Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation — Today, the province’s largest college has unveiled a bold new strategic direction and will embrace its identity as Manitoba’s polytechnic by bringing that word into its name, as Red River College Polytechnic, or RRC Polytech.

For RRC Polytech to continue to grow as the post-secondary institution that Manitoba needs today, and into the future, we are redefining ourselves. This will enable RRC Polytech to continue to modernize apprenticeship training and expand in areas that are hallmarks of a polytechnic education – applied research and work-integrated learning – which allow students to seamlessly transition from the classroom to their careers.

Embracing this new identity recognizes RRC Polytech’s evolution into a unique kind of post-secondary institution that blends deep, theoretical learning with applied, hands-on experience, and highlights the important role our graduates will play in growing Manitoba’s economy as our province recovers from the pandemic and looks to the future.

“For more than 80 years, Red River College Polytechnic has been a driving force to keep our province moving forward – economically, socially and culturally – by working on the cusp of what Manitoba needs now, and as we look towards the future,” said Honourable Wayne Ewasko, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration, Province of Manitoba.

“With this new identity and strategic direction, RRC Polytech is well-positioned to continue to meet the goals of the Skills, Talent and Knowledge Strategy – which provides an important framework for post-secondary institutions to prepare students for in-demand, good jobs, while accelerating our economic recovery and growth.”

The term polytechnic is used around the world to identify institutions who focus on strategic workforce development, applied research, and offer a variety of credentials from micro-credentials to bachelor degrees. The polytechnic model enables us to build on our strong foundation as a post-secondary institution and grow and expand our current offerings.

For students, a polytechnic education means more choices, flexible options, and opportunities to gain highly sought-after skills – at the start of their career or anywhere along the way.

For employers and industry partners, it means a pipeline to top Manitoba talent and a direct hand in developing a workforce that meets their current and future needs. It also means expanding partnerships and applied research collaborations to help position employers at the forefront of innovation and growth.

“Sectors across Manitoba continue to experience disruption at a faster and more frequent pace than ever before. This quickened pace demands an urgent and agile response, and RRC Polytech is perfectly positioned meet the emerging needs of our students and of the workforce they are entering,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“The polytechnic model best describes not only who we are, but where we are going. Aligning our new identity and strategic direction lays a strong foundation to be bold, to continue to take important leaps, and it allows us to play the larger role we need to in Manitoba’s post-secondary ecosystem. It puts us in the right place, at the right time, to stay in front of what’s ahead.”

RRC Polytech Strategic Plan 2022-2026: In Front of What’s Ahead

This new mission, vision, and direction for RRC Polytech was influenced by thousands of stakeholders and community partners who participated in the creation of the new five-year Strategic Plan: In Front of What’s Ahead.  This plan provides a roadmap for how these commitments will position Manitoba’s polytechnic to respond to what our province needs next.

RRC Polytech’s Commitments are:

1. Transform our learning models to meet emerging needs.
2. Commit to Truth and Reconciliation. Pursue Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in everything we do.
3. Deepen partnerships to maximize prosperity across industry and community.

Staying in front of what’s ahead requires RRC Polytech to align efforts across all priorities. These commitments ensure RRC Polytech can continue to meet the evolving needs of industry, employers, and communities, by shaping the future of learning, building the collaborations that drive shared outcomes, and deconstructing colonial and biased assumptions that have broken trust in post-secondary education, employment, and administration.

This new strategic plan will cement RRC Polytech’s unique position in Manitoba’s post-secondary eco-system and will guide our work in a measurable way as we move forward.

“Across every industry and sector, jobs are changing, technology is evolving, and responding to disruption in new and innovative ways has become the new normal,” said Bram Strain, President and CEO, Business Council of Manitoba.

“As a diverse group of leaders of companies who are committed to Manitoba’s economic growth and community development, we rely on RRC Polytech as a valued partner to provide a talented and multifaceted pool of graduates who can anticipate the needs of today, and who can look to the future of what our business community will need tomorrow – in order to stay competitive.”

For more information about RRC Polytech’s Strategic Plan 2022-26: In Front of What’s Ahead, and its role as Manitoba’s polytechnic, please visit rrc.ca/polytech

Winnipeg, MB – Joining the IT crowd has never been easier, thanks to a trio of micro-credentials Red River College (RRC) is offering this fall to fill urgent workforce gaps in Manitoba’s information technology sector.
 
The new online courses are taught by experienced industry professionals and cover three skills – mobile app development, security intelligence, and predictive analytics modelling – that are highly sought-after by tech sector employers. Out of the three courses, two courses – Security Intelligence Tech and Predictive Analytics Modeler are being offered by RRC through a strategic partnership with IBM that will develop and deliver the curriculum through its Learn@IBM skills training platform.
 
“Red River College’s strong ties with Manitoba’s fast-growing tech sector ensures we are creating more accessible, flexible learning options that channel homegrown talent into workforce gaps with speed and precision,” says Dr. Christine Watson, VP Academic and Research, Red River College. “Micro-credentials such as these in support of the IT sector continue to position Red River College as the go-to source for rapid, relevant programming that meets student and labour market needs.”
 
RRC’s new Android Mobile Development course starts on the first of each month from September to December. The first mobile computing micro-credential to be offered in Manitoba, it covers the foundations of native mobile application development, including user-interface, notifications, event-driven programming, development environments, APIs, and tools such as emulators. Students who complete the course earn a digital badge from RRC. Alumni of the College are eligible for a 10 per cent discount.
 
The other two courses Security Intelligence Tech and Predictive Analytics Modeler via Learn@IBM start September 20. Security Intelligence Tech introduces learners to concepts of security intelligence necessary to identify threats to networks and assets. Predictive Analytics Modeler career path prepare students to learn analytics models to collect and analyze data efficiently. Learners who complete each course earn a globally recognized IBM digital credential.
 
“Through IBM’s innovative skills training programs, we are delivering leading-edge curriculums to higher education Canadian institutions to better prepare students as they enter the workforce. This program provides a skills-building pathway to in-demand IT career openings such as security intelligence and predictive analytics. Additionally, we’re giving faculty members a window into industry-relevant tools and skillsets to provide greater learning value to students,” said Steven Astorino, VP Data & AI Development and IBM Canada Lab Director. “IBM Canada is a proud supporter of higher learning across the country, and we’re proud to support progressive Manitoba institutions such as Red River College.”
 
“Bite-sized, online courses and credentials that target specific skillsets are helping RRC better prepare students, including those already in the workforce, for the future of work,” said Kathleen Kerr, Dean of RRC’s School of Continuing Education.
 
“Advances in technology are disrupting economies and labour markets at a pace that will only increase in the years ahead. The result is a skyrocketing demand for continuous learning, via up-skilling and re-skilling, from students and employers alike. These micro-credentials are another example of how Red River College is facing the future of work head-on.”
 
To find out more, or to register for a Technology Skills Micro-Credential course, visit https://www.rrc.ca/part-time/micro-credentials/technology-skills
 
To learn more about Learn@IBM, please visit https://mylearning.comprehend.ibm.com/index.php

A new award celebrating the life and legacy of Red River College alumna Shannon Gray will recognize nursing students who demonstrate a passion for helping others.
 
Gray graduated from the Bachelor of Nursing program in 2016 and looked forward to a promising career as a Registered Nurse. She passed away from Non-Hodgkin lymphoma two years later at the age of 28, before she had the opportunity to fulfil her dream of becoming a working RN.
 
The award was established by her husband, Aaron Trachtenberg, as a way to celebrate her legacy and to provide support to other young nurses in her honour.
 
“Shannon believed the right way to live your life is to dedicate it to helping others,” he says. “She loved nursing because of the direct connection it gave to those she was caring for.”
 
The award, worth $1,000 or more annually, will be presented each fall to a student graduating from the Bachelor of Nursing program who has successfully completed a senior practicum in a paediatric or oncology setting. Preference will be given to applicants who express an interest in paediatric oncology.
 
“We are so grateful for the generosity of Shannon’s family and friends, who are providing an incredible opportunity for nursing students to achieve their dreams. Many members of our faculty and staff had the chance to meet and work with Shannon while she was a student, and we’re proud her legacy will have an impact on other hard-working, dedicated nurses,” says Debbie O’Donnell Weigelt, Dean of Health Sciences and Community Services at RRC.
 
Trachtenberg says that while the award recognizes academic achievement, it is also meant to celebrate and encourage the qualities of caring, compassion, and collegiality for which Gray was known.
 
“That last one – helping and supporting those you work with – is so important because how you treat your colleagues shapes your working environment and, ultimately, the quality of care you provide.”
 
Trachtenberg, a doctor, says working in a hospital over this past year has opened his eyes to the enormous challenges nurses faces as they strive to deliver an uncompromising level of care to those they serve.
 
“I often see RRC nursing students hard at work on their clinical rotations, and I want to encourage them to maintain their caring and compassion, and willingness to help each other as much as possible.”
 
Gray graduated with distinction and received the Nursing Legacy Award for outstanding clinical performance. Although she never had a chance to work as an RN, she did get her license, passing her N-KLEX exam in the minimum number of questions required.
 
She also completed a senior practicum in paediatric oncology, a challenging field she found immensely rewarding – to the surprise of absolutely no one who knew her, say friends and family. “There was a mutual joy between Shannon and any child she engaged with.”
 
Gray’s classmates remember her relentless work ethic, willingness to help others, and natural ability to make those around her feel valued.
 
In a tribute to Gray, one classmate who witnessed her compassion and superior clinical reasoning skills in class described her as “the perfect balance of the art and science of nursing practice.”
 
“The As she achieved on many assignments were not only due to her knowing the ‘right answer,’ but because she paired the correct answers with humanity,” added one of her instructors in another tribute. “Nursing has lost a huge potential in the care Shannon will never give to her patients.”
 
Trachtenberg wants Gray to be remembered not only as a great nursing student, but as an incredible person.
 
“Everyone she met immediately felt comfortable around her. She loved kids and animals, and could beat me at any sport.”
 
Applications for the Shannon Gray Legacy Award for Nursing will be available from the Nursing Repository, and will be accepted throughout the year. Applications should be accompanied by two reference letters – one from a preceptor, one from a faculty member – along with a short write-up about the candidate’s future goals in their area of interest.
 
SUPPORT SHANNON’S LEGACY
 
Your gift has double the impact. For a limited time, all gifts made towards the Shannon Gray Legacy Award will be matched (up to $25,000) by Shannon’s husband Aaron Trachtenberg. Please donate today to help support the future generation of hard-working, compassionate nurses in Manitoba.
 
You can contribute to the Shannon Gray Legacy Award Fund and strengthen the impact of her legacy by donating in the following ways:
 

• Online (please designate your gift in memory of Shannon Gray)
• Over the phone by calling 204-619-0139
• By mail:  Red River College Development Office

C306-2055 Notre Dame Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R3H 0J9
 
AWARD DESCRIPTION:
 
Shannon Gray memorial award for Nurses
Shannon Gray (1989-2018) was an accomplished graduate of Red River College’s Bachelor of Nursing program, who had a promising career ahead of her as a Registered Nurse. She was a bright light, and lived life with courage and exuberance while practicing gentleness and kindness in each interaction. It was her dream to become a pediatric nurse, and it was the prospect of providing care that gave her hope while fighting Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The award will honour Shannon’s legacy, and support Nursing students with a passion for helping others. Established by her loving husband Aaron Trachtenberg, along with family and friends, this award will be valued at a minimum of $1000 and presented annually to a student graduating from the Bachelor of Nursing program. The recipient will have successfully completed a Senior Practicum in a pediatric or oncology setting with a preference for those who have expressed a particular interest in pediatric oncology specifically. They will also have demonstrated a high level of skill and academic achievement, but most importantly a caring and compassionate attitude with patients and colleagues. Application forms will be available from the Nursing Repository and should be accompanied by two reference letters: one from a preceptor and one from a faculty member, and a short write up about their future goals in the interest area. Applications will be accepted throughout the year, and the recipient will be selected annually in the fall.”

Red River College’s new Social Innovation Micro-Credentials are the College’s first to provide specific skills for businesses and professionals to embed reconciliation efforts through effective and respectful consultation processes and relationship-building.

Micro-credentials are shareable endorsements of knowledge, skills or competencies that are awarded as digital badges. Under the umbrella of Social Innovation, the Indigenous Community Consultation and Engagement Social Innovation micro-credentials provide the knowledge and understanding to drive positive social change through strong relationship focused engagement with Indigenous nations and communities and a deeper understanding of the diversity of Indigenous peoples, Indigenous sovereignty, policies, principles, and Treaty rights.

“When we look at reconciliation, and Indigenous world views, it’s all about relationships. We can provide industry and professionals the foundation to build strong, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous peoples using guiding principles and processes while simultaneously responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action in their work,” says Carla Kematch, Manager, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement.

The Indigenous Community Consultation and Engagement courses are open to both individuals, to start a rewarding career in community development and social innovation or obtain necessary communications skills used in many professions, and to businesses, to help streamline business processes, provide a competitive advantage, and guide work with Indigenous communities for mutual success.

Businesses and professionals will learn the historical and current colonial context including the Indian Act, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and how this impacts Indigenous communities and projects within their communities.

“Red River College has proudly pledged to support reconciliation action and education in Manitoba, and micro-credentials are uniquely positioned to support a gradual and strategic response to evolving reconciliation needs of businesses and professionals,” says Fred Meier, President & CEO, Red River College.

“This suite of courses specifically is a very important place to start to understand how to build strong relationships, especially as organizations are trying to figure out how reconciliation will take shape in processes and policies. While there are positions and professionals who are experts dedicated to truth and reconciliation and advising on strategies to respond to the Calls to Actions, we all need to have this knowledge and learn how we can apply it within projects, initiatives, and daily work.”

The courses are endorsed by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC), which is encouraging its around 10,000 member businesses to enroll.

“We are proud to support initiatives and programs that make Manitoba a better place to work and live. Reconciliation starts with education, and I believe that many of MCC’s members will benefit from having access to these courses,” says Chuck Davidson, President and CEO of MCC. “The Chambers and Red River College have fostered a strong partnership to help businesses adapt and grow through disruption – and I believe an integral part of growth is a commitment to learning respectful processes for engagement and consultation with Indigenous communities.”

Social Innovation brings new perspectives to existing ways of decision-making in today’s world by exploring the tremendous capacities of communities and individuals looking to initiate systems change. In this context, consultation focuses on collective community knowledge, adding value to the lives of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, building capacity and reflecting cultural ways of knowing so community members can make informed decisions.

“Social Innovation is a really important and exciting emerging field where business and entrepreneurship meet advocacy and social change. This is in natural alignment for many Indigenous peoples because its purpose is effecting real change in today’s complex systems, while also using a sustainable, environmentally-conscious lens,” continues Kematch.

“While we are seeing many Indigenous students follow this as a rewarding, full-time career path, a lot of these skills in this career can be transferred to many different types of businesses and even industries. We know that to move forward, there is a lot of work that needs to be done in effectively and respectfully working with Indigenous nations and communities, as well as understanding Indigenous sovereignty and decision-making. This is where reconciliation can make huge strides,” continues Kematch.

The Indigenous Community Consultation and Engagement suite is comprised of three online 25-hour courses with each awarding one credit hour and a digital badge upon completion. Completing all three courses awards a fourth digital badge that demonstrates competencies in Indigenous Community Consultation and Engagement.

RRC alumni as well as group bookings for organizations (registering five or more employees) receive a 10% discount. Online information sessions will be offered on September 13 and 20, 2021.

To learn more about the Indigenous Community Consultation and Engagement Micro-Credentials, click here. 

New memorial award established to honour past President and CEO James ‘Jim’ S. Butyniec

Students in Red River College’s (RRC) Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Technology programs will soon be eligible for a new award, established by Magellan Aerospace Corporation to honour the late James (Jim) S. Butyniec.

Jim Butyniec had a lifelong career in aerospace, including 23 years at Magellan Aerospace, Winnipeg (formerly Bristol Aerospace) and Magellan’s corporate headquarters in Toronto, Ontario where he was President and CEO from 2008 until his retirement in 2015. While he did not have the opportunity for a formal education himself, he appreciated those who did and surrounded himself with a team of knowledgeable and effective colleagues who shared a commitment to making the business successful.

“Red River College and Magellan Aerospace have been proud partners for more than 20 years, and we are honoured that Magellan has created this award to support students in our Engineering Technology programs,” said Derek Kochenash, Dean, Skilled Trades and Technologies at RRC. “Aside from technical skills – adaptability, good communication and teamwork are some of the most important qualities a skilled tradesperson can have, and are things we aim to instill in each of our students.”

Recipients of the award will be required to have the same entrepreneurial attitude and adaptability that Jim carried with him every day. In 1997, when Magellan Aerospace, Winnipeg’s production shifted to predominantly commercial aerospace, it was Jim who took the helm and implemented a toolbox of proven best industry practices (including the Lean processes of 5S and Value Stream Mapping and Six Sigma). Within two years, Jim’s strategy for change – coupled with his straightforward and hands-on management style – accomplished a change in the culture and business practices of the company, and grew its reputation in the competitive global market.

“In recognition of Magellan’s appreciation of our long and enduring partnership with Red River College, the company is pleased to establish the Magellan Aerospace James (Jim) S. Butyniec Memorial Award. Jim’s leadership style included a dedication mentoring and developing employees and we know that he would be honored to see this continue in the form of this student award,” said Phillip C. Underwood, President and CEO of Magellan Aerospace Corporation.

Magellan Aerospace, Winnipeg is a leading employer of RRC alumni in various roles, such as technologists, quality assurance, purchasing, business development and marketing. In 1997, the two organizations – along with Boeing Canada and Manitoba Aerospace – worked together to create RRC’s Aerospace Manufacturing Technician program, which closed the gap on a specific industry need and has trained up to 32 students per year ever since.

In addition to the Magellan Aerospace James (Jim) S. Butyniec Memorial Award from Magellan Aerospace Corporation, Magellan’s local Winnipeg facility provides two $400 awards annually to students entering their second year of Engineering Technology programs at RRC.

For more information about Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries at Red River College, click here.


Magellan Aerospace James (Jim) S. Butyniec Memorial Award Outline
Magellan Aerospace Corporation is a global aerospace company that provides complex assemblies and systems solutions to aircraft and engine manufacturers and defence and space agencies worldwide. Magellan designs and manufactures aeroengine and aerostructure assemblies and components for aerospace markets, advanced proprietary products for military and space markets, and provides engine and component repair and overhaul services worldwide. 

To celebrate and remember their former President and CEO, Jim Butyniec, who was a respected leader in the aerospace industry for many decades, awards valued at $1000 each will be presented annually to students at Red River College. Jim and his family immigrated to Canada after World War II. The early years in Canada were not easy.  From these humble beginnings, Jim worked hard and made himself a success story. This award for Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Technology students, who have demonstrated leadership qualities during their studies at the College, will keep Jim’s story celebrated for many years.

Two awards are available annually, and recipient selection will be based on, leadership qualities, financial need and academic standing.  One $1000 award is available to a domestic student enrolled in the final term (307) of the Mechanical Engineering Technology program. The other award is available to a domestic student enrolled in the final term (307) of the Electrical Engineering Technology program. To be considered, eligible students should submit a completed application accompanied by a reference letter from an instructor, attesting to the student’s leadership qualities

Winnipeg, MB – Today Frontiers North Adventures (Frontiers North) and Red River College (RRC) unveiled a new zero-emission vehicle technology initiative. The Electric Vehicle Tundra Buggy® (EV Tundra Buggy) is a collaborative, proof-of-concept project that oversaw the conversion of a Tundra Buggy in Frontier North’s touring fleet from diesel-powered to battery electric.

The EV Tundra Buggy was made possible through the province’s new Conservation and Climate Fund, and the Vehicle Technology Centre (VTCI) – a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Manitoba’s heavy vehicle manufacturing sector – and in-kind support and technical services from RRC’s Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC).

“The Manitoba government is committed to supporting environmental projects like the EV Tundra Buggy that beautifully blends our commitment to environmental sustainability, green energy and the entrepreneurial spirit of our province,” said Conservation and Climate Minister, Sarah Guillemard.

“We remain committed to making Manitoba the cleanest, greenest, most climate-resilient province in the country and projects like this can help make that happen.”

The project’s goal of reducing environmental impact and protecting Manitoba’s Sub-Arctic landscape will help to create a culture of sustainable tourism in one of the province’s top year-round destinations, Churchill, Manitoba.

“Our company’s purpose is all about stewardship, and positively contributing to our communities and environments,” said John Gunter, President and CEO of Frontiers North.

“By starting the conversion of our fleet with this first EV Tundra Buggy, Frontiers North is taking meaningful steps towards reducing our GHG emissions and creating new clean tech jobs. We are also excited to provide our touring guests a silent EV Tundra Buggy experience amongst wild polar bears and beneath the northern lights. For their support of this project we thank Manitoba, Vehicle Technology Centre Inc.and Red River College.”

The EV Tundra Buggy project builds upon research, testing, and demonstration VTEC has undertaken for the shift of transit buses to electric. The battery used in the buggy is repurposed (re-used) from an e-bus. By tapping into VTEC’s in-house technical expertise and using a repurposed e-bus battery, Frontiers North was able to confirm their vision of shifting from diesel to electric was feasible.

“The EV Tundra Buggy project is a quintessential made-in-Manitoba story – it has links to conservation, tourism, and environmental stewardship, highlighting the ability of industry partnerships to create positive impact in Manitoba, for Manitobans, through reducing environmental impact and benefitting our local economy,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, Red River College.

“The opportunity to assist Frontiers North and project partners with testing and validating the Tundra Buggy conversion to battery electric, meant leveraging the expertise of our VTEC researchers, engineers and technicians. While working on an applied research project, it’s as much as an opportunity for us to help provide knowledge and training to our industry partners, as it’s an opportunity for our researchers and students to learn and grow our in-house capabilities to further support innovation in Manitoba.”

Frontiers North, one of Canada’s top three sustainable tourism operators, plans to move forward with their vision of shifting their Tundra Buggy fleet to electric vehicles, furthering their commitment to sustainability within the province.

In addition to the primary goal of reducing environmental impact, another key objective of the conversion to electric, is to reduce sound pollution. While polar bears are easily habituated to the presence and sounds of the diesel-powered buggies, they generate sound that can carry far distances over the otherwise quiet tundra.

Moreover, the EV Tundra Buggy project aligns with Red River College’s commitment to supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy, as a member of the Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2).

A recording of today’s announcement will be made available on RRC’s YouTube channel.

Frontiers North Adventures hosts guests primarily in Churchill, Manitoba to dine beneath the northern lights, sing alongside beluga whales and lock eyes with wild polar bears. A certified B Corporation® and leader in sustainable travel since 1987, they are stewards of the resources made available to them and passionately share their values with their guests. They are the official Conservation Journey® and Tundra Buggy® people. Learn more at frontiersnorth.com

Red River College’s Vehicle Technology & Energy Center (VTEC) drives innovation through supporting Manitoba’s heavy vehicle industry sector, helping the province grow as a major transportation hub. Home to two facilities unique to Western Canada: MotiveLab™ and the Vehicle Technology & Research Centre (VTRC), VTEC provides applied research, technical, and training services. VTEC is a leader in sustainable vehicle technologies, focusing on the electrification of vehicles and alternative fuel sources. Learn more at rrc.ca/vtec

Winnipeg, MB – From the onset of the pandemic, Red River College has made the health and safety of our students, staff and community our priority. That’s why today, we are announcing that the College will make vaccinations a condition for students and employees to come on Campus for the fall term, starting Friday, September 10, 2021. The vaccine requirement on Campus will be a staged approach, with first doses required by September 10, 2021 and the second by October 17, 2021.

This policy will include students living in RRC’s residence and employees working at all campuses in Winnipeg and at our Regional Campuses. All other existing health and safety protocols we currently have in place will remain.

This has included limiting capacity to essential activities, implementing a mandatory mask mandate in advance of public health orders, and distributing level three masks to address wide-spread issues surrounding variants of concern, along with a robust internal contact tracing protocol to relieve pressure on public health and notify our community sooner to keep them safe.

Over the past year, we have been on the leading edge of implementing public health restrictions that have met or exceeded all recommendations from Manitoba Public Health. That approach has allowed the College to create a safe working and learning environment while delivering the hands-on training our workforce depends on.

Red River College is Manitoba’s largest College, and applied learning is integral to our program delivery. With the plan for increased support and services being offered on Campus this fall, we have a duty to ensure the health and safety of our students and employees within our institution. We are taking another proactive measure to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and variants of concern in our community.

To be clear, we are not mandating anyone to get a vaccine. We will continue to respect medical and religious/creed-based exemptions upon presentation of appropriate documentation, and a process for this is in development.

COVID-19 vaccines are free and widely available to everyone over the age of 12 in Manitoba, and they are the most effective tool we have to protect one another and end this pandemic.  This vaccine requirement is an additional measure we are taking as a College to protect the health and safety of our community.

Since the very beginning of the pandemic, we have been leaders, and we stepped up to respond to the needs of our health care system and community when they needed it the most. This included developing micro-credential training courses like the Nasopharyngeal Sample Collection, Laboratory Essentials for COVID-19 Testing, Health Care Support Worker, and COVID-19 Vaccine Administration.

We must continue to lead by example.

We are making this decision today with support from Manitoba Public Health encouraging all eligible Manitobans to get vaccinated, and with the overwhelming support from our community to take action and do their part to get vaccinated as soon as possible – to date exceeding vaccination milestone targets weeks in advance with, 81.0% of Manitobans receiving with their first dose and 74.6% fully immunized.

We will continue to support students and staff who need to access vaccines before the beginning of our fall semester. Our Health Centre is planning to have the COVID-19 vaccine available for anyone at our campuses this fall to help remove barriers to access, and to date, we have offered two vaccine clinics on Campus. The College also supports up to three hours of paid leave for staff and faculty to receive a vaccination or to support those who are taking a dependent to their vaccine appointment.

Over the next week, we will be working on the details of the vaccination policy and procedures, but we wanted to provide as much notice as possible as we prepare for the start of the fall 2021 term.

We are proud of the work that has been done and the commitment from this community to continue to go above and beyond to protect one another, and we are confident that this is one more thing we can all do reduce the risks of COVID-19 and to get back to the things we love.

If you have any questions about this announcement or for more information about where you can go for more information about vaccines, please contact safety@rrc.ca or click here to visit our FAQ page.

Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep each other safe.
 
Fred Meier
RRC President and CEO

Melanie Gudmundson
RRC Chief Human Resource Officer

Winnipeg, MB – In honour of the 150^th anniversary of Treaty 1, the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, Red River College (RRC), and The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce are coming together to make truth and reconciliation training more accessible for business owners by offering one free month of the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation Education (4 Seasons) e-modular training program to Chamber members.

This initiative is focused on helping businesses learn their role in Call to Action #92 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and will create a foundation of knowledge for businesses and their teams to build on. The 4 Seasons of Reconciliation Education has been offered at RRC for staff and faculty for nearly a year and is part of the College’s truth and reconciliation training, which is complemented by engagement and events.

“Red River College has long worked with industry to anticipate the training needed next to advance our province. As a leader in preparing Manitoba’s workforce and as a partner to the business community, we are committed to building and offering learning opportunities that will advance reconciliation and respectful working relationships in our communities, and we will have more to offer in the coming year,” says Fred Meier, President & CEO at Red River College. “We are proud to play a part and contribute to educating our community on the history and truths of the past and present, and the landscape of reconciliation in Treaty 1, but we also acknowledge that reconciliation will not look like one action or initiative. It will be a fluid, on-going process that will need to adapt as we learn, and it will take time to heal relationships and make the necessary changes.”

“We know that the first step to enacting and embedding reconciliation is learning and understanding the truth of Canada’s history, and the legacy of colonization in all areas of our lives, including education and business,” says Loren Remillard, President & CEO at The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. “The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting businesses on their journey towards reconciliation. It is imperative that businesses embrace initiatives that advance inclusivity to attract and retain talent and to reflect its customers and our community. This opportunity will build on the resources we outline in our Truth and Reconciliation Roadmap.”

“The Indigenous Chamber of Commerce understands that we can create the partnerships and synergies important to the growth and development of all business in this province,” says Jamie Dumont, Chair of the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce. “Today is not only an important day to acknowledge the anniversary of Treaty 1, reflect on our collective history and learn more about where you live, but to also do a check in on your reconciliation progress and plans – whether that be personal or for your business. Treaty 1 is home, and now more than ever, it’s vital that we recommit to working in collaboration to honour respectful Treaty relationships that operate on mutual understanding and thriving.”

The initiative will start with a panel discussion, Reconciliation in Action: Understanding Call to Action 92, on Tuesday, August 31, so members will have an opportunity to learn more about the program and the responsibility of businesses in truth and reconciliation before gaining access to 4 Seasons in September. Members and RRC staff will also be invited to attend two debriefing sessions to discuss the training content, learning experiences, and next steps in a safe, supportive environment on Tuesday, September 14 and 28.

The 4 Seasons of Reconciliation is a new multimedia program that has been developed through collaboration and co-creation with the First Nations University of Canada, its Indigenous Advisory Circle, and Indigenous contributors. The training creates an understanding on the history of colonization in Canada and how it impacts current issues and Indigenous peoples today through engaging slideshows, short videos, documentary films, and mini quizzes. 4 Seasons provides the knowledge required for informed, respectful and effective engagement in the classroom and workplace.

Winnipeg, MB – Calling all rainbow gamers interested in learning game development and new skills with Red River College (RRC) and New Media Manitoba’s (NMM) Queer Coded youth summer camp – the first-of-its-kind to be offered by the two organizations. The camp will be taught by 2SLGBTQIA industry professionals and allies in a safe and supportive environment, with the goal to open more doors for interested youth and diversify this growing industry in Manitoba.

“With the expansion project of our Exchange District Campus opening this fall, and the exponential growth of the digital and tech sectors in Manitoba, we know the demand for diverse and skilled grads in areas like game development, interaction design and development, and film production will continue,” said Dr. Christine Watson, VP Academic and Research, Red River College. “Red River College is committed to fostering an environment where all individuals are and feel welcomed, respected, safe and supported in their ideas, perspectives and participation. We are proud to offer a series of camps and provide opportunities to open our doors – virtually – to invite future students on campus and expose them to these growing industries in a fun, safe and inclusive way.”

Youth with a passion or talent for drawing, writing, animation, music or programming are all welcome to this virtual youth camp that will give participants an opportunity to meet and work with peers, create art, and tell interactive stories in their own way.

The camp will be offered virtually over two weeks. The first week of the camp will focus on character design, what works and what doesn’t work (exploring favourite games and genres), storytelling, and creating sprites and backgrounds. In the second week participants will learn about implementing characters and backgrounds into a story with mechanics using a game engine, creating narrative games and/or visual novels, and using a visual game creator.

“New Media Manitoba has a long history of partnership and collaboration with Red River College, and we are happy to see that continue with Queer Coded – our first video game camp for 2SLGBTQIA youth,” said Jonathan Phu Son Lê, Training Manager, New Media Manitoba. “This camp came from a shared goal to create a safe and inclusive space for students to learn about game development. In addition, both organizations are committed to fostering a greater diversity of voices to create stories and experiences that better reflect who we are as a community. Our sincere hope is that this camp could be that important first step for students in discovering the exciting possibilities of this medium.”

The camp will be taught by professional Illustrator and Art Teacher, Alice RL, a non-binary, transgender, Ojibawe artist who draws inspiration from their experiences and cultural teachings. A graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Fine Arts Program and Red River College’s Digital Media Design program, Alice’s range of projects includes game and comic book art, digital and traditional illustration, and graphic design.

“As a member of the 2SLGBTQIA community I always share a variety of materials to capture a range of perspectives to ensure my students all feel safe and included in the content I am sharing,” said Alice RL, instructor for the camp. “It’s very important for people to see themselves in whatever information or medium is being presented – from kindergarten, right through to high-school and post-secondary, it’s imperative that people from diverse backgrounds are reflected in the success stories we are sharing, and this camp provides a unique and safe opportunity for youth to explore art, technology and their creativity.”

No previous game development experience is required. Participants are encouraged to come with an open mind and desire to learn, to see what a powerful creative medium video game development can be.

The camp will begin next week, Monday, July 19, 2021 – Friday, July 30, 2021 and the cost to participate is $49. With the goal to make this camp as accessible as possible, participants are encouraged to mention if cost is a barrier when registering so that the College can work with you to find a solution.

Learn more about this camp and the other camps Red River College has to offer, and to register, click here.

Winnipeg, MB – Red River College Library Services’ Warm Up Week is one of five projects to receive the 2021 American Library Association (ALA) Presidential Citation for Innovative International Library Projects.

Warm Up Week was developed by RRC Library Services, in partnership with the Academic Success Centre and College stakeholders, to provide support and mental health services for RRC students. The event was conceived to address the many challenges the pandemic has posed on post-secondary institutions, including students’ experiences adapting to changes in course delivery, staying connected with their peers and instructors, and obtaining mental health and academic supports from home.

For 500 RRC students, the winter semester was delayed by one week to hold the first-ever Warm Up Week, January 4 to 8, 2021. The week-long event gave faculty time to pivot to online program delivery and provided students with a supportive online environment to develop co-curricular and academic skills, helping ensure their success heading into the winter semester.

“To address challenges the pandemic has added to students’ academic experience, the College continues to develop innovative solutions to support our students,” says Arnold Boldt, Executive Director, Academic. “Warm Up Week is an important initiative that addresses mental health concerns while also boosting students’ confidence and preparedness in their educational journeys.”

The event consisted of seminars, workshops, help desks, and self-guided learning opportunities. Some of the Warm Up sessions included: Technology Skills for Online Success, Online Learning Strategies, and Intercultural Competence. Partnerships with the School of Indigenous Education, Mental Health & Wellness, Centre for International Education and Global Partnerships, Employment Services, and the RRC Student Association gave students access to additional supports such as Indigenous Elder drop-ins, resume writing workshops, mindfulness sessions, and more.

“Along with the pressures of starting a new semester, the pandemic can amplify feelings of anxiety and uncertainty for students, who have had to adapt to new ways of learning and connecting with their instructors and peers,” says Kerry Macdonald, Director, Academic and Library Services. “While this initiative was born out of a need during the pandemic, due to its immense success, we hope to make Warm Up Week an annual event engaging all incoming RRC students.”

Warm Up Week was targeted for the 500 students with a delayed semester start; However, all RRC students were encouraged to participate, and many attended in addition to their regular classes. Post-event, 95% of student survey participants said they “feel more confident they will be successful in their program” and “feel more prepared to meet the demands of their program.”

Award recipients will be acknowledged at the virtual ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition, June 23-29. Additionally, RRC’s Warm Up Week will be featured in the American Libraries magazine alongside other ALA Presidential Citations winners.