The following message was sent on behalf of Fred Meier, RRC President and CEO to All Staff and Students

Today, Indigenous students and their families will gather at Notre Dame Campus in the North Gym for our 23^rd annual Pow Wow to honour Indigenous graduates.

Creating space to celebrate Indigenous achievement is essential action for reconciliation and is the responsibility of all of us that call North America—Turtle Island—home.

While we celebrate the achievements of all Indigenous students, it’s important to recognize that the date of our Pow Wow coincides with the Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People or also known as Red Dress Day. RRC Polytech has lowered our flags to half-mast today to recognize that despite the strides we make as an educational institution, systemic and interpersonal violence against Indigenous peoples is still pervasive in our society.

Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people deserve respect and safety, and the disproportionate historical and modern trends in violence resulting must be recognized and acted upon.

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girl’s Final Report reveals, “that persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations and abuses are the root cause behind Canada’s staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people.” The Final Report delivers 231 individual Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, social service providers, industries and all Canadians.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada also calls on us as a post-secondary institution to create a more equitable and inclusive society by closing gaps in social, health and economic outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and people.

Earlier this year, members of the Senior Leadership Team and I went to Indigenous communities to hear directly from members about the barriers Indigenous learners face when considering post-secondary education. Some of the women expressed fears about the safety of their daughters or granddaughters leaving community to come to Winnipeg or another urban centre, and whether they would make it home. There are women and girls in Manitoba who, due to lack of safety, can’t access post-secondary education.

That insight really stuck with me and I was reminded of the 2006 Report on the Highway of Tears; and while the report may be dated, unfortunately its content is still relevant. The report highlights the need to address the underpinning causes that place young women on the highway and at risk. It further recommends reducing First Nation intergenerational poverty and post-secondary student temporary poverty, as this is the common contributing factor that places both groups vulnerable to predation.

Not only should we ensure all students are getting the highest-quality education we can offer, but they should feel safe while doing so. The precedent set by systemic discrimination and colonial views against Indigenous peoples instill a fear in communities about sending their children off to an unfamiliar place to receive an education. This is something we must recognize and stand against.

One of the ways we support Indigenous learners is through supporting the transition from community to our main campuses. Last fall, the Fisher River Cree Nation Education Authority signed a partnership agreement with RRC Polytech Interlake and Peguis Fisher River Campuses and the School of Indigenous Education (SIE) for the delivery of our College Transition program. 

The program began in the community and is now wrapping up in Winnipeg. As part of the student learning, RRC Polytech is providing support in learning to live in an urban centre like Winnipeg, accessing bus passes and transportation, and budgeting as students complete their final two courses at the Notre Dame Campus with SIE. We’ve recently learned that many of the students already have plans in place for further post-secondary education and training – some of whom will be coming to RRC Polytech. 

This is one positive step, and we must continue to take more.

I also want to encourage both Indigenous and non-Indigenous men, boys and supporters to join me in support of the grassroots Moose Hide Campaign, by pinning a moose hide pin to yourself as a solemn promise to stand up against gender-based violence.  Staff and students can pick up moose hide pins from either Indigenous Support Centre (F209 at NDC and P407 at EDC) to wear to show support of the campaign and as symbol of their promise to not perpetuate violence against Indigenous women, girls and children.

Congratulations to all the graduates participating in Pow Wow today: whether you are continuing on in your studies or entering the workforce, you are part of an amazing community of RRC Polytech alumni across Manitoba, which I’m sure you realize as you continue on in career and meet fellow alumni. I hope you’ve made lifelong connections and I know staff and faculty will be cheering you on.

Thank you, miigwetch, ekosi, maarsii for your time this morning. I look forward to seeing you at today’s Pow Wow.

Fred Meier,
RRC President and CEO

Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is making learning a little less remote for some students, with the first cohort of its Educational Assistant certificate program in Hollow Water First Nation.

“Many of our students have barriers to transportation, where they may not otherwise have the opportunity for education outside of the community,” says Darlene Bouvier, Regional Campus Manager for the Interlake and Peguis – Fisher River campuses, stressing the importance of delivering programs in communities across the province – not just in the largest cities.

RRC Polytech has delivered programs in Fisher River Cree Nation, Peguis, Sagkeeng and Brokenhead First Nations before. The relationship the College fostered with these communities, as well as the overwhelming success of the programs, allowed RRC Polytech to deliver the Educational Assistant certificate program in Hollow Water — the first to be delivered here, with more on the way this Fall.

There are currently 12 students enrolled in the program, which began in early April 2023, and are expected to graduate later this December. Many of the students said a big benefit of taking the program is it’s offered within Hollow Water, where they all reside. The close proximity to their home allows the students to take care of their kids, or other family obligations they may have.

Some of the students are taking the certificate program as a step towards become teachers. One of them is Chloe Seymour.

“The biggest thing I like about the program is that it’s home, it’s right in the community,” Chloe said.

With dreams of becoming a teacher, Chloe attended university at first, but left due to a variety of reasons.

The class size there in particular, made her feel like she was “just a number,” she said. Chloe believes that being an educational assistant is a step in the right direction and will hopefully allow her to teach within her community one day.

The Educational Assistant certificate program’s small class size encourages her to ask questions to her instructor, Patricia Stouffer, and get the help and guidance she needs to succeed.

“Students are more willing to attend when programs like these are offered within the community,” Patricia said. “The students have been so welcoming and constantly giving me feedback. I got to grow as a human being and expand my horizons.”

Delivering programs like the Educational Assistant certificate program in Hollow Water is one way RRC Polytech addresses the needs of the communities it serves, while also committing to the College’s responsibility to Truth and Reconciliation. By providing communities with access to post-secondary education, the College aims to close gaps in our educational system and create a more equitable environment between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

As the morning rush hour traffic comes to a standstill, one RRC Polytech Aircraft Maintenance Journeyperson (AMJ) apprentice is taking a more direct approach to getting to class — he’s flying his own plane to school.

Meet Jesse Rooks, who flies a PA22/20 Pacer to get to the Southport Campus, and he says it just makes sense for him to fly.

“With current gas prices, it’s more expensive than taking my car, sure, but it’s also much cheaper than driving my truck,” Jesse said. “So really, flying for me is the best way to go.”

The drive to RRC Polytech’s Stevenson Southport Campus is approximately two-hours from Steinbach, and by flying, Jesse cuts his commute down to thirty minutes. His weekly cost of flying is about $90 – about $20 more if he were to drive his car, and $60 less if he took his truck.

He says he joined the AMJ apprenticeship to further his applicability in the aviation industry, and because he wanted to get the credentials to be able to fix his own plane.

“It’s another ticket in my book of aviation,” Jesse said about the apprenticeship program. “I just love everything about flying and aviation.”

The Apprentice AMJ program is a four-year diploma program. Each year consists of about two months of in-class learning and 10 months of on-the-job training.

During those 10 months, Jesse apprentices under Wings Over Kississing as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) and also as one of their pilots. There, he flies and maintains DHC-3T Otters, DHC-2 Beavers, and C208 Caravans and provides air charter travel and tours to the Canadian Shield in northern Manitoba. In 2021, he rescued stranded canoers while working for Wings Over Kississing.

AMJ offers a unique way for maintainers to obtain the training and experience required to qualify for an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer “M” license. It is the only Transport Canada approved Aircraft Maintenance Engineer apprentice-model training program in Canada.

Based on the advice of our government and security partners RRC Polytech has made the decision to prohibit the social media app TikTok on all College provided and College funded mobile devices, effective immediately.

We recommend that staff and students take action regarding their online privacy and security, including a) reviewing their privacy settings and sharing behaviour on social media; b) reviewing the apps used on their mobile devices in terms of the personal data those apps collect and share; and c) discontinue using apps that demand too much personal information, including TikTok.

The following update is shared with All Staff and Students at RRC Polytech on behalf of Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer

Today, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) addresses the importance of the National Day of Mourning, which commemorates workers who suffered injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the workplace. This day serves as a somber reminder of the importance of creating a safe working and learning environment for our staff, students, and community.

RRC Polytech will fly our flags at half-mast today in recognition of those affected by workplace tragedy and also reflect on how we can improve measures to prevent accidents from happening in the future.

According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, in 2021, there were 1,081 workplace fatalities recorded in Canada. Among these deaths were 18 young workers aged 15-24.

These figures remind us that we each have a role to play in staying safe and healthy in our workplaces and classrooms. As a College, we directly impact the practices and behaviours we instill in our students, which they carry forward into their careers.

It takes a commitment from all of us to remain vigilant and work together to ensure that we are continuing to create a safe and healthy working and learning environment for everyone.

A strong, proactive workplace safety and health culture is a top priority for RRC Polytech. The College is committed to setting an exceptional standard as an educational leader in workplace safety and health. Some of the initiatives RRC Polytech have undertaken to provide all staff and students with a safe and healthy environment includes:

• Machine Guarding Program – a five-year project the College is currently in year four of to review and update protective guards and equipment on campus. Since the project started, the College has audited over 800 machines, ensuring every equipment on campus complies with MB Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulations, and replacing those that don’t.
• Campus Alerting and Emergency Response Plan – The Campus Alerting project has been successful in enhancing communications efforts to keeping our College community informed on everything from icy sidewalks to an evacuation of an area if necessary. Informacast is a mass notification software which enables RRC Polytech to broadcast alerts in a timely and efficient manner. Alerts will appear through your mobile phones, emails, on-premise devices (office phone or computer), or MS Teams. Staff and students are encouraged to subscribe for updates here.
• Contractor Safety Enhancement Project – an initiative focused on building stronger relationships with contractors and partners we work with to ensure that they continue to meet RRC Polytech’s high safety standards.

Safety, Health, and Security Services has also made significant web updates to ensure staff and students have access to the most up to date information regarding emergency and safety protocols. We encourage you to visit to learn more.

On this National Day of Mourning, take a moment to reflect on the importance of workplace safety, not just for ourselves, but for our colleagues, families, and friends who rely on us. Let us honour those who have been affected by workplace-related incidents, and work towards a future where everyone can learn and work safely.

If you have questions or ideas on how we can continue to make RRC Polytech a safe place to work and learn, please reach out to safety@rrc.ca

Robert Okabe, Distinguished Graduate Award recipient and Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech

For immediate release: April 27, 2023

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – A Winnipeg engineering technologist who has been a local, provincial, and national leader in the profession is being honoured with the Distinguished Graduate Award from Red River College Polytechnic.

Robert Okabe, CEO and Registrar at Certified Technicians and Technologists Association of Manitoba (CTTAM) graduated with a diploma in Civil Engineering Technology from RRC Polytech’s Civil Engineering program in 1983. His dedication to technicians and technologists, along with his passion for his community and volunteering has set him apart and made him an outstanding candidate for RRC Polytech’s highest achievement.

“RRC Polytech is proud to honour Robert Okabe with the distinguished Graduate Award. His professional achievements truly embody the kind of commitment and leadership we aim to demonstrate to students. His contributions to Manitoba showcase the difference that RRC Polytech graduates make to our province, especially in the profession of applied science and engineering technology,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO.

RRC Polytech’s Distinguished Graduate Award honours and recognizes the College’s finest graduates – those who have made an impact in their profession and the community around them through outstanding achievements in one or more of the following areas: humanitarianism, professional excellence, and community service. 

Over his career Okabe has been recognized as a Fellow of Engineers Canada FEC by Engineers and by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) in 2013. He has served in various positions for the CCTT and the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB).

Okabe is currently a Program Advisory Committee member with RRC Polytech, Assiniboine Community College, and University of College of the North and has provided invaluable guidance and advocacy with the accreditation of RRC Polytech’s engineering technology programs. He also has a role in all nine of the College’s Engineering Technology Advisory Committees — which provide direction and curriculum support from those working on the ground.

“I am incredibly excited and proud to be receiving this award,” says Robert Okabe. “I believe that giving back to the community is such an important thing I can do as a graduate and am proud to support the next generation. The College provided so much for me in my career, and it’s an honour to be celebrated in this way.”

Okabe understands how important a helping hand can be in propelling students from the world of academia into a lifelong career, and in 2008 he established the Robert Okabe Achievement Award for Civil Engineering Technology.

Always open to new ideas and opportunities to do outreach for student recruitment, Okabe ensures he does what he can to support young women in STEM, and help newcomers pursue this industry. His ongoing partnership with RRC Polytech is a welcome and substantial support in helping to transform today’s learners into a force for change.

One thing is clear looking back at Robert’s life: he believes in the potential of others and will stop at nothing to help them meet it.

Okabe was presented with the Distinguished Graduate Award on April 20, 2023 at the 2023 Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Manitoba Awards of Excellence in Consulting Engineering.

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Competition heated up this week as the annual Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) Stirling Engine Competition returned once again at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus.

The competition is the culmination of first-year MET students’ hard work as they built their own Stirling engines from scratch during their Basics of Manufacturing course.

During the noon hour, the halls of the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre (STTC) were lined with the student-built engines, running on nothing but the ambient temperature and ice.

A Stirling engine works by converting heat energy into mechanical energy. The engine uses a temperature differential between two surfaces — in this case, one surface is much colder than the other because of the ice — to take advantage of the expansion and contraction of air, which helps move a piston. The engine was named after its inventor, Robert Stirling.

After being treated to a pizza lunch, students placed the base of their engines atop of ice water and left to stabilize before judging occurred. The engines were judged on categories such as Truest Flywheel, or Fastest Engine.

Guests were also invited to participate in the fun during the competition by voting for Best Colour Scheme, and Best Flywheel Design categories.

“For a lot of people, this is really their first time getting their feet wet in this kind of an environment,” Nik Graham, the winner of the Truest Flywheel distinction, said. “So this is more like a celebration, like, ‘you did this, this is a machine that did not exist before you joined this class.’”

The competition is a fun celebration for the MET students and their hard work and dedication to complete their first year and provides them with the emotional boost to get through the exam period, according to their instructor, Serge Broeska, when he gave a speech to start the event.

This was the first Stirling Engine competition to return to RRC Polytech since 2019, after COVID-19 restrictions forced the College to pause the popular event. Leon Fainstein, Serge’s predecessor, started the annual event about two decades ago, and has been a MET tradition ever since.

Here’s the full list of winners:

Best Colour Scheme:

Eduardo Romero

Best Flywheel Design:

Josh Harrison

Truest Flywheel:

Nik Graham

Fastest Engine:

Tyler Cyr

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – In partnership with RBC Future Launch, Indigenous culture takes centre stage today as Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) students, staff, and community members gather for a community celebration that highlights the importance of entrepreneurship in Indigenous culture.
 
RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Food, Fashion, and Music: An RBC Reaction by Collision Community Event will showcase Indigenous culture and arts in Winnipeg. As part of RRC Polytech’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the event is meant to immerse guests in Indigenous culture, featuring talented local entrepreneurs, chefs, designers, and performers.

“Representation and celebration of Indigenous culture is an important way to let Indigenous students, staff and community members know they are welcome here and they belong at RRC Polytech,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “When RRC Polytech connects with partners like RBC, amazing things can happen. This is the second year we’ve had the pleasure of hosting the RBC Reaction by Collision Event in-person, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank RBC for choosing to support RRC Polytech students.”
 
Event highlights include a haute couture model runway, delectable cuisines from local chefs, a crafter’s market with local artisans, and music provided by Juno-award nominated Indian City.
 
“Inclusion is the cornerstone of innovation,” Herb ZoBell, Vice President, Commercial Financial Services, Indigenous Markets at RBC. “When we create bridges between diverse voices to connect with one another, it provides an opportunity where potential may flourish and where we as a nation can rise to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
 
A longstanding partner of RRC Polytech, RBC Future Launch invested $450,000 during last year’s Reaction by Collision event in a new Pathway to IT program, which equips Indigenous Manitobans with the necessary skills and supports to prepare for careers in the rapidly growing IT field. With this generous donation, RBC Future Launch’s overall giving totals $1 million, supporting a variety of College programs.
 
Featured guests include Brownees Urban Bistro, Feast Café Bistro, Olivia Nasikapow, Gayle Grubin, Dawn Harris, Indian City, OGICHIDAA, and many others. To learn more about the feature guests and to view the full agenda today, refer to our Indigenous Education page.
 
Miranda Harper, an RRC Polytech alumni and drummer in the local rock band Venus Man Trap, is taking part in the event’s panel discussion and looks forward to sharing her experience as an Indigenous musician with students and community members.
 
“We’re showing future Indigenous generations that they’re welcome here, that there’s space for them to innovate and be bold,” Harper says. “I get inspired when young people ask me questions, either about my experience as a musician or about my career in commercial banking. It’s important for me to share the path and journey I went on to get to where I am and hopefully motivate others to do the same.”
 
The event will be held today from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae. The building was designed with the intent to bring together the community, to build connections and create bridges.
 
The College collaborated with Indigenous artists KC Adams and Jackie Traverse to provide artwork in the Roundhouse Auditorium and on the fourth floor ceiling respectively. The Roundhouse Auditorium, where today’s crafter’s market is stationed, is ventilated for smudging ceremonies and the use of traditional medicines.

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – Tomorrow, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) and RBC are hosting the second annual Reaction by Collision event celebrating Indigenous culture and community.
 
RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Food, Fashion, and Music: An RBC Reaction by Collision Community Event will showcase Indigenous culture and arts in Winnipeg. As part of RRC Polytech’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the event is meant to immerse guests in Indigenous culture, featuring some of the brightest local entrepreneurs, chefs, designers, and performers.
 
Event highlights include haute couture model runway, delectable cuisines from local chefs, a crafter’s market with local artisans, and music provided by Juno-award nominated Indian City.
 
Featured guests include Brownees Urban Bistro, Feast Café Bistro, Olivia Nasikapow, Gayle Grubin, Dawn Harris, Indian City, OGICHIDAA, and many others. To learn more about the feature guests and the event, visit our Indigenous Education page.

What: Indigenous Food, Fashion and Music an RBC Reaction by Collision community event
When: Wednesday, April 19 2023 from 1p.m. to 5p.m.
Where: Manitou a bi Bii daziigae | RRC Polytech – 319 Elgin Avenue

TODAY – Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) invites all staff, students, and community members to the annual Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) Stirling Engine Competition.

The event is the culmination of the first-year Mechanical Engineering Technology students’ hard work as they built their own Stirling engines from the ground up. The students will be demonstrating their engines at the event, and will be judged on aspects like efficiency and aesthetic. 

Named after its inventor, Robert Stirling, the engines work by converting heat energy into mechanical energy.

Date: TODAY, Tuesday, April 18

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: Skilled Trades and Technology Centre (STTC) – T Building of RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus (2055 Notre Dame Avenue)

Photo Opportunity: Media are invited to come out and see the students’ work during judging, which will begin around 1:00 p.m.

Why: The competition has been an annual MET student tradition for about two decades, and it will be the first to be held since COVID-19 restrictions forced the College to put the event on hold.

The competition is an integral part in the learning outcomes for RRC Polytech’s MET students. They gain valuable problem-solving experience ensuring they are ready to tackle any problem they may encounter in the industry.

Contact:

Paolo Gonzales
Communications Intern
204.509.0864
pgonzales2@rrc.ca