Culinary Arts students to transform fresh donated turkeys into creative dishes

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis – RRC Polytech is thrilled to once again host this year’s Iron Chef Turkey Competition tomorrow, providing Culinary Arts students with an opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity in preparing turkey dishes while competing for prizes. The competition is made possible by generous turkey donations from Granny’s Poultry, and sponsorship from Manitoba Turkey Producers (MTP).

“The competition will not only celebrate the culinary student’s talent but also emphasize the importance of hands-on learning in the culinary arts. It’s an opportunity for students to refine their cooking skills, try new flavours, and practice presenting dishes under pressure,” said Karl Oman, Chef Instructor in the Culinary Arts program at RRC Polytech and competition organizer.

“We’ve been doing this for 15 years now, giving students a great opportunity to practice their cooking skills, and win prizes that supports their future,” said Oman.

Held at the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute (PGI), the event will start at 10 a.m. Over the course of three hours, eight students will prepare an appetizer and entrée using fresh whole or ground turkey provided by Granny’s Poultry. Participants will have 15-30 minutes to plan their dishes and will be judged on taste, presentation, and creativity.

Manitoba Turkey Producers (MTP) is sponsoring the event with prize money of $1,000 for first place, $750 for second, and $500 for third. Two MTP representatives will also join the judging panel.

“We’re proud to sponsor this competition and support these young, aspiring chefs as they develop skills that will take them far in their careers,” said Velangeline Lachance, Communications Manager at MTP and one of the judges. “We hope they continue to incorporate turkey into their dishes as a versatile, year-round ingredient.”

Granny’s Poultry, a brand of Exceldor Cooperative, the largest poultry cooperative in the country, has supported this event for over a decade, providing fresh turkeys to help students hone their culinary skills. This year, they donated 12 whole fresh turkeys and a case of ground turkey.

“We’re thrilled to donate our turkeys for the competition. These students are the next generation of culinary talent who will be cooking globally and shaping the future of the food industry. Supporting their growth and innovation is something we’re incredibly proud to be a part of,” said Barclay Uruski, who is on the Exceldor Cooperative Board of Directors.

Media is invited to attend tomorrow’s competition to learn more about the event, meet the participants, and tour the facilities.

Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: Red River College Paterson Global Foods Institute,

Exchange District Campus

504 Main St, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0T1

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation – RRC Polytech is excited to announce Ron Drepaul, General Manager at Magellan Aerospace Winnipeg and a 1987 graduate of the College’s Business Administration program, as the recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Graduate Award. This prestigious honour will be presented to Drepaul on November 28, 2024, at the Manitoba Aerospace All-Star Awards Dinner. 

The Distinguished Graduate Award celebrates alumni who have made remarkable contributions to their industries, communities, and RRC Polytech. Drepaul’s career at Magellan Aerospace spans over 35 years, during which he rose from the shop floor to General Manager. Today, he oversees 700 employees and leads major projects that strengthen Manitoba’s role in the global aerospace sector. Known for his commitment to mentorship, partnership, and community impact, Drepaul exemplifies the values that RRC Polytech instills in its graduates. 

“Ron’s journey is an inspiring example of what RRC Polytech stands for: the belief that education, hard work, and resilience can transform lives,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech. “Ron’s story, from his early days at RRC Polytech to his current role as an industry leader, showcases our graduates’ potential to create lasting impact—not only in their fields but in their communities. We are proud to honour him as this year’s Distinguished Graduate.” 

Reflecting on the award, Drepaul shared his gratitude for his education and the opportunities it created. “Receiving this award feels like coming full circle. My time at RRC Polytech shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined back then, and it taught me the power of collaboration, hard work, and saying ‘yes’ to new challenges,” he said. “This recognition is humbling, but it’s also an opportunity to remind students and young professionals that, with the right attitude, the sky is the limit.” 

Under Drepaul’s leadership, Magellan Aerospace has become an invaluable partner to the College. It hires co-op students, creates career pathways, and supports applied research initiatives like the Advanced Composites Manufacturing Centre. Drepaul is passionate about using his platform to encourage RRC Polytech graduates to enter Manitoba’s growing aerospace sector. 

“Working in a technology-driven field with a Business Administration diploma shows that education can lead to places you may never expect. I hope this award sends a message to students that they don’t need to have everything figured out right away—they need to keep learning and stay open to new possibilities.”   As the 2024 recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Award, Drepaul joins an esteemed group of RRC Polytech alumni whose achievements reflect the college’s mission to produce skilled and innovative leaders. His story exemplifies the limitless possibilities that can unfold through dedication, mentorship, and community support.

Since 2004, RRC Polytech’s applied research has helped Manitoba’s businesses and industries stay In Front of What’s Ahead 

For immediate release: November 26, 2024

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation – Today, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) celebrates 20 years as one of Canada’s leading applied research institutions, connecting Manitoba’s businesses and industries with the technology, expertise, and cutting-edge research facilities to bring their innovative ideas to life. 

The College’s Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) enterprise stands out as a national leader in applied research. With three NSERC funded Technology Access Centres, thousands of square feet of research space and more than 135 researchers and 600 students in 60 programs applied research at the college has grown dramatically over two decades. 

As RRC Polytech celebrates its 20th year of providing this vital service to Manitoba it is showing no signs of slowing down as it continues to expand in its work and embed research  in its programs to keep transforming how it educates and prepares students to have an impact in the workplace. 

“Applied research drives progress to keep Manitoba competitive, while providing students with invaluable experience through work-integrated learning. We’re eager to build on the incredible success with our partners over the last 20 years and to explore new opportunities to keep growing our province,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

Whether it’s helping create the world’s first all-electric tundra buggy for Frontiers North Adventures in Churchill,  delivering the Abecedarian Approach in child care, repairing aircrafts with StandardAero, or helping identify improvements in building efficiency for the Winnipeg School Division their work has had an impact on many sectors and communities.

Through the support of federal and provincial funding and industry partners, RRC Polytech’s applied research initiatives have multiplied over 20 years. 

“We are proud to support RRC Polytech’s wide range of critical applied research projects because their creative collaborations with industry and community build on the strengths of the region and further diversify Manitoba’s economy to create opportunities for everyone,” said Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and PrairiesCan. “Polytechnics not only train the workforce of tomorrow but also support businesses with access to state-of-art facilities and by providing guidance on the research and development of new processes and products in various stages of technology readiness levels. Twenty years is a tremendous milestone, and we look forward to their future successes.”

To date, RPI has completed thousands of projects for clients and continues to expand its areas of specialization to:
•    Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics
•    Cleantech with focus on EV and building efficiency
•    Health, nutrition and social sciences with focus on culinary research and food innovation
•    Early childhood development research
•    Enabling adoption of digital technologies including AI and automation 

“Providing Manitoba students high-quality research training not only prepares them for their future careers, it puts our province on the map as a centre of innovation,” said Hon. Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training. 

“On behalf of the Manitoban government, I want to congratulate RRC Polytech on twenty years of fueling innovation, especially for small and medium-sized businesses,” says Hon. Mike Moroz, Minister of Innovation and New Technology. “RRC Polytech’s success demonstrates the importance of combining both technical knowledge, as well as hands-on learning by conducting research in real-time. As a former educator, I’ve seen the impact of this teaching method and I’m excited for RRC Polytech to continue to lead the way in technology and innovation as their success continues to put Manitoba on the map.”

In its 20 years of existence, RPI has positioned the province for success in a globally competitive environment and aims to bring even more Manitobans together in the future by accelerating the ability to maximize Indigenous growth opportunities across the province – continuing its strong economic, environmental, social and cultural impact.

“RPI is uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in strengthening Manitoba’s research innovation ecosystem through its strategic partnerships and by cooperating with other post-secondaries, regional and national research labs, government departments, and industry associations,” said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Director, Research Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech. “We want to thank our generous funders and supporters, and of course, all of our partners for trusting us to help achieve their goals by transforming their ideas into reality. We’re determined to build on those relationships and together, create a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future for all.” 

Following a breakfast reception, industry and community partners were invited to join the general public to tour RRC Polytech’s research labs and areas; experience demonstrations of its leading-edge technology; and engage with faculty, professional research staff and students to learn how applied research projects connect all areas of the College and are driving our province into the future.

The following message was sent to All Staff and All Students today by Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer.

Community safety has been a topic of conversation and area of concern for many across our province, and we know it is top of mind for many within our campus community.   

Recent events within the city have heightened awareness and concerns, which is why we are connecting with students, staff and faculty to update you on new measures we are implementing now, and our plans to keep you informed as we continue to advance this work across the College.   

We want to reaffirm that the health and safety of our community remains our top priority, and we know that there have been questions and concerns raised on this issue.   

As part of our commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment, we have some important immediate measures we have taken over the last few weeks to enhance safety on our campuses, especially in the Exchange District.

These include:   

• Increased Security Presence: We have expanded the number of security officers on duty and patrols across all Exchange District campuses, ensuring greater visibility and support throughout the day.  

• Second Mobile Patrol Unit: A new mobile unit has been introduced, allowing our security team to respond more quickly to any needs across the campus and surrounding areas. 

• Expanded Safe Ride Services: Our SafeRide program has been expanded to include an additional vehicle – providing more options for those requiring safe transportation to and from campus.

SafeRide is utilized on average 100 times a day, and this has increased 20 per cent since the new unit was added – and we hope this continues to grow. We will also be updating SafeRide signage at the Security desk to make it more clear to students and staff that this is where they should go to access this program.  

• Enhanced Patrols with Winnipeg Police Service and Cadets: We are working closely with the Winnipeg Police Service and Winnipeg Police Cadets to increase patrols and foot presence around our campuses. These partners are checking in with Security regularly and you will likely notice increased presence of these individuals who are patrolling in and around EDC.  

• Ongoing Safety Enhancements: We are actively exploring additional options and opportunities with our partners to keep our campuses secure, with ongoing input from the College community. We are working on additional measures to enhance safety on campus and more details will be shared soon. 

• Awareness campaigns: We are actively working with areas across the College to address concerns and identify opportunities for further education and engagement with students and staff on the supports and services available, and how to access them.  

It is important that our community is informed, and that they know what services and supports are available to them. We are working with academic and support areas to ensure the information is easily accessible for students who require support or whose first language is not English.  

Moving forward, we will be sharing regular monthly updates and reminders from the Safety, Health and Security Services team to help the community stay informed on the ongoing security enhancements. Updates will be shared in Staff and Student News and will also include information and added resources to help us take a proactive approach to safety in our day-to-day lives.   

Our focus is on prioritizing increased safety for students and staff first, while maintaining our role as a good neighbour and community partner.  

The safety and security of our campuses is something we continually assess and adjust based on the needs of our community. Please remember our Security team is here to assist you and ensure that all students and staff feel safe and supported on and around Campus:  

Notre Dame Campus  
Location: Room C115  
Phone: 204-632-2323   *call for support or to arrange SafeRide  

The Roblin Centre  
Location: Room P106  
Phone: 204-949-8305   *call for support or to arrange SafeRide  

Paterson GlobalFoods Institute  
Location: Room 100  
Phone: 204-631-3381   *call for support or to arrange SafeRide

Manitou a bi Bii daziigae
Location: Main Floor Security Desk
Phone: 204 949 8544 *call for support or to arrange SafeRide    

While we continue to adjust and enhance to our safety strategy, we also want to encourage the community to continue to remain vigilant, support one another, and reach out if you have any concerns. Together, we can create a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community.  

Thank you for your ongoing support and feedback, which remain essential as we move forward. Please feel free to reach out to safety@rrc.ca with any questions, concerns, or additional suggestions you may have.  

There is a winter storm impacting Southern Manitoba today and causing poor visibility and driving conditions. Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual.

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

• Portage campus will remain open with virtual options for those who cannot travel due to poor road conditions.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg campuses will be open with classes delivered as usual.
• Winkler campus will remain open with classes delivered as usual.
• Selkirk campus is open with classes delivered as usual.
• Peguis campus is open with classes delivered as usual.
• Steinbach campus and Steinbach Language Training Centre will remain open with classes delivered as usual.
• Arborg Language Training Centre will remain open with classes delivered as usual.

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

Any updates to campus operations will be shared on www.rrc.ca/marcomm/news

RRC Polytech opens Manitoba’s first Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre – set to begin training future health leaders in January 2025.

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis – 

Healthcare education at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is entering a new chapter today with the opening of its new Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre (the Simulation Centre). This first-of-its kind training facility in Manitoba will begin training the province’s future health leaders this January.

The Simulation Centre is a groundbreaking interdisciplinary facility that will revolutionize healthcare training in Manitoba. It is the first interdisciplinary centre of its kind in Manitoba to focus on nursing, allied health professions and community services and has 16,630 square feet of state-of-the-art learning space at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus.

“The Simulation Centre will maximize education opportunities and provide immersive and collaborative training for our health and community care programs,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “As one of the largest trainers of healthcare professionals in the province, this is an exciting new frontier in how we can better train and prepare students to be confident in their careers and make an impact in our communities throughout the province.”

“Simulation is critical as it ensures students in all programs have access to immediate experiential training opportunities vital to graduation, gaining experience that helps better prepare them for the clinical environment and ultimately, being job ready on day one,” said Meier.

Using state-of-the art high-fidelity simulation equipment and live actors to create small- and large-scale activities and mock scenarios, the Simulation Centre will provide students from various health disciplines in 13 programs with real-world experiences that mirror the realities they will face in the workplace. These training opportunities will equip students to fill vital and in-demand career roles in Manitoba’s healthcare system from their first day on the job.

The Simulation Centre was made possible through ongoing support from the Province of Manitoba, who this year invested over $6 million in funding towards the development along with ongoing operating support – providing a total investment of over $12.5 million.

 “This state-of-the-art centre is an example of the high-quality training that is offered right here in Manitoba. Bringing students together from different health disciplines allows our future healthcare workers to get hands-on training that reflects the realities of their future workplaces,” said Minister of Advanced Education and Training, Renée Cable.

“Together, with our partners at RRC Polytech, we’re ensuring that the future of healthcare in Manitoba is in good hands,” said Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, Uzoma Asagwara. “Innovative learning opportunities guarantee that future generations of healthcare workers are well-equipped to offer top-quality care to Manitobans. I look forward to seeing how the centre improves students’ education and how as a result, Manitoba continues to be a top choice for folks wanting to study and work in healthcare.”

Designed with the future of healthcare professions in mind, the Simulation Centre will continue to evolve alongside emerging technological and social innovations, as well as RRC Polytech’s commitments to reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.  The Simulation Centre was designed with Indigenous teaching and practices woven throughout. Each of the debriefing rooms are named after Indigenous healing plants which are integrated through the Centre. The space also has an Elder’s Room and includes spaces for smudging and ceremonies.

The space was created to accommodate growth in these programs. It has the capacity to train up to 12,000 students each academic year, and up to six simulations can be run at a time in the various simulation spaces. The Simulation Centre is designed to replicate real hospital environments, including multi-patient rooms, and an adaptable apartment space that supports a wide range of interdisciplinary scenarios.

The facility also includes a triage station for training health unit clerks, as well as an exam room designed to mimic a healthcare practitioner’s space. Several flexible spaces, with movable walls, can be reconfigured to accommodate large group gatherings or simulations that require non-hospital settings.

Streaming and recording capabilities within the Simulation Center will allow regional campuses to observe live simulations which can also be viewed in the large lecture theater connected to the Simulation Centre. This would allow a larger audience to engage with and participate in the simulation experience.

Students will train with standardized participant actors to fill the role of patients, and the Simulation Centre enter is equipped with a diverse range of advanced mannequins, spanning from infant to older adult, to effectively simulate various stages of life.

The Simulation Centre will support new and existing students and provide opportunities for the current workforce to upgrade their skills. A dedicated simulation educator will be available to support industry partners who wish to use the center. This educator will assist in developing simulations that align with learning objectives, provide exceptional student experience, and uphold the highest standards in simulation.

For more information about the Simulation Centre, and the programs it supports, go to rrc.ca/sim.

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

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

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

Where they will be:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Share your stories

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

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

CBC Manitoba’s Communities in Focus series

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lest we forget.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, November 6th at 7 p.m.

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

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

I join the chorus of tributes to the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair from coast-to-coast-to-coast and offer my condolences to his family on behalf of our entire RRC Polytech community.  

Justice Sinclair’s traditional name, Mazina Giizhik, means the One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky. I see a parallel between his traditional name and the determined work he did to help set Canada on a better path – a vision he had that others did not yet see.  

Our campus flags will fly at half-mast in honour of Justice Sinclair until his funeral later this week.   

Post-secondary education was among the countless communities, personal and professional, that Justice Sinclair served. He taught law at the University of Manitoba, he received honorary doctorates from 17 Canadian universities, and in 2001 accepted an Honorary Diploma from RRC Polytech.  

Decades later, in 2021, as we navigated COVID-19, and we prepared to launch a strategic plan with Truth and Reconciliation as one of its cornerstones, Justice Sinclair participated in a virtual session on Reconciliation in Post-Secondary Education as part of our annual RED Forum event.  

Kind, engaging, and insightful, he generously offered his wisdom to our faculty and staff.  

Justice Sinclair used truth to challenge systems that for generations used false narratives to deny Indigenous People their culture and language, opportunity, equality, and basic humanity.   

His tireless work helped those systems – including education – see the need for fundamental change. And he welcomed us all to walk the path of Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.  

I commend our college community for embracing this journey.  

Today, we are committed to growing Indigenous representation in our classrooms, in our faculty, staff, and administration, and in our campus culture. And we are working to foster a mindset of Reconciliation our graduates can take with them into the workplace and community.  

There is work to be done, however, we are on the right path. And for this we owe Justice Sinclair a debt of gratitude.  

In heart, in words, and in deeds, he embodied goodness.   

Miigwech,  

Fred