Communications and Marketing

News Release

Starting Next Week Youth Learn Career Skills at Summer Camps Offered by RRC Polytech

June 27, 2024

Starting next Tuesday, youth ages 9-14 will be attending summer camps at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s Notre Dame Campus exploring photography, Indigenous culture, entrepreneurship, transportation technology, baking, and structural design.

This year, the College is offering seven camps – the most ever offered – to 160 campers, the most in RRC Polytech’s history. These hands-on camps are taught by knowledgeable instructors to introduce young people to various trades and career areas.

“Our summer camps are one way we engage youth early and give them an idea of the experiences they could have at RRC Polytech when they start thinking about a career later in their education,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “It is also a way for them and their families to get familiar with us, ask questions, and learn something they maybe didn’t know before. But most of all, the aim is to make sure these kids have a fun and interactive learning experience with a group of their peers.” 

The camps take place throughout July. Media is invited to schedule a time to attend in the timeslots listed below to capture the sessions in action.

When:

Week 1 (July 4-5)
Indigenous Cultural Exploration 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
Indigenous Cultural Exploration 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Wheels in Motion Camp10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
GETT Camp All Day Programming

Week 2 (July 10-12)
Entrepreneurship Camp10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
Entrepreneurship Camp1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Photography Camp10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
GETT Camp All Day Programming

Week 3 (July 17-19)
Sweet Treats Baking Camp 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
Photography Camp 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.  
Design Your Dream Room Camp 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 
(Thurs Field Trip, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
GETT Camp All Day Programming

Where: RRC Polytech, Notre Dame Campus, 2055 Notre Dame Avenue

Photo opportunities: Kids engaging in trades and other activities

For a full list of camps and their dates, visit the Youth Camps page on the RRC Polytech website.

Thanks to the support of donors, some campers can attend free of charge. A $500,000 gift from the Canerector Foundation, announced earlier this year, will cover the costs of the Girls Exploring Trades and Technology Camp for the next five years, while a $40,000 gift from the Carolyn Sifton Foundation is covering up to 100 registrations for campers who may not otherwise be able to attend. The camp offerings continue to diversify and grow in response to labour market trends and thanks to the support of donors.

RRC Polytech also offers other learning opportunities for youth during the evenings and weekends throughout the year. The Gene Haas Manufacturing Boot Camp introduces grade 7 and 8 students and their parents or guardians to CNC machining, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing, plus robotics and automation. This immensely popular one-day experience recently hosted its 10th event and surpassed the 360-participant mark in just two years.

RRC Polytech waives application fee for Indigenous applicants throughout June

June 12, 2024

Over 100 applications in first week of initiative aimed at increasing Indigenous enrolment

For the month of June, RRC Polytech is waiving the application fees for First Nations (Status and non-Status), Métis and Inuit learners to any RRC Polytech program. The initiative has already had a strong response with more than 100 applications submitted in the first week.

Data from Statistics Canada in 2021 shows that 49.2% of Indigenous people between the ages of 25 and 64 had completed post-secondary education, compared to 68% of non-Indigenous people.

“That 18.8% gap represents disproportionate access to education that deeply affects Indigenous people, which is entangled in a multitude of factors rooted in Canada’s colonial history. This initiative isn’t just about the application fee, but about extending an invitation to Indigenous learners. Once they become students at RRC Polytech, we can help coordinate additional financial supports and supports designed for their wellbeing and success,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech.

While this initiative is in part to recognize and celebrate National Indigenous History Month in an impactful way, waiving application fees during this period is part of RRC Polytech’s ongoing strategy to increase Indigenous enrolment and reduce barriers to education.

“We know that, both from decades of formal community research and informal, anecdotal discussions with Indigenous people, barriers to post-secondary education are wide-ranging. As an educational institution in Manitoba, we have a duty to address the disproportionate barriers that Indigenous communities face. Removing the application fee to help Indigenous learners get started on their journeys is just one way we’re looking at to provide more opportunities for Indigenous people to participate equitably,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development.

Applicants that self-declare as First Nations (Status and non-Status), Métis or Inuit will have the $116 application fee waived for any RRC Polytech program – every person is eligible for one free application to any program and any intake.

With over 150 programs to choose from, including seven Pathways and introductory programs through the School of Indigenous Education, qualified learners can find the perfect program to fit their needs and provide the credential needed to start a career. The School of Indigenous Education offers four Pathway programs – in business, engineering, health, information technology – and three college introductory certification programs – College Transition, Culinary Skills (Indigenous) and Introduction to Trades – that prepare Indigenous students for the program of their choice and ensure they gain the skills and knowledge to thrive in a college environment.

Indigenous learners also have access to the Indigenous Admissions Advisor, who provides support and guidance either in person, over the phone, or through virtual meetings. The Indigenous Admissions Advisor can help learners explore programs of interest, review requirements to qualify for admission, navigate application processes with respect to registration and required documents, and connect with other Indigenous student support team members.

Marshall Richard, Indigenous Student Recruiter at RRC Polytech, travels Manitoba as part of Choices for Indigenous Post-Secondary Education (CIPEM) with other post-secondary institutions to inform Indigenous students of programs and supports tailored for their success. Richard and his team members see first-hand the kinds of factors that may prevent Indigenous people from taking that first step to pursuing post-secondary education.

“Removing the initial $116 application fee can make a difference for a high school student, a single parent, or a career-changer who may be on the fence about applying for a program. As students at RRC Polytech, they can access essential wraparound supports dedicated to their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing to help them achieve their goals. It’s just a matter of getting their foot in the door, and this can help them with that first step towards their futures,” said Richard.

The commitment RRC Polytech has made to Truth and Reconciliation through the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan ensures we continue to pursue equitable opportunities for Indigenous people to finish their paths in post-secondary, while creating a framework to continually address and break down barriers for all students pursuing post-secondary.

Learners are invited to create an RRC Polytech account and apply through our self-serve portal on our website or visit one of our Student Service Centres, located at D101 – 2055 Notre Dame Ave. and P104 – 160 Princess St.

More information is available at rrc.ca/free.

IG Wealth invests in Indigenous Student Success at RRC Polytech

June 11, 2024

Near-million-dollar gift will increase supports and reduce barriers for hundreds of Indigenous learners

For immediate release: June 11, 2024

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – A new gift from IG Wealth Management (IG Wealth) to Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) will reduce barriers and provide integral support to hundreds of Indigenous students at RRC Polytech.

The $900,000 gift through the IG Wealth Management Empower Your Tomorrow program will fund the creation of the IG Empower Navigation Coach and the new IG Empower Scholarship and Career Development Program at the College. The addition of this program, powered by IG Wealth, will provide integral support and allow students to learn in collaborative environments, gain leadership, confidence, academic and employment skills, including opportunities to learn and work at IG Wealth, while easing the financial burden.

“RRC Polytech continues to establish vital partnerships to support pathways to education and to reduce barriers for Indigenous learners,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Today’s support from IG Wealth will enable us to build on our success and expand that work to create strong pathways for Indigenous students to become successful graduates and leaders poised to excel in their chosen careers.”

“IG’s presence in Winnipeg spans almost a century and from day one we’ve made it a priority to be actively engaged in the local community,” said Damon Murchison, President and CEO, IG Wealth Management. “Working with RRC Polytech, we can enhance education and career path development to build financial well-being among Winnipeg’s Indigenous youth. As I look to the future, I’m energized by the impact we can make by coming together to better support students across the city.”

Manitoba is home to the highest percentage of Indigenous peoples in Canada. A significant – and growing – population of Indigenous learners in Manitoba choose RRC Polytech for their post-secondary education.

IG Wealth’s support is helping move RRC Polytech’s commitments to Truth and Reconciliation and the pursuit of equity, diversity, and inclusion forward. The program will enhance the student experience by providing tools and support to help students as they navigate their education and take important steps to start their careers.

The gift supports RRC Polytech’s In Front of What’s Ahead Comprehensive Campaign, the single largest fundraising campaign in the College’s history.

To learn more about the announcement, view IG Wealth Management’s latest news release.

Menstrual products now available at no cost in every washroom on RRC Polytech campuses 

May 28, 2024

As of today, Menstrual Health Day, menstrual products, including tampons and pads, will now be available at no cost in all washrooms at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) campuses as a part of the College’s commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces on campus and removing barriers to learning that students and staff may face.

Products have previously been available through the Student’s Association and Health Centres on campus however this is an additional step that will ensure more equitable access to all students and staff on all campuses. Beginning this week the products will be available in all washrooms, so all students and staff have access to them regardless of gender.

“Access to menstrual products is a barrier that students and staff on campus will no longer have to face,” said Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer, RRC Polytech. “Menstrual products are as necessary as other washroom products. Reducing barriers and easing access for our community is another important step in supporting an inclusive campus.”

While this initiative is something RRC Polytech had already been working towards, the vision of students in the 2022 Public Relations Major of the Creative Communications program further inspired this initiative as part of a class project.

“Our all-female class immediately understood the impact of free menstrual products – it’s just another thing you have to think about on top of everything else a college student has to face and manage daily,” said student lead on the project and 2022 Creative Communications graduate, and Team Lead of Chamber Engagement at Johnston Group, Georgia Dalke.

“It is important that everyone, whether they menstruate or not, understands what it means for RRC Polytech to stand behind its students with a program like this. Menstruating is not something you should hide or be ashamed of – it’s is a normal bodily function and shouldn’t impede your ability to get an education.”

Robin Ringland, another student who worked on the project, then came to RRC Polytech for her work placement in 2022 where she continued to work on this initiative. She is now a full time Communications Officer for the School of Indigenous Education. Part of the information she gathered includes that menstruating students will get approximately eight periods in an eight-month school year. In a two-year program, students will experience 16 periods while at school or 32 periods in a four-year program.

For those who require menstrual products, it can be expensive and interruptive to their class time if products are not easy to access when they need them. A recent Leger report, shows that one in four Canadian women have had to choose between purchasing menstrual products or other essentials. The same report notes that “menstrual stigma and access barriers can hinder education, employment and mental health.”

“It is important that all staff and students feel comfortable on our campuses. Access to menstrual products will help give students the peace of mind that what they need will be available where and when they need it so they can focus on their courses and not have to miss important class time,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “We hope to improve access and ease the financial burden for menstruating staff and students by having the products available in all washrooms. Having menstrual products available and visible in all washrooms is the right thing to do to ensure an equitable experience for all.”

RRC Polytech is committed to upholding fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. Menstrual health is an important part of life for many students and staff and can create a barrier that RRC Polytech aims to help alleviate.

Half Million Dollar Gift Helps Give Young Women and Girls First-Hand Experience with Trades at RRC Polytech

May 14, 2024

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – A $500,000 donation from the Canerector Foundation is helping more young women and girls in Manitoba try their hand in skilled trades, while also providing support for current Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s students in their journey to a career in skilled trades and technologies.

A portion of the gift funds the Girls Exploring Trades and Technology (GETT) Camp – a summer program at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus that gives young women and girls between the ages of 12 and 14 first-hand experience with a variety of skilled trades at no cost to them or their families. This camp has been so successful that shortly after it was announced for 2024 all the spots were filled. The Canerector Foundation’s support ensures this camp will allow the program to continue and provide learning opportunities for young women in Manitoba for years to come.

“We’ve been working to increase representation in the trades by creating more opportunities for women and equity deserving groups who might not have considered a career in the trades. A big part of this is creating safe spaces for them to explore and learn,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Through the Canerector Foundation’s support of the GETT Camp, we create even more opportunities for young women to get inspired and curious about skilled trades in a safe and fun learning environment.”

The gift also funds the Canerector Foundation Scholarship in the Skilled Trades.  These support students enrolled in one of 14 diploma and certificate programs in the School of Skilled Trades and Technologies. Recipients are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to community involvement and active engagement in mentorship activities. The first round of scholarships is scheduled to be given in the fall of 2024 and supports up to 27 recipients annually.

“Skilled trades are the backbone of our economy and provide a lot of value to our communities,” said Amanda Hawkins, Director of the Canerector Foundation. “Canerector was founded and built by tradespeople and hopes to bring attention to the wide variety of careers that begin with a skilled trades education. We are happy to see RRC Polytech’s focus on strategic workforce development and are excited to be a part of it.”

The next GETT Camp runs in July 2024 and the first Canerector Foundation awards are scheduled to be given this fall.

More about the funding announcement: Canerector Foundation Supports Trades Success with Half Million Dollar Gift : RRC Polytech: Donor Community

More about the GETT Camp: Girls Exploring Trades and Technology : Red River College Polytechnic: Youth Initiatives (rrc.ca)

RRC Polytech Nursing Student Awarded $30k Grant for Climate Action Project

May 7, 2024

For immediate release: May 7, 2024

Sophie Walker, a Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) nursing student has received a $30,000 grant from the inaugural Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) and Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grant for her project, Climate Resilient Nursing.

“As a founding member of Canadian Colleges for Resilient Recovery, RRC Polytech has made a commitment to preparing students to use the skills they’ve learned and make real-world impacts,” said Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic, RRC Polytech and Co-Chair of the C2R2 Steering Committee. “As a leading post-secondary institution, we play a vital role in advancing sustainability through our academic programs and applied research. Sophie’s project is an exciting reminder of how our students can help us move toward a more sustainable future. We are also very pleased that a Winnipeg-based organization such as Wawanesa has provided such a unique investment to support students’ research to positively impact climate action.” 

Sophie’s Climate Resilient Nursing project aims to address nursing professionals’ lack of capacity to address climate change related health care system vulnerabilities and resilience. The project will increase climate awareness among nurses, help nursing students develop practical skills to become more climate conscious in their future careers and create a comprehensive resource guide for future students and instructors at RRC Polytech.

“I am very grateful to receive this grant and excited to dive deeper into the research! I have been interested in research since my first year in nursing school back in late 2019 and in the last three weeks I’ve had incredible support from my instructors and researchers at RRC Polytech in finding an idea and creating the proposal,” said Sophie. “Receiving this grant means I can help to make a difference and leave a lasting change. It will also help me gain valuable experience for my future career.”

Sophie worked with her instructors in the Nursing program and Research, Partnerships & Innovation team at RRC Polytech on the project, which was inspired by one of Sophie’s instructors, Jennifer Morin, who Sophie says is passionate about the subject and has a wealth of knowledge that helped her with the application.

Sophie is one of five Youth Innovation Grant recipients. Each grant is given to a student from a C2R2 partner institution to launch or enhance a climate adaptation or climate mitigation project. RRC Polytech is one of the founding partners of C2R2 and currently offers six micro-credential courses aimed at clean tech and social innovation.

“C2R2 is proud to support the empowerment of youth leaders in their efforts to drive impactful change that centers on climate change adaptation and mitigation,” said Adrienne Madden, Coalition Manager, C2R2. “RRC Polytech is among our esteemed partner institutions amplifying C2R2’s collective efforts, and we were excited to see such a strong project led by them for this inaugural Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grant. We are eager to see the impact that Sophie’s project will have in Winnipeg, and more broadly within the nursing community.”

Sophie’s contributions to her community don’t end here. She was also recently in the news for her generous creation of the Journey Award for nurses to support other nursing students who have faced formidable challenges in their academic journey as she did.

For more information about the awards: The Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery and Wawanesa Insurance Youth Innovation Grants announcement

A Day of Celebration of Sikh Culture: RRC Polytech hosts annual Turban Pride Day event

April 12, 2024

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

RRC Polytech Grads Highlighted in New Campaign: Polytechnic Proud 

April 3, 2024

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – Starting today, 40 RRC Polytech grads are being highlighted in Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s Polytechnic Proud campaign. The campaign aims to represent diversity across programs, industries, and generations and includes a series of billboards and feature stories. Each featured graduate was nominated by their workplace.  

“The partnerships we have with industry are so valuable to the work we do here at RRC Polytech, and we are thrilled that so many nominated their talented employees – our proud alumni – for this campaign,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “The diversity represented in Polytechnic Proud is a testament to the quality of work that our grads are doing and the wide variety of career paths that a polytechnic education prepares them for.” 

The recent and seasoned grads featured are CEOs, directors, entrepreneurs, engineers, account managers, nurses, horticulturists, teachers, chefs, and many more from a variety of industries. The first feature story being released tomorrow as part of the campaign is Amanda Buhse of Coal and Canary Candle Company who started her business in 2014 and has since had products sold across the world and featured at The Oscars and The Grammys. 

“RRC Polytech provided me with an environment where ideas weren’t just encouraged, they were also celebrated,” says Amanda Buhse, Founder of Coal and Canary Candle Company and a 2006 graduate of RRC Polytech’s Advanced Graphic Design Program (now the Communication Design program). “My experience at RRC Polytech really was a catalyst for my success today in so many ways. It was honestly one of the best times of my life – both fun and challenging and prepared me for where I am today.”  

Over the next eight weeks, dozens of billboards will be visible in Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, and Selkirk, along with print and online versions across Manitoba. Profiles for more than half of these grads, including Amanda, will also be published on RRC Polytech’s Alumni News page and shared with the wider RRC Polytech community throughout the year – including over 80,000 RRC Polytech graduates in Manitoba and around the world.   

More about Polytechnic Proud: Polytechnic Proud Campaign : Red River College Polytechnic: Alumni Engagement (rrc.ca) 

SHOAL LAKE 40 FIRST NATION STUDENTS TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE ON WORLD WATER DAY

March 22, 2024

Winnipeg, Manitoba – Shoal Lake 40 First Nation students will be launching a new line of merchandise on World Water Day, March 22, 2024, at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Students developed a business with their teacher, Andrea Redsky, and have designed and created water bottles and stickers to hang in every home, business, and institution in Manitoba and where Shoal Lake 40 First Nation water flows, as a part of the Kekekoziibii Development Corporation and Harvey Redsky Memorial School Future Business Leaders Project. The students will use this platform to educate Winnipeggers on where their water comes from with 100% of product purchases will go towards Harvey Redsky Memorial School Future Business Leaders Project in 2025. A  number of local Winnipeg businesses and organizations have already partnered with the students to display the merchandise at their offices and throughout their buildings including RRC Polytech, Ernst and Hansch, Business Council of Manitoba, Canadian Mental Health Association, Strong Front Tv, and more! 

“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.”

-Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech

Partners are: National Reconciliation Program (NRP) at Save the Children Canada, Martin Family Initiative, Dreamcatcher Promotions and Shoal Lake 40 First Nation.

What: Press conference to launch Shoal Lake 40 First Nation Merchandise 
Who: Shoal Lake 40 First Nation Students
When: World Water Day – 11:00am, Friday, March 22, 2024
Where: The Canadian Museum for Human Rights – Garden of Contemplation

“Future Business Leaders project is Shoal Lake 40 First Nation’s commitment to investing in our future generations while raising important awareness of the sacrifices our community has made so people in Winnipeg can enjoy the water that flows through Shoal Lake 40 First Nation to their taps. Our youth are teaching all of us about how to achieve economic reconciliation and we are grateful to our partners for their support.” says Chief Redsky.

It was the building of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights that helped create the large campaign that resulted in constructing Freedom Road so now Shoal Lake 40 First Nation members can enter and exit their community safely. Shoal Lake 40 First Nation and The Canadian Museum for Human rights hold a special relationship with each other, and the community is proud and excited to launch the Shoal Lake 40 First Nation Future Business Leaders project at the museum. 

In 1919, the aqueduct to carry clean lake water directly to Winnipeg through Shoal Lake 40 First Nation was finished. The original Ojibwa village was displaced and moved to a man-made island. A parcel of the band’s traditional land, 3,000 acres, became City of Winnipeg property and split the reserve into three separate parcels. People moved from the old village to a nearby peninsula then Winnipeg dug a diversion canal through the neck of the peninsula, effectively creating an island and isolating the community. Despite Winnipeg using the water that flows through Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the reserve itself had a 24-year boil water advisory that only ended in 2021 and was the 2nd longest in Canada. 

The students at Harvey Redsky Memorial School are eager to share this knowledge and the knowledge of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation with Winnipegers, to educate them on how and why they have clean drinking water and our shared history and sacred responsibility to water, environmental stewardship and building a community and generation of water educators and protectors. 

“The students in grade 6-8 at Harvey Redsky Memorial School initially endeavoured to raise funds to go on a year end field trip. However, once they learned that they could have a lasting impact on youth in our community by raising funds to provide a sustainable way to support youth entrepreneurs and skill development, and educate Winnipegers about where they get their drinking water from, they jumped on board. They started by selling water bottles and stickers with a QR code that takes people to our Website. Here they learn about our journey toward getting a road and water treatment plant. Next we sold tumblers and a sticker that says “The water from this tap comes from Shoal Lake #40” on a blue water drop and also contains our QR code. We are entering the next phase with the sale of our next generation water bottle and a partnership with DreamCatcher Promotions.” -Says Andrea Redsky

The students decided to launch their Future Business Leaders Project on World Water Day 2024, to show the significance of their water history, and to help raise awareness and funds for the students who live in Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, who are still directly impacted by the water history. To support and purchase merchandise, please visit https://shoallake40.myshopify.com/

High School Students Showcase Their Skills in RRC Polytech’s Second Annual Applied Commerce Competition 

March 19, 2024

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  

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 ›