & students commemorative pins. 

If you haven’t already, please read the profile on Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech. Prior to his career in education and post-secondary leadership, Jamie spent nine years serving in both the US and Canadian Armed Forces. Read more about his story here.

On Indigenous Veteran’s Day and Remembrance Day, we remember the lives lost and the enduring impacts of war, while reflecting on the importance of peace.

Lest we forget.

Two Convocation Ceremonies Taking Place on November 6, 1:30 and 7:00 p.m., at RBC Convention Centre  

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – Today, November 6, professionals entering healthcare, business, automotive, creative, and other integral Manitoba industries will be celebrated in two convocation ceremonies. Each of the nearly 1,600 students – the largest number of graduates RRC Polytech has recognized in its Fall convocations since they were first added in 2020 – will fill vital and in-demand career roles to support Manitoba’s economy. The ceremonies will take place at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the RBC Convention Centre.

“RRC Polytech strives to prepare every student for their future career in the ever-evolving industries they are set to join after graduation,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Each of the nearly 1600 graduates we are celebrating today have proved they have the skills, the knowledge, and the confidence they need to become leaders representing RRC Polytech in Manitoba’s workforce.”

Among the honourees at tonight’s ceremony is Yi Gu, RRC Polytech’s 2024 Lieutenant Governor’s Medal recipient, and a gold medalist of the Applied Accounting program. RRC Polytech awards up to four Lieutenant Governor’s Medal awards each year to graduating students who excel in academic and technical achievement, involvement in College and/or community activities, and good character.

Yi Gu is a graduate of the Applied Accounting program. He came to Manitoba in the summer of 2023 and started his studies at RRC Polytech shortly after. In class, Yi often took on the role of leader and engaged actively with instructors and fellow students and regularly took part in various school events. Yi is an active member of the community and spends his time volunteering at St. Boniface Hospital and Shanghai Association of Manitoba.

“I am honoured to be recognized for my academic achievements and involvement in the community,” said Yi Gu, Fall 2024 Lieutenant Governor Medalist. “I gained employment in my field by meeting my current employer at an event organized by the College and it is clear to me that my choice to study at RRC Polytech was right one.”

RRC Polytech has long produced graduates that make an impact on Manitoba’s workforce. The Dental Assisting program celebrated its 50^th anniversary this year and the graduates of that program stand alongside decades of alumni who were trained at RRC Polytech.

From longstanding programs to newly developed and evolving ones, RRC Polytech is proud to build upon its reputation for providing high quality, experiential education that gets grads hired, while encouraging lifelong learning in a welcoming environment for all. On average, 92 per cent of RRC Polytech graduates are employed six-18 months post-graduation.

The Fall Convocation will take place today at RBC Convention Centre, with ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.:

Wednesday, November 6th at 1:30 p.m.

• School of Business, Information Technology and Creative Arts
• School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts

Wednesday, November 6th at 7 p.m.

• School of Continuing Education
• School of Education, Arts and Sciences
• School of Health Sciences and Community Services
• School of Indigenous Education
• School of Skilled Trades and Technology

The students graduating this fall completed various degree, diploma, and certificate programs between April 29, 2024, and August 25, 2024. For a full list of graduates, award winners, and to stream the ceremonies, please visit rrc.ca/convocation.

The original Red Shirt design created by Shayre Curé.

The following message includes content that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experience. It is recommended that we all check in on ourselves and access the resources available to us to ensure we are taking good care of our mental health. Access mental health and self-care resources, here.

On behalf Jamie Wilson, VP Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development and I, we are pleased to ‘pass the pen’ to Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement and Jessica Bloomfield, Senior Strategic Advisor:

Good afternoon,

Today, October 4, is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S). The flags on RRC Polytech Campuses are lowered today as the College observes this day.

This day comes just four days after the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and calls attention to the need for justice in addition to spreading the truth and taking action in reconciliation. Many families and communities all over Turtle Island have been devastated by the loss of loved ones – families like those of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, Rebecca Contois, and Mashkode Mizhiki’ikwe.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People is a movement that illustrates the racist legacy of Canada’s justice system and the policies that lead to the circumstances in which Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people are at risk of being murdered or going missing.

In 2019, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls published the final report, Reclaiming Power and Place, and asserts 231 Calls to Justice that address issues that accumulate into dangerous situations.

Call to Justice 11.1 addresses all educators and educational institutions:

“ We call upon all elementary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions and education authorities to educate and provide awareness to the public about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people, and about the issues and root causes of violence they experience…”

Read the full Call to Justice 11.1 here.

RRC Polytech finds opportunities year-round to inform the College community about issues related to Truth and Reconciliation, including topics on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People.

During Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week, members of the College community were invited to join Gerri-Lee Pangman (McPherson) to bead red dress pins to recognize and honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People and the Day of Action. Dr. Karine Duhamel presented A Look at The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, in which she discussed the various factors that contribute to the risks that Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people face because of historical precedents and policies.

Last year, RRC Polytech and the Campus Store partnered with Métis artist Shayre Curé to create an original design for a Red Shirt for MMIWG2S, the proceeds of which go to the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award for Indigenous students.

This October 4, we encourage you to view resources available through the Library, like Felicia Solomon’s Story, and Tina Fontaine: A Murdered Girl’s Legacy from CBC Curio; and films through the National Film Board like Finding Dawn, The Red Dress, and this river.

This evening, many staff and students will participate in a Paint Night with local artist Dawn Chartrand to create a painting in honour of MMIWG2S. Please note this event is at capacity. For more information and to keep up-to-date with events hosted by the Indigenous Support Centre, subscribe to the Indigenous Blog. Staff and students can also express their learning efforts by displaying a red dress in their windows, or by exploring opportunities as part of TRC Week events.

We’d also like to acknowledge that this observance may be emotionally taxing, especially for Indigenous students and employees. Please remember that, outside of formal events in which they agree to participate, Indigenous community members may decline discussing this observance because of its emotional and cultural impact.

Thank you,

Carla Kematch,
Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement

Jessica Bloomfield,
Senior Strategic Advisor

Other Resources:

• The Government of Canada’s National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls always has free resources available, including direct access to the Final Report itself.
• Many Indigenous organizations have additional programs that support the National Inquiry and education on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People like the Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc. MMIWG2S and Violence Prevention.

The following message was sent to All Staff by President and CEO, Fred Meier:

Following a competitive search, I am excited to announce Giselle Martel as RRC Polytech’s new Vice-President, Finance and Administration.

In her new role, Giselle will oversee all aspects of the Finance and Administration portfolio, including finance, campus renewal, environmental stewardship, information technology and institutional analysis, and facilities management.

Giselle will apply her years of leadership and experience at RRC Polytech to this new and expanded role, with a continued focus on the financial sustainability of the College and the integrity of its financial systems and providing strategic direction, vision and management of the Finance and Administration portfolio to meet the needs of RRC Polytech students, faculty and staff.

Giselle joined RRC Polytech as Comptroller in 2021 and in that role made pivotal contributions to the college’s financial services and operations. Her leadership has been instrumental to our growth, success, and achievements as Manitoba’s polytechnic institution.

In addition to her role as Comptroller at RRC Polytech, Giselle has a wealth of experience in the public sector and post-secondary leadership, including as Executive Director of Financial Planning and Budgeting at the University of Manitoba and as Assistant Deputy Minister, Fiscal Management and Capital Planning as well as other roles over 15 years with the government of Manitoba.

Giselle is a chartered professional accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba.

Congratulations on your new role at RRC Polytech, Giselle.

Fred

The following message was sent to all staff and students:

The Manitoba Hydro power outage impacting RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus has been resolved and power is now restored.

We will move forward with the resumption of all classes evening classes as planned.

If you have any questions or concerns about your class, please contact your instructor.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we awaited the restoration of power.

There are no updates to the current Manitoba Hydro power outage affecting RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus (NDC) and the surrounding area. Power remains out and we are awaiting an update from Manitoba Hydro.

We will provide an update the College community at 10:30am.

The Notre Dame Campus remains open and if you are already on Campus, please do not use the elevator. If you need assistance or support, please visit the Security Services team in the C Building.

The following update is being shared with all staff and students

Due to a Manitoba Hydro power outage affecting RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus (NDC) and the surrounding area all morning classes at NDC  will be cancelled until 12pm. We are currently waiting for Manitoba Hydro to confirm when they anticipate the power will return.

We will provide an update at 9:30am to the College community to keep you updated on Hydro’s progress to restore power.

We anticipate a resumption of in-person classes beginning at 12:00pm.

The Notre Dame Campus remains open and if you are already on Campus, please do not use the elevator. If you need assistance or support, please visit the Security Services team in the C Building.

Staff at NDC should work directly with their Manager to determine work arrangements during the power outage.

All other RRC Polytech Campuses are unaffected by this outage and will maintain regular operations and activities.

Transformational gift – the largest in RRC Polytech’s history – positions the College to produce the talent and expertise vital to the continued success and growth of Manitoba’s creative industries.  

For immediate release: September 12, 2024

For more than 70 years, creative thinkers have explored ideas and sharpened their skills at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech). Today, a $15 million gift from the Schroeder Foundation paves the way for continued growth and opportunity in the creative arts for RRC Polytech, its students, and the province of Manitoba.

Creative industries are at the core of RRC Polytech, and they are growing in Manitoba thanks to a local talent pool that continues to thrive – a local talent pool that industry trusts to be developed at RRC Polytech.

The Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts (the Schroeder Institute) has been created to support creative industries and Manitoba reach the next level in this period of growth by ensuring that a pipeline of newly skilled local talent continues to flow and fill crucial industry roles, while engaging more deeply with industry partners, and undertaking exciting opportunities to foster innovation through applied research.

Manitoba is increasingly becoming more competitive in creative areas across the prairies, the country, and beyond. More productions are being filmed in Winnipeg and Manitoba and more creative businesses are opening their doors while local companies are making their mark beyond our province’s borders. Local training and talent are crucial to the success of the businesses that choose to operate here, and that is where RRC Polytech, and the Schroeder Institute, come in.

“RRC Polytech and the Schroeder Foundation have a shared vision for the future and what we can make possible through education, collaboration, and research,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “The Schroeder Foundation’s decision to make this tremendous investment in RRC Polytech reflects that there are visionaries invested in our community who recognize the value of what we are doing here to support students on their way into careers in creative industries. This gift today will enable us to create so many more opportunities for Manitobans and our creative industries together.”

This partnership is a representation of the movie-worthy story arc that the Schroeder family and RRC Polytech share – a history of humble beginnings leading to a path of advancing technology and industry in Canada and beyond. The Schroeder family and their foundation share the commitment to creating opportunity in Manitoba that RRC Polytech holds as a guiding principle.

RRC Polytech began as a small community college, and after almost a century of continuous growth and innovation, it is now a leader in producing creative talent that is ready to lead Manitoba into the future. The College’s reputation in creative arts is the result of the relentless creativity and innovative teaching approaches that generation after generation of faculty and staff have brought to their programs. This gift, and the creation of the Schroeder Institute, further cements RRC Polytech as a trusted partner that industry can rely on to produce job-ready grads and support existing employees with opportunities to expand their skills.

The Schroeder Institute launches today with 12 core programs and continues to enhance its offerings. Two new programs – Animation and Entertainment Production Management – are poised to launch in the fall of 2025 and industry informed micro-credential programs designed for current professionals to increase their skillsets are soon be added.

The Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts is where students push the limits of their skills and build their networks and industry connections. They are taught by instructors with a wealth of industry experience who support them as they learn the skills necessary to break into a career in their chosen field.

Developed with a 14-person advisory committee deeply entrenched in creative industries to guide programming, the Schroeder Institute always has an edge on what the industry needs.

“In my career in the film industry I have seen some incredible progress that is only going to continue,” said Carole Vivier, Advisory Committee Co-Chair and former CEO and Film Commissioner of Manitoba Film and Music. “I have hired many RRC Polytech grads, and the possibilities that come from the creation of this institute are beyond exciting. I’m happy to be a part of bringing this to life and eager to see how the Schroeder Institute further supports and grows these industries in the years to come.”

The Schroeder Foundation is an ongoing partner of RRC Polytech supporting student success, such as providing scholarships for their “Schroeder Students.” Now, this latest, and largest, investment of $15 million to ensure top creative arts programming, is a continuation of that support and legacy of giving in the spirit of furthering education.

“Maria and I grew up in Manitoba and will always be Winnipeggers. We believe in the work that RRC Polytech is doing to support students and the industries they aspire to be a part of,” said Walter Schroeder. “We have lofty goals for the Institute. We believe it can attract creative sector industry partners – and students – from across Canada and around the world to Manitoba and Winnipeg, where they will discover the advantages of working, studying, and living here. And we believe the Institute can create pathways for secondary learners – like the students we support through Sisler’s CREATE program – to accelerate their careers in their home province. We can’t wait to see these relationships grow with other Winnipeg high schools and we are excited to support the Institute.” 

The Schroeder Institute will create a pipeline of newly skilled employees, foster deeper collaboration with industry and for the first time, RRC Polytech is creating an applied research program to foster innovation in emerging technologies in creative sectors. The College’s ACE Project Space, alongside the Research Partnerships and Innovation team, will undertake projects aimed at establishing Canada’s leadership in animation, virtual production studios, and user experience testing.

Areas of applied research opportunity within the Schroeder Institute are diverse and immense, from leveraging AI in media creation, exploring how to best utilize immersive technologies like virtual or augmented reality in productions, and how to reduce the carbon footprint of production.

“Creative industries are thriving across the country, and Manitoba is proving that big things are happening in the heart of the prairies,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs. “This investment at RRC Polytech to support post-secondary education and our economies is welcome news.”

Creative arts contribute $1.6 billion to Manitoba’s GDP and comprises more than 3,400 businesses and 20,000 workers. This industry is now supported by the Manitoba Film and Video Production Tax Credit and the Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit.

“I am thrilled to celebrate the launch of the Schroeder Institute, which will allow students to pursue their passions right here in Manitoba,” said the Honourable Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training. “My deepest gratitude to RRC Polytech for their unwavering commitment to student success and their leadership in fostering collaboration with community and industry partners.”

Headquartered in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, and located in the heart of the Exchange District, the Schroeder Institute gives students direct access to the creative core of Winnipeg, while they learn in state-of-the-art facilities with top industry-grade equipment and tools.

“This is an exciting time for Winnipeggers looking to break into creative fields,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “From film production to video game design to the arts, Winnipeg is a hub for creative industries, and RRC Polytech is nurturing the talent that makes our city an attractive home for these companies and productions.”

“This gift from Walter and Maria through the Schroeder Foundation towards RRC Polytech’s comprehensive campaign In Front of What’s Ahead, is a rare example of truly transformational philanthropy that uplifts our community, industry partners, and students for generations to come,” said David Petis, Executive Director, Advancement, RRC Polytech. “It demonstrates what is possible with the support of community partners who believe in the value of a Polytechnic education and providing opportunities for young people looking to break into industries they are passionate about.”

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. Cathy Merrick had a profound impact on the community in Manitoba during her career, and conducted her work with tremendous strength, leadership, and determination to advocate for and improve the lives of Indigenous People and our province. She always met that determination with warmth and kindness, which all leaders strive to possess.

Flags are lowered to half-mast to observe the Grand Chief’s passing and to celebrate her life and her accomplishments. Services will be held throughout the city and the province to mourn the loss of the Grand Chief, and we want to be conscious of and support the needs of the community.

The Indigenous Support Centres at Notre Dame Campus and Exchange District Campus will be staffed by Indigenous Counsellors, Elders, and Navigation Coaches to offer support to students throughout the week. Staff will be accommodated with paid time to attend services off-campus in honour of the Grand Chief. Homewood Health is available for employees and their families to use if they need additional support.

Grand Chief Cathy Merrick will lie in state at the Manitoba Legislature Building for the public to pay their respects. Her family is inviting the community to attend a Candlelight Vigil tonight, Tuesday, September 10, at 7:00pm. The vigil will take place outside the Law Courts Building, 408 York Ave. in Winnipeg.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs will be holding a Sunrise Ceremony on Wednesday, September 11 at 7:00am in Oodena Circle at The Forks. A fire will be lit at 6:00am and all bundle carriers and community members are invited to arrive at 6:30am to prepare for the Ceremony.

At this year’s Fall Equinox celebration, we invite you to offer Tobacco ties to honour the Grand Chief. The Indigenous Support Centre will host sessions in the coming days for the College community to learn how to make Tobacco ties – supplies and Tobacco will be provided.

Elder Belinda Vandenbroeck will facilitate a Sharing Circle on Wednesday, September 18, in F209 Indigenous Support Centre at Notre Dame Campus. Staff are invited to join at 12:30pm and students are invited to join at 2pm.

• Staff: 12:30 PM
• Students: 2:00 PM
• Notre Dame Campus, F209 Indigenous Support Centre
• Wednesday, September 18

The School of Indigenous Education and Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement are working to coordinate more opportunities to honour Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, and we will update the College community as more information becomes available.

View Fred Meier’s message of condolence to the community on Grand Chief Cathy Merrick’s passing here.

Thank you and take care.