Water is life; it makes up more than half of the human body.

Today, on World Water Day, March 22, we recognize the importance of freshwater and the need to protect and sustain freshwater resources.

During a College event or in a colleague’s email signature, you may have noticed an acknowledgment of where our water comes from:

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water.

RRC Polytech is committed to addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, recognizing the past wrongs and harms done through the education system, and working to build a path forward that creates equitable opportunities for all learners. Through this shared commitment, we have partnered with Shoal Lake 40 First Nation to foster greater awareness of where our clean drinking water on campus comes from and encourage students, staff and visitors to embody truth and reconciliation in their personal and professional lives.

The College recently became a signatory of the SDG Accord joining hundreds of post-secondaries around the world in a pledge to work toward delivering the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which includes goal #6 – Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.

It would be remiss to not bring to attention that the community of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation – the source of our clean drinking water – had a 24-year-long boil water advisory that ended on September 25, 2021.

According to the United Nations, 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water, and this includes people living within Canada.

RRC Polytech is pleased to support youth entrepreneurs from Harvey Redsky Memorial School who are launching a for-profit business that will generate revenue and bring attention to the Shoal Lake 40 First Nation’s legacy from tragedy to opportunity in their generation.

The College has purchased decals designed by the student entrepreneurs through a Future Business Leaders Project. The decals provide information about Shoal Lake 40 and the clean drinking water provided to City of Winnipeg residents, promoting our shared sacred responsibility to protect the environment. Soon you will see the decals on campus as you fill up your water bottle and take a sip of clean drinking water. 

Join Shoal Lake 40 First Nation Kekekoziibii Development Corporation, students from Harvey Redsky Memorial School, and representatives from RRC Polytech today at 11:00 a.m. at the Canadian Human Rights Museum to celebrate the launch of the Future Business Leaders Project.

For immediate release: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – Manitoba high school students will demonstrate their skills today in innovative industry-related challenges at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s Applied Commerce Education (ACE) Commerce Competition. The event runs today, March 19, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Notre Dame Campus. 

210 high school students from 18 schools will be taking part in the competition. A portion of the event will also be led by RRC Polytech students in the Teacher Education program. 

“The purpose of this event is two-fold: it engages the students in our Teacher Education program to have real-world experience in an active environment while allowing high school students enrolled in elective courses to showcase their talent and ambition,” says Daryl McRae, Chair of Teacher Education, RRC Polytech. “The College is thrilled to bring these two elements together in a concrete example of bringing skills learned in the classroom and applying them in real-world experiences.” 

The four competitions, starting between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m., focus on skills in accounting, retail design and operation, social responsibility and leadership strategy in business. The competition includes awards and allows participating students to network with industry professionals throughout the day and hear from industry leaders. 

“Both the Teacher Education students and high school students are becoming stewards of local and global economies,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic, RRC Polytech. “Seeing the culmination of their hard work in their respective programs today is a testament RRC Polytech’s support of Manitoba’s economic growth through business education.” 

Practical learning opportunities in the Teacher Education program help students to develop technical knowledge and teaching skills aligning with Manitoba’s high school curriculum and become certified as a K-12 teacher with the Province of Manitoba. The program offers five-year and three-year options to complete a degree, or a one-year accelerated option to receive a diploma.  

More information about the event: Second Annual Applied Commerce Education High School Competition 

More information about the Teacher Education Program: Applied Commerce Education  

March 8 is International Women’s Day and our campus looks forward to celebrating women who continue to enhance the learning and working experiences at RRC Polytech.

RRC Polytech is a proud leader in economic and social innovation, as well as equity, diversity, and inclusion.

And the Civil Engineering Technology department (CET) within the School of Skilled Trades and Technologies is a prime example of how the culture at RRC Polytech focuses on elevating people with rich experiences and insights into leadership roles. Engineering and other trades are, historically, largely populated and influenced by men. Positioning women in leadership roles in these industries based on their qualifications and experience creates space for other women and gender-diverse people to also pursue careers in these industries.

Three women currently chair CET: Shari Bielert, Tammy Harper, and Jayne Geisel. The Leadership for Academic Schools Renewal (LASR) project positioned the academic organizational framework to better support and mentor faculty members; and each chair earned their position through a competitive process.

Gender representation in engineering has slowly but surely changed over the years. Engineers Canada’s annual National Membership Report published data in 2021 showing an upward trend in the percentage of newly licensed female engineers from 17 per cent in 2014 to 19.8 per cent in 2021. At RRC Polytech, 35 per cent of staff within CET are women in addition to the leadership positions chaired by three women.

Shari Bielert, Chair, Construction Management, Architectural Technology, says this level of representation within an engineering setting is new to her, describing the growth trend at the college during the past few decades as “definitive.”

“I’m proud of the fact that I did not seek out women to build the gender balance in our department – women applied, demonstrated their knowledge and abilities, and succeeded in earning a place in our faculty,” said Bielert.

She adds that having women in leadership and classroom roles helps normalize their presence in construction environments, demonstrating the strength, confidence, and abilities they bring to the workplace and projects.

The college regularly provides opportunities, like its Jill of All Trades event, for women and girls to explore engineering before considering post-secondary options. In the past, it has sponsored a team in the Make Your Move competition, a collaboration with Manitoba middle schools that pairs design-build-test teams of Grade 8 students with a practicing engineer as their mentor. Bielert says she’s looking forward to sponsoring a team again in the future.

Female staff also participate outside of work in the engineering environment. Instructor Ellowyn Nadeau is Immediate Past Chair of the Winnipeg Construction Association and fellow instructor, Shannon Nordal, is President-Elect of the Certified Technicians & Technologists Association of Manitoba (CTTAM).

The level of support for women pursuing leadership roles in engineering continues to grow at the college, according to Tammy Harper, Chair, Civil Engineering Technology – Infrastructure.

“I remember a male colleague said: ‘I knew it would be you, and I knew it would be the three of you – because you were the right ones to pick.’ That support from our male colleagues – there was never any question in their minds that we were qualified – and there was a time when that wouldn’t have been the case,” said Harper.

The diversity of experience and perspective women bring to the classroom enhances the overall learning experience. Jayne Geisel, Chair, Civil Engineering Technology – Building, says her background in social science and women’s studies was indispensable to her experience in the classroom as an instructor at RRC Polytech. She later obtained training in landscape architecture, which she then brought to the classroom as a horticulture instructor at RRC Polytech. Even though her background and what she taught weren’t necessarily related, the insight she had from her women’s studies informed the way she taught her classes so that her impact on students was not only academic, but behavioral.

“I was very conscious of the language we’d use, because there’s still biased notions about what girls and women are able to do or want to do,” says Geisel. “I always spoke frankly with my students about these notions. I wanted newer generations of students going into industry with open minds.”

RRC Polytech is proud to recognize the women that make our institution stronger and, in turn, make industry stronger. Their example helps lay the groundwork for a workforce where women leaders are the norm – not the exception.

A winter storm is having impacts on road conditions in some areas of the province. 

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

RRC Polytech’s regional campuses will be operating as follows:

• Peguis Campus will close this afternoon as a result in deteriorating weather conditions.
• Selkirk Campus is closed, classes will be delivered online. 
• Arborg Language Training Centre is closed and classes are cancelled.
• Stevenson Southport is open and operating normally. Students unable to travel to Southport from Winnipeg will be contacted and advised to participate in their classes at Stevenson Winnipeg.
• Stevenson Winnipeg campuses are open and operating normally.
• Portage Campus is open and operating normally.
• Winkler Campus is open and operating normally.
• Steinbach Campus is open and operating normally.
• Steinbach Language Training Centre classes will be delivered online.

Exams affected by any of today’s closures will be re-scheduled. Students will be contacted with new exam details this week.

For those driving inside and outside of Winnipeg, please drive with caution and adjust to weather conditions.

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to unsafe road conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

Update: March 4, 5:00p.m

A weather system is having impacts on road conditions in some areas of the province affecting the delivery of programs at services at some of RRC Polytech’s Regional Campuses. 

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

RRC Polytech’s regional campuses will be operating as follows:

• Portage campus is closed, classes will be delivered online.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg campuses are open with classes in-person.
• Winkler campus is closed with classes delivered online.
• Selkirk campus is closed classes, will be delivered online. 
• Steinbach Campus is open with classes in-person. Evening classes will be delivered online.
• Steinbach Language Training Centre classes will be delivered online.
• Arborg is open and operating normally. Evening classes will not be delivered.

Exams scheduled at the Selkirk Campus today will be re-scheduled. Students will be contacted with new exam details this week.

For those driving both inside and outside of Winnipeg, please drive with caution and adjust to weather conditions.

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to unsafe road conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

Did you know the Winnipeg Free Press offers unlimited access to Red River College Polytechnic students? 

This RRC Polytech benefit will help you stay connected to breaking news coverage, in-depth investigations, arts and life writing, and the latest sports reporting.

Learn more about accessing the Winnipeg Free Press’s independent journalism coverage below.

I AM A STUDENT

Here’s how to read:

Create an account using your RRC Polytech student email address.

Once registered, you will have access to winnipegfreepress.com, ee.winnipegfreepress.com (the digital replica of our printed newspaper), and the NewsBreak iOS/ Android app from anywhere in the world.

I AM STAFF OR FACULTY

Here’s how to read:

Create an account on the Winnipeg Free Press using any email address.

Staff and faculty will be able to read paywalled articles on winnipegfreepress.com when logged in and while connected to the RRC network or campus Wi-Fi.

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR NEWS ACCESS:

Problems accessing the website or logging in?

Contact Free Press customer service at digitalfeedback@freepress.mb.ca.

Want to give feedback about the way our website, apps or mobile site look or work?

Email us at digitalfeedback@freepress.mb.ca.

Want to give feedback about the news on our website, apps or mobile site?

Email us at webnews@freepress.mb.ca.

RRC Polytech has partnered with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO)’s Health Transformation Department and provincial and regional health authorities to help bring more comprehensive health services to the citizens of Lake Manitoba First Nation. As a result, medical laboratory services will soon be available in the Nation for the first time.

“RRC Polytech is committed to building relationships that remove barriers for Indigenous learners by working collaboratively to identify the needs of students and communities, and delivering customized training solutions that allow learners to pursue their studies close to home,” said Jamie Wilson, RRC Polytech’s Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development. “We look forward to working together with these and other potential partners to enhance and increase access to healthcare services and continuing to empower all communities through education.”

Three members of the Lake Manitoba First Nation started an in-community phlebotomy training program in January. This specialized, community-focused training provided by RRC Polytech’s Corporate Solutions team uses a blend of online, in-class lab and clinical learning experiences to teach students the skills and knowledge necessary to collect blood specimens from patients safely and effectively.

“I had never done online classes, so it was a little scary at first. But our instructor (Brittney Bragnalo) is very supportive, she breaks it all down so you can understand things,” said student, Lesley Missyabit. “Once I got used to the video-calling and emails, it’s been really good and I can’t wait to start our clinical training.”

“It’s huge that I didn’t have to leave my family or worry about facing high costs in the city to pursue improving myself and my community,” said student, Caitlin Edwards. “So, my only question was ‘Can I do this?’ and so far, I’m really enjoying it.”

The students are expected to complete the program in early April 2024 and become knowledgeable, competent, and caring healthcare professionals as well as integral members of the community’s Health Centre team.

“SCO is extremely pleased to know Lake Manitoba residents are being trained to deliver lab services in their home Nation. This will create new career opportunities and will also build capacity for the delivery of comprehensive health services within Lake Manitoba,” shared Grand Chief Jerry Daniels in a joint news release with the provincial government.

While infrastructure is essential to independence and prosperity, the lifeblood of any community – the most important thing needed to exist, develop, and be successful – remains its people. The onsite lab in Lake Manitoba First Nation’s stunning new Health Centre has sat empty since it opened a year ago because there were no staff available locally who were qualified to deliver lab services.

“It is essential we work to build more holistic health services to benefit our members. It is time to close the gap in life expectancy between First Nation citizens and non-First Nation people in Manitoba,” said Chief Cornell McLean of the Lake Manitoba First Nation. “Reducing barriers and having more accessible services in our Nations will help us reach that goal.”

Lake Manitoba First Nation members currently have to travel to Eriksdale (about 38 kilometres away) or Ashern (about 52 kilometres away) for a routine blood sample collection. Having a proficient phlebotomist onsite will lead to quicker test results, more timely medical interventions, and better health outcomes within the community, in addition to the immediate advantages of reducing travel, related costs and stress for individuals.

“Every Manitoban deserves quality care, close to home,” added Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister, Uzoma Asagwara in the joint release. “Our goal is to ensure that throughout our province, all Manitobans have access to convenient, timely and reliable lab services. It is particularly important in this case that care is being delivered by citizens of Lake Manitoba First Nation, who will be trained and working in their community.”

The first three participants in the pilot project share a passion for helping those around them and also happen to be working mothers who are balancing full-time jobs and raising their families with up to 25 hours a week of classes and studying, so staying in their community to learn is not a preference, it’s a requirement.

“I read my phlebotomy textbook to my three-year-old until he falls asleep at night and then I watch the recordings of our classes to catch up but I’m not passing up this opportunity,” explained student, Sarah Lavallee. “I’m proud of my commitment to stay and work here, I’m excited to make a difference, and I believe we will inspire others.”  

The students are thriving thanks in part to layers of additional support that include resident Elder Mary Maytwayashing; the entire Lake Manitoba First Nation Health Care Team; a mentor from the Interlake Regional Health Authority helping with the lab and equipment; and access to RRC Polytech’s full complement of resources and support services.

Their success represents important first steps toward SCO’s goal of bringing a fuller suite of healthcare services closer to home for the citizens of 34 southern First Nations and will serve as an example of the power of partnership to prompt meaningful change.

“This is one of the many projects that the health transformation team has been working on as SCO continues to develop a southern First Nations health authority,” concluded Karlene Debance, Chief Executive Officer for Health Transformation, SCO. “SCO is pleased to see that this training is underway. We wish the students all the success with the program and with their careers in the healthcare field.”

A winter storm is having impacts on road conditions in the city and across the province.

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

RRC Polytech’s regional campuses will be operating as follows:

• Portage Campus is open and classes will continue in-person.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg Campuses are open with classes in-person.
• Interlake Campuses are open but classes will be online.
• Steinbach Campus is open and classes will continue in-person.
• Arborg and Steinbach LTCs are open and no changes to program delivery.

For those driving both inside and outside of Winnipeg, please drive with caution and adjust to weather conditions.

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to unsafe road conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

A winter storm is having impacts on road conditions and has caused power outages in some areas of the city and province.

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

RRC Polytech’s regional campuses will be operating as follows:

• Portage campus is open and classes will continue in-person.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg campuses are open with classes in-person.
• Winkler campus is open with classes in-person.
• Selkirk campus is closed with classes scheduled via online delivery today.
• Peguis campus is open with classes delivered in-person.
• Steinbach Campus is open with classes in-person.
• Steinbach Language Training Centre classes will be delivered online.

For those driving both inside and outside of Winnipeg, please drive with caution and adjust to weather conditions.

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to unsafe road conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

Any updates to campus operations will be shared here.

Robel Berhane had only shared his life story with three people before writing about it for a class assignment.

That memoir, “Almost Home,” recounts the story of his childhood as an Eritrean national in Ethiopia before immigrating to Canada, and is one of three student pieces by Creative Communications graduates named finalists for the 2023 Canadian Online Publishing Awards (COPAs). A podcast by the program’s journalism specialization is also up for honours.

Behane’s story, and ones written by Caleb Dueck and Rachel Ferstl, were part of Working Draft – Creative Communications’ annual, student-produced web magazine and final assignment for the program. The trio of grads are vying for top prize respectively in the COPAs’ Best Multicultural Story, Best Feel-Good Story, and Best Feature categories against students from across Canada. Winners will be announced in February 2024 at a celebration in Toronto.  

“It feels great, although it felt a bit like imposter syndrome at first,” said Berhane. “It’s a bit like a journal entry but I am proud of it. I will always look back and reflect on the work we put into this project, and now, to be recognized for this national award reaffirms that it was a good piece.”

Berhane graduated from the Creative Communications program in June 2023. He said writing about his past has given him a chance to think back to his childhood.

“Working Draft has given me a platform to share my story and opened doors for others to tell me their stories as well,” said Berhane. “It also challenged me to dig deep and reflect a lot internally about pushing myself to be vulnerable and share my story, while also thinking carefully about the implications it may have for my family and their safety. My parents still go back home and visit, and this story is public, so I had to think about the cost of privacy.”

He also credits the exercise in creative non-fiction for helping him on the career front as well. Since joining Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW) after graduation, Berhane says his story telling skills and the experiences of his Working Draft project have helped him to reach new emotions, work collaboratively, and receive constructive criticism. The result? Three promotions within six months to his current role at EDW as Corporate Communications Coordinator.  

Working Draft is a yearlong project students embark on at the start of their second year in Creative Communications. Students must choose their story idea based on a common theme, pitch their ideas, and have them approved by a panel. Once their story idea is approved, they begin researching their topics and start interviewing their subjects. Students choose from three styles of writing: feature, creative nonfiction, and white paper. Once the stories are completed, students create multimedia to augment their impact.

Students work closely with Faculty Advisors Emily Cain and Karen Press, along with instructors from various disciplines within Creative Communications on developing and refining their Working Draft stories throughout the year.

“All of our students worked incredibly hard on these stories throughout the year. They were brave for telling their stories, they all had to dig deep for research and put themselves in a vulnerable place,” said Emily Cain, Creative Communications instructor at RRC Polytech.

Both Press and Cain looked at the COPA submission criteria, discussing which stories they thought would do well. They submitted six stories plus the Journalism Specialization podcast into the contest.

Three stories shortlisted for the COPAs is a fantastic national profile for the Creative Communications program and adds to the profile of Working Draft, added Cain. She said her first emotion when she found out was pride for the students.

“I’m proud they are being recognized for their work,” she said.

Press and Cain put a lot of work into guiding the students as they write and edit the magazine. Berhane recognizes their dedication to the students and Working Draft.

“They work with us until it is finished, this project really opens doors for us and gives us a platform,” said Berhane.

“Their guidance and mentorship have been the cornerstone in my development. I thank them for their encouragement, the invaluable lessons they imparted, the platform they provided, and, most importantly, believing in my story, which has been nothing short of transformational,” Berhane said.

The recognition is incredible, and it is an honour being up against incredible writers with amazing stories, added Berhane.

“This nomination is a shared achievement, and while it does not guarantee a win, it is a testament to the collective effort of everyone who has been part of this journey,” said Berhane.

Summaries of the three CreComm student stories and journalism class project nominated for the 2023 COPAs (Academic Category):

1. Robel Berhane:  Best Multicultural Story with “Almost Home”
   After soldiers broke down the gates to Robel Berhane’s childhood home and took his parents away, forcing him to look after his younger brothers, how can he find home again? 
   
2. Caleb Dueck: Best Feel-Good Story with “Making my Peace with Babel”
   Nonverbal Learning Disorder shaped Caleb Dueck’s identity and mental health. His journey to understanding himself began with a doll house.
   
3. Rachel Ferstl: Best Feature Story with “Camp like a Girl”      
   What does it mean to camp like a girl? Rachel Ferstl discovers it means getting outside in spite of sexism and traditional gender norms. She talks to two Manitoban organizations that are getting women into the wilderness and celebrating how being outside helps women tap into their innate power — and have fun while doing it.
   
4. Journalism specialization: Best Podcast (Media Category) with The Basement: A Son’s Quest for Justice
   Journalism students worked on this investigative podcast as a class project under the guidance of instructor, James Turner. They are up against media outlets such as the CBC.

The winners will be announced on February 8, 2024 here.

Learn more about the Creative Communications program here.