The original Red Shirt design created by Shayre Curé.

The following message includes content that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experience. It is recommended that we all check in on ourselves and access the resources available to us to ensure we are taking good care of our mental health. Access mental health and self-care resources, here.

On behalf Jamie Wilson, VP Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development and I, we are pleased to ‘pass the pen’ to Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement and Jessica Bloomfield, Senior Strategic Advisor:

Good afternoon,

Today, October 4, is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S). The flags on RRC Polytech Campuses are lowered today as the College observes this day.

This day comes just four days after the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and calls attention to the need for justice in addition to spreading the truth and taking action in reconciliation. Many families and communities all over Turtle Island have been devastated by the loss of loved ones – families like those of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, Rebecca Contois, and Mashkode Mizhiki’ikwe.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People is a movement that illustrates the racist legacy of Canada’s justice system and the policies that lead to the circumstances in which Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people are at risk of being murdered or going missing.

In 2019, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls published the final report, Reclaiming Power and Place, and asserts 231 Calls to Justice that address issues that accumulate into dangerous situations.

Call to Justice 11.1 addresses all educators and educational institutions:

“ We call upon all elementary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions and education authorities to educate and provide awareness to the public about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people, and about the issues and root causes of violence they experience…”

Read the full Call to Justice 11.1 here.

RRC Polytech finds opportunities year-round to inform the College community about issues related to Truth and Reconciliation, including topics on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People.

During Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week, members of the College community were invited to join Gerri-Lee Pangman (McPherson) to bead red dress pins to recognize and honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People and the Day of Action. Dr. Karine Duhamel presented A Look at The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, in which she discussed the various factors that contribute to the risks that Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people face because of historical precedents and policies.

Last year, RRC Polytech and the Campus Store partnered with Métis artist Shayre Curé to create an original design for a Red Shirt for MMIWG2S, the proceeds of which go to the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award for Indigenous students.

This October 4, we encourage you to view resources available through the Library, like Felicia Solomon’s Story, and Tina Fontaine: A Murdered Girl’s Legacy from CBC Curio; and films through the National Film Board like Finding Dawn, The Red Dress, and this river.

This evening, many staff and students will participate in a Paint Night with local artist Dawn Chartrand to create a painting in honour of MMIWG2S. Please note this event is at capacity. For more information and to keep up-to-date with events hosted by the Indigenous Support Centre, subscribe to the Indigenous Blog. Staff and students can also express their learning efforts by displaying a red dress in their windows, or by exploring opportunities as part of TRC Week events.

We’d also like to acknowledge that this observance may be emotionally taxing, especially for Indigenous students and employees. Please remember that, outside of formal events in which they agree to participate, Indigenous community members may decline discussing this observance because of its emotional and cultural impact.

Thank you,

Carla Kematch,
Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement

Jessica Bloomfield,
Senior Strategic Advisor

Other Resources:

• The Government of Canada’s National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls always has free resources available, including direct access to the Final Report itself.
• Many Indigenous organizations have additional programs that support the National Inquiry and education on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People like the Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc. MMIWG2S and Violence Prevention.

RRC Polytech launches gateway to applied research, innovation, tech transfer and talent for partners in the manufacturing sector – the first of its kind in Manitoba

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis – Today, RRC Polytech’s Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics proudly introduces its new applied research and innovation hub – the Centre for Automation and Manufacturing Technology Transfer (CAMTT). Located on the Notre Dame Campus, CAMTT provides a gateway to sector-specific applied research, innovation, tech transfer and talent for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Manitoba and beyond, while training the workforce of tomorrow.

“The Centre for Automation and Manufacturing Technology Transfer (CAMTT) encourages collaboration between industry and academic partners that will drive innovative solutions in the manufacturing sector,” says Jamie Wilson, RRC Polytech’s Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development. “CAMTT is a critical foundation block of the Price Institute that was created to help bridge gaps and accelerate the adoption of Industry 4.0 in emerging areas such as automation, Artificial Intelligence, robotics and mechatronics. It’s work that will benefit Manitoba’s economy and communities for generations to come.”

CAMTT provides a distributed network of spaces, facilities and expertise through which partners can access and leverage technology, knowledge, assets and talent in a work-integrated, real-world environment where truth and reconciliation and equity-based representation is a priority.

Established on the foundational pillars of collaborative programming, automation, manufacturing, technology and transfer, CAMTT is the first of its kind in Manitoba – and features the first Chair of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics in the province.

An unparalleled combination of faculty, experts and students is eager to put their expertise and RRC Polytech’s leading-edge facilities and technology to work and collaborate with industry to:

• bridge gaps in manufacturing and mechatronics
• facilitate adoptive leverage of Industry 4.0, including automation, additive manufacturing, AI and robotics
• accelerate the transfer of technologies and solutions that we develop
• reskill and upskill existing workforce
• attract new talent

With a minimal financial contribution, partners can expect extensive collaboration aimed to help leverage resources including funding, to position projects for success by maximizing emerging technologies, state-of-the-art equipment and outside-the-box thinking to tackle specific challenges. Students will gain desirable skills and work experience by collaborating with teammates, faculty and experts to solve real-world problems.

Manufacturers-in-residence with be provided with space, Internet connectivity, and access to meeting rooms to effectively guide teams dedicated to each venture, with a shared vision as they experiment to perfect new concepts and processes.

“We are actively inviting partners and supporters to be part of our growing network of industry experts, faculty, students, staff and facilities that will work with manufacturers and for manufacturers to help de-risk and adopt innovative Industry 4.0 solutions,” says Dr. Vikram Banthia, Director of RRC Polytech’s Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics. “Partner with us to leverage our technology, innovation, expertise, assets and talent and take your project from idea to reality.”

Media is welcome to attend today’s launch event to learn more about CAMTT and take a guided tour of the facilities. Light refreshments will be served.      

Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024 
Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Skilled Trades and Technology Centre
Notre Dame Campus – RRC Polytech
2055 Notre Dame Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3H 0J9 

For more information on RRC Polytech’s Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics, visit www.rrc.ca/priceinstitute

CONTENT WARNING: The following message includes content that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experience. It is recommended that we all check in on ourselves and access the resources available to us to ensure we are taking good care of our mental health. Access mental health and self-care resources, here. 

Today, September 30th, is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which grew from the Indigenous-led grassroots movement, Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters. The flags on RRC Polytech Campuses are lowered as the College observes Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Now in its sixth year, you may have noticed ‘Community Engagement’ was added to Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week this year. This was done to reflect the importance of active participation from all members of the College community in our commitment to reconciliation. A subtheme that was present in this year’s engagement sessions was focused on Indigenous wellness – which includes wellness of the mind, body, and spirit. 

The week started in a good way with the annual Fall Equinox celebration and hundreds of people joined the Pipe Ceremony and Feast. I had the opportunity to sit with Elders – Grandmothers and Grandfathers – to have meaningful conversation around truth and reconciliation. Not only that, but I feel very humbled to have been able to witness just how many students rely on Grandparents – many students approached and sat with them, thanked them for their words and their support in the community.  

We often ask Elders to support our work here as an institution, but on an individual level, the difference that Elders make for students and staff is so incredibly rewarding and moving to see – the impacts of offering that uniquely cultural, familial connection through people makes a huge difference for members of the community that may be missing those connections at the moment.  

I would like to extend a chi-miigwech to the Elders and Knowledge Keepers we see at RRC Polytech, whether they’re part of the Elders-in-Residence program, or are part of the Knowledge Keepers Council, for their continued guidance and support. 

Throughout the week, we saw many thought-provoking engagement sessions led by internal leaders and community partners, like:  

• The Land Acknowledgement Workshop; 
• Re-Search, Storytelling, & Humanizing How We Come to Know; 
• Indigenous Birth Helpers: Restoring Birthing Practices and Knowledges with Wiiji’idiwag Ikwewag; and, 
• A series of sessions like the Matriarch Circle, Immersive Stories, and Living Libraries that focused on active participation with the community. 

At the Portage Campus, the team took part in Orange Everywhere – an initiative aimed at raising awareness in Portage la Prairie about Truth and Reconciliation. Businesses and homes were encouraged to display orange shirts in their windows or create displays.

Truth and Reconciliation is not just about providing equal opportunities to Indigenous learners – it is also educating the publics we serve as an educational institution of the true histories that have often been neglected by western textbooks and reconciling potential dissonance with facts as related by Indigenous scholars, historians and Knowledge Keepers. By offering opportunities like these around the focal point we have in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and making an effort to offer more opportunities throughout the year as well, we can truly make our community a safe and welcoming place for everyone. 

I hope that you were able to find some opportunities this week to engage, reflect, and connect in preparation for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. We’re all at different points on our journeys, and it’s important to recognize that everyone starts somewhere. Today is also an opportunity in itself to attend community events, participate in Ceremony, read or watch, sit and reflect. 

Miigwech to the entire Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement team for their continuous leadership, and the Planning Committee and volunteers, and especially those who have led Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week sessions. We recognize the emotional labour and vulnerability of sharing your story and lived experience.  

Take good care of yourself and those around you and remember to reach out for support. 

Fred 

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – This evening, 170 nursing graduates from RRC Polytech are being given their pins and being inducted into the nursing profession. The ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre and nearly 1,000 people are expected to attend.

The class of 2024 is the largest nursing class to graduate since the pandemic, consisting of three cohorts coming from the Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg, and the Winkler and Portage campuses. During their practicum placements many of these nurses worked in rural and remote communities, as far south as Altona and Killarney, and as far north as Pimicikamak Cree Nation.

“We’ve heard from the placement hosts that they can’t wait for our students to become members of their working teams,” said Lesley McGuirk, Associate Dean of Nursing. “This is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the profession. Not just to do well in school and put the skills they’ve learned at RRC Polytech to use, but to make an impact wherever they are for patients and their fellow healthcare professionals. We are extremely proud of each of the 170 graduates today.”

“RRC Polytech is proud to be one of the largest trainers of health care professionals in the province,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Healthcare employers and patients across Manitoba know they can count on our graduates to provide compassionate and needed care and this cohort of graduates is going to exemplify this throughout their careers.”

Nurses are a crucial force in patient care and these new nurses receiving their pins today are now ready to work in Manitoba, filling vital positions, supporting healthcare systems in communities throughout Manitoba, and ensuring the best care is available for those seeking it.

“A strong healthcare system begins with a strong workforce, and nurses are at the core of that” said Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, Uzoma Asagwara. “Every nurse makes the choice to spend their career caring for others. I want to thank every new graduate from RRC Polytech’s program for making that choice and wish you all the best as you start on this path.”

Each grad has their own story for entering the profession and many of them have already entered the workforce post-graduation. Brett Smith is now working in HSC Trauma Surgery GD3, and Tiana Wyryha is working in Children’s Emergency where she did her senior practicum. They are two graduates with different backgrounds but the same passion to make a difference.

“Becoming a nurse was not always what I had planned for myself. My life experiences brought me to the nursing program at the age of 30, seeking a career that provides me with more fulfillment and purpose which is exactly what I found in the nursing program,” said Smith. “The nurturing environment created by both staff and fellow students at RRC Polytech has truly inspired my growth.”

“From a young age I’ve always known I’ve wanted to become a nurse. Being able to help those in need is such a rewarding experience. My biggest inspiration is my mom who’s been nursing for over 30 years,” said Wyryha. “My experience at RRC Polytech was unforgettable. The nursing program is very hands on right from the beginning. Over the past four years I’ve developed many inspirations that connected me with staff and fellow students which I hope to enhance during my nursing career.”

The pins will be given to the graduates by three of their instructors, and representatives from the Manitoba Government, the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, and the Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba will be in attendance, in addition to RRC Polytech’s President and CEO, Fred Meier and Acting Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Community Services, Kerri Korabelnikov.

A nursing pin is a badge worn by nurses to identify the nursing school from which they graduated. They are traditionally presented to newly graduated nurses by faculty at a Pinning Ceremony as a symbolic welcome into the profession.

The Bachelor of Nursing (BN) Program at RRC Polytech is a duration of 32 months and runs at the Notre Dame, Portage and Winkler campuses. RRC Polytech also takes several licensed practical nurses (LPNs) into the program each year to get their Bachelor of Nursing degree and become registered nurses (RNs).

The following message was sent to All Staff by President and CEO, Fred Meier:

Following a competitive search, I am excited to announce Giselle Martel as RRC Polytech’s new Vice-President, Finance and Administration.

In her new role, Giselle will oversee all aspects of the Finance and Administration portfolio, including finance, campus renewal, environmental stewardship, information technology and institutional analysis, and facilities management.

Giselle will apply her years of leadership and experience at RRC Polytech to this new and expanded role, with a continued focus on the financial sustainability of the College and the integrity of its financial systems and providing strategic direction, vision and management of the Finance and Administration portfolio to meet the needs of RRC Polytech students, faculty and staff.

Giselle joined RRC Polytech as Comptroller in 2021 and in that role made pivotal contributions to the college’s financial services and operations. Her leadership has been instrumental to our growth, success, and achievements as Manitoba’s polytechnic institution.

In addition to her role as Comptroller at RRC Polytech, Giselle has a wealth of experience in the public sector and post-secondary leadership, including as Executive Director of Financial Planning and Budgeting at the University of Manitoba and as Assistant Deputy Minister, Fiscal Management and Capital Planning as well as other roles over 15 years with the government of Manitoba.

Giselle is a chartered professional accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba.

Congratulations on your new role at RRC Polytech, Giselle.

Fred

The following message was sent to all staff and students:

The Manitoba Hydro power outage impacting RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus has been resolved and power is now restored.

We will move forward with the resumption of all classes evening classes as planned.

If you have any questions or concerns about your class, please contact your instructor.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we awaited the restoration of power.

The following update is being shared with all staff and students:

Power remains out at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus due to a Manitoba Hydro power outage issue affecting the surrounding areas. We have made the difficult decision to cancel afternoon classes as a result of this MB Hydro power issue.

We remain in contact with Manitoba Hydro for updates and they advised the resumption of power is longer than originally anticipated with return to power at approximately 1:00pm or later. We remain hopeful for the delivery of evening classes. We will provide an update to the College community at 3:00pm regarding the delivery of evening classes.

If you are currently on campus, we ask that you make arrangements to depart and work or study from an alternate location for the rest of the day. Please do not use the elevator and you need assistance or support, please visit the Security Services team in the C Building.

We recognize that this disruption is frustrating for students, staff and faculty and we appreciate your understanding as we provide updates as quickly as we can with the information Manitoba Hydro makes available to us.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

There are no updates to the current Manitoba Hydro power outage affecting RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus (NDC) and the surrounding area. Power remains out and we are awaiting an update from Manitoba Hydro.

We will provide an update the College community at 10:30am.

The Notre Dame Campus remains open and if you are already on Campus, please do not use the elevator. If you need assistance or support, please visit the Security Services team in the C Building.

The following update is being shared with all staff and students

Due to a Manitoba Hydro power outage affecting RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus (NDC) and the surrounding area all morning classes at NDC  will be cancelled until 12pm. We are currently waiting for Manitoba Hydro to confirm when they anticipate the power will return.

We will provide an update at 9:30am to the College community to keep you updated on Hydro’s progress to restore power.

We anticipate a resumption of in-person classes beginning at 12:00pm.

The Notre Dame Campus remains open and if you are already on Campus, please do not use the elevator. If you need assistance or support, please visit the Security Services team in the C Building.

Staff at NDC should work directly with their Manager to determine work arrangements during the power outage.

All other RRC Polytech Campuses are unaffected by this outage and will maintain regular operations and activities.

Transformational gift – the largest in RRC Polytech’s history – positions the College to produce the talent and expertise vital to the continued success and growth of Manitoba’s creative industries.  

For immediate release: September 12, 2024

For more than 70 years, creative thinkers have explored ideas and sharpened their skills at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech). Today, a $15 million gift from the Schroeder Foundation paves the way for continued growth and opportunity in the creative arts for RRC Polytech, its students, and the province of Manitoba.

Creative industries are at the core of RRC Polytech, and they are growing in Manitoba thanks to a local talent pool that continues to thrive – a local talent pool that industry trusts to be developed at RRC Polytech.

The Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts (the Schroeder Institute) has been created to support creative industries and Manitoba reach the next level in this period of growth by ensuring that a pipeline of newly skilled local talent continues to flow and fill crucial industry roles, while engaging more deeply with industry partners, and undertaking exciting opportunities to foster innovation through applied research.

Manitoba is increasingly becoming more competitive in creative areas across the prairies, the country, and beyond. More productions are being filmed in Winnipeg and Manitoba and more creative businesses are opening their doors while local companies are making their mark beyond our province’s borders. Local training and talent are crucial to the success of the businesses that choose to operate here, and that is where RRC Polytech, and the Schroeder Institute, come in.

“RRC Polytech and the Schroeder Foundation have a shared vision for the future and what we can make possible through education, collaboration, and research,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “The Schroeder Foundation’s decision to make this tremendous investment in RRC Polytech reflects that there are visionaries invested in our community who recognize the value of what we are doing here to support students on their way into careers in creative industries. This gift today will enable us to create so many more opportunities for Manitobans and our creative industries together.”

This partnership is a representation of the movie-worthy story arc that the Schroeder family and RRC Polytech share – a history of humble beginnings leading to a path of advancing technology and industry in Canada and beyond. The Schroeder family and their foundation share the commitment to creating opportunity in Manitoba that RRC Polytech holds as a guiding principle.

RRC Polytech began as a small community college, and after almost a century of continuous growth and innovation, it is now a leader in producing creative talent that is ready to lead Manitoba into the future. The College’s reputation in creative arts is the result of the relentless creativity and innovative teaching approaches that generation after generation of faculty and staff have brought to their programs. This gift, and the creation of the Schroeder Institute, further cements RRC Polytech as a trusted partner that industry can rely on to produce job-ready grads and support existing employees with opportunities to expand their skills.

The Schroeder Institute launches today with 12 core programs and continues to enhance its offerings. Two new programs – Animation and Entertainment Production Management – are poised to launch in the fall of 2025 and industry informed micro-credential programs designed for current professionals to increase their skillsets are soon be added.

The Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts is where students push the limits of their skills and build their networks and industry connections. They are taught by instructors with a wealth of industry experience who support them as they learn the skills necessary to break into a career in their chosen field.

Developed with a 14-person advisory committee deeply entrenched in creative industries to guide programming, the Schroeder Institute always has an edge on what the industry needs.

“In my career in the film industry I have seen some incredible progress that is only going to continue,” said Carole Vivier, Advisory Committee Co-Chair and former CEO and Film Commissioner of Manitoba Film and Music. “I have hired many RRC Polytech grads, and the possibilities that come from the creation of this institute are beyond exciting. I’m happy to be a part of bringing this to life and eager to see how the Schroeder Institute further supports and grows these industries in the years to come.”

The Schroeder Foundation is an ongoing partner of RRC Polytech supporting student success, such as providing scholarships for their “Schroeder Students.” Now, this latest, and largest, investment of $15 million to ensure top creative arts programming, is a continuation of that support and legacy of giving in the spirit of furthering education.

“Maria and I grew up in Manitoba and will always be Winnipeggers. We believe in the work that RRC Polytech is doing to support students and the industries they aspire to be a part of,” said Walter Schroeder. “We have lofty goals for the Institute. We believe it can attract creative sector industry partners – and students – from across Canada and around the world to Manitoba and Winnipeg, where they will discover the advantages of working, studying, and living here. And we believe the Institute can create pathways for secondary learners – like the students we support through Sisler’s CREATE program – to accelerate their careers in their home province. We can’t wait to see these relationships grow with other Winnipeg high schools and we are excited to support the Institute.” 

The Schroeder Institute will create a pipeline of newly skilled employees, foster deeper collaboration with industry and for the first time, RRC Polytech is creating an applied research program to foster innovation in emerging technologies in creative sectors. The College’s ACE Project Space, alongside the Research Partnerships and Innovation team, will undertake projects aimed at establishing Canada’s leadership in animation, virtual production studios, and user experience testing.

Areas of applied research opportunity within the Schroeder Institute are diverse and immense, from leveraging AI in media creation, exploring how to best utilize immersive technologies like virtual or augmented reality in productions, and how to reduce the carbon footprint of production.

“Creative industries are thriving across the country, and Manitoba is proving that big things are happening in the heart of the prairies,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs. “This investment at RRC Polytech to support post-secondary education and our economies is welcome news.”

Creative arts contribute $1.6 billion to Manitoba’s GDP and comprises more than 3,400 businesses and 20,000 workers. This industry is now supported by the Manitoba Film and Video Production Tax Credit and the Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit.

“I am thrilled to celebrate the launch of the Schroeder Institute, which will allow students to pursue their passions right here in Manitoba,” said the Honourable Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training. “My deepest gratitude to RRC Polytech for their unwavering commitment to student success and their leadership in fostering collaboration with community and industry partners.”

Headquartered in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, and located in the heart of the Exchange District, the Schroeder Institute gives students direct access to the creative core of Winnipeg, while they learn in state-of-the-art facilities with top industry-grade equipment and tools.

“This is an exciting time for Winnipeggers looking to break into creative fields,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “From film production to video game design to the arts, Winnipeg is a hub for creative industries, and RRC Polytech is nurturing the talent that makes our city an attractive home for these companies and productions.”

“This gift from Walter and Maria through the Schroeder Foundation towards RRC Polytech’s comprehensive campaign In Front of What’s Ahead, is a rare example of truly transformational philanthropy that uplifts our community, industry partners, and students for generations to come,” said David Petis, Executive Director, Advancement, RRC Polytech. “It demonstrates what is possible with the support of community partners who believe in the value of a Polytechnic education and providing opportunities for young people looking to break into industries they are passionate about.”