RRC Polytech has partnered with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO)’s Health Transformation Department and provincial and regional health authorities to help bring more comprehensive health services to the citizens of Lake Manitoba First Nation. As a result, medical laboratory services will soon be available in the Nation for the first time.

“RRC Polytech is committed to building relationships that remove barriers for Indigenous learners by working collaboratively to identify the needs of students and communities, and delivering customized training solutions that allow learners to pursue their studies close to home,” said Jamie Wilson, RRC Polytech’s Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development. “We look forward to working together with these and other potential partners to enhance and increase access to healthcare services and continuing to empower all communities through education.”

Three members of the Lake Manitoba First Nation started an in-community phlebotomy training program in January. This specialized, community-focused training provided by RRC Polytech’s Corporate Solutions team uses a blend of online, in-class lab and clinical learning experiences to teach students the skills and knowledge necessary to collect blood specimens from patients safely and effectively.

“I had never done online classes, so it was a little scary at first. But our instructor (Brittney Bragnalo) is very supportive, she breaks it all down so you can understand things,” said student, Lesley Missyabit. “Once I got used to the video-calling and emails, it’s been really good and I can’t wait to start our clinical training.”

“It’s huge that I didn’t have to leave my family or worry about facing high costs in the city to pursue improving myself and my community,” said student, Caitlin Edwards. “So, my only question was ‘Can I do this?’ and so far, I’m really enjoying it.”

The students are expected to complete the program in early April 2024 and become knowledgeable, competent, and caring healthcare professionals as well as integral members of the community’s Health Centre team.

“SCO is extremely pleased to know Lake Manitoba residents are being trained to deliver lab services in their home Nation. This will create new career opportunities and will also build capacity for the delivery of comprehensive health services within Lake Manitoba,” shared Grand Chief Jerry Daniels in a joint news release with the provincial government.

While infrastructure is essential to independence and prosperity, the lifeblood of any community – the most important thing needed to exist, develop, and be successful – remains its people. The onsite lab in Lake Manitoba First Nation’s stunning new Health Centre has sat empty since it opened a year ago because there were no staff available locally who were qualified to deliver lab services.

“It is essential we work to build more holistic health services to benefit our members. It is time to close the gap in life expectancy between First Nation citizens and non-First Nation people in Manitoba,” said Chief Cornell McLean of the Lake Manitoba First Nation. “Reducing barriers and having more accessible services in our Nations will help us reach that goal.”

Lake Manitoba First Nation members currently have to travel to Eriksdale (about 38 kilometres away) or Ashern (about 52 kilometres away) for a routine blood sample collection. Having a proficient phlebotomist onsite will lead to quicker test results, more timely medical interventions, and better health outcomes within the community, in addition to the immediate advantages of reducing travel, related costs and stress for individuals.

“Every Manitoban deserves quality care, close to home,” added Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister, Uzoma Asagwara in the joint release. “Our goal is to ensure that throughout our province, all Manitobans have access to convenient, timely and reliable lab services. It is particularly important in this case that care is being delivered by citizens of Lake Manitoba First Nation, who will be trained and working in their community.”

The first three participants in the pilot project share a passion for helping those around them and also happen to be working mothers who are balancing full-time jobs and raising their families with up to 25 hours a week of classes and studying, so staying in their community to learn is not a preference, it’s a requirement.

“I read my phlebotomy textbook to my three-year-old until he falls asleep at night and then I watch the recordings of our classes to catch up but I’m not passing up this opportunity,” explained student, Sarah Lavallee. “I’m proud of my commitment to stay and work here, I’m excited to make a difference, and I believe we will inspire others.”  

The students are thriving thanks in part to layers of additional support that include resident Elder Mary Maytwayashing; the entire Lake Manitoba First Nation Health Care Team; a mentor from the Interlake Regional Health Authority helping with the lab and equipment; and access to RRC Polytech’s full complement of resources and support services.

Their success represents important first steps toward SCO’s goal of bringing a fuller suite of healthcare services closer to home for the citizens of 34 southern First Nations and will serve as an example of the power of partnership to prompt meaningful change.

“This is one of the many projects that the health transformation team has been working on as SCO continues to develop a southern First Nations health authority,” concluded Karlene Debance, Chief Executive Officer for Health Transformation, SCO. “SCO is pleased to see that this training is underway. We wish the students all the success with the program and with their careers in the healthcare field.”

A winter storm is having impacts on road conditions in the city and across the province.

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

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

• Portage Campus is open and classes will continue in-person.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg Campuses are open with classes in-person.
• Interlake Campuses are open but classes will be online.
• Steinbach Campus is open and classes will continue in-person.
• Arborg and Steinbach LTCs are open and no changes to program delivery.

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

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to unsafe road conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is welcoming more than 3,000 prospective students to the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses today for Open Doors, its signature open house event.

“Open Doors is a fantastic opportunity to welcome prospective students on campus and showcase how a polytechnic education can quite literally open doors for their future,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic, RRC Polytech. “The world of work is ever-changing. To meet the evolving workforce needs, RRC Polytech is transforming its learning model and providing the applied knowledge and experiential training that prepares students for the future of work.”

RRC Polytech is hosting 14 program-specific tours at the Notre Dame Campus and four at the Exchange District Campus, giving prospective students an inside glimpse at the College’s learning facilities and equipment. The Open Doors’ Exhibition Hall at the Notre Dame Campus features information booths where attendees can connect one-on-one with staff and instructors to learn more about RRC Polytech programs, campuses and supports.

In addition to full- and part-time programs, RRC Polytech offers flexible learning opportunities through its suite of micro-credentials. Perfect for learners looking to change careers, upskill or reskill, micro-credentials offer a fast-track to in-demand industry training.

With the opening of the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics, developed in direct collaboration with industry partners, RRC Polytech is now offering micro-credentials through this institute, geared at upskilling and reskilling existing workforces in manufacturing technologies and processes. There will be a new tour at the Notre Dame Campus showcasing Price Institute facilities, including the Smart Factory, a hub for Industry 4.0 learning.

“It’s so important to create exposure to RRC Polytech early on, which is why our Recruitment team goes out into the community to meet prospective students where they’re at. Open Doors is the next touchpoint where we’re welcoming students to our campuses to experience firsthand what it would be like to attend RRC Polytech,” says Lyndsay Lambert, Student Recruitment Officer at RRC Polytech. “It’s an opportunity for future students to meet with academic advisors and current students to ask any questions they may have, helping guide their chosen education path.”

Along with campus tours, info booths, and on-site academic advising, attendees have access to funding advising, application support, and can enter for a chance to start their polytechnic education with a $5000 bursary towards their program of choice.  

Open Doors, RRC Polytech’s open house will take place today, Wednesday, February 21, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses. For more information, please visit rrc.ca/opendoors.

A winter storm is having impacts on road conditions and has caused power outages in some areas of the city and province.

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

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

• Portage campus is open and classes will continue in-person.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg campuses are open with classes in-person.
• Winkler campus is open with classes in-person.
• Selkirk campus is closed with classes scheduled via online delivery today.
• Peguis campus is open with classes delivered in-person.
• Steinbach Campus is open with classes in-person.
• Steinbach Language Training Centre classes will be delivered online.

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

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to unsafe road conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

Any updates to campus operations will be shared here.

RRC Polytech flags are lowered this weekend in observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

In 2005, January 27 was designated as the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, acknowledging this day in 1945 when the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was liberated.

Each year, this day is an opportunity to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust and remember its many victims.

On Sunday, January 28, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is hosting an event Do Not Forget Me: Haunting letters from Jewish mothers in Greece to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The event is free to attend and has an option to join in-person at the museum or via Zoom. Read more.

The Canadian Centre on Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), has the recorded webinar Antisemitism: How to recognize and prevent it in the workplace (login required) along with resource guides to further your learning. To access all content, RRC Polytech employees can sign up for a free CCDI membership.

Robel Berhane had only shared his life story with three people before writing about it for a class assignment.

That memoir, “Almost Home,” recounts the story of his childhood as an Eritrean national in Ethiopia before immigrating to Canada, and is one of three student pieces by Creative Communications graduates named finalists for the 2023 Canadian Online Publishing Awards (COPAs). A podcast by the program’s journalism specialization is also up for honours.

Behane’s story, and ones written by Caleb Dueck and Rachel Ferstl, were part of Working Draft – Creative Communications’ annual, student-produced web magazine and final assignment for the program. The trio of grads are vying for top prize respectively in the COPAs’ Best Multicultural Story, Best Feel-Good Story, and Best Feature categories against students from across Canada. Winners will be announced in February 2024 at a celebration in Toronto.  

“It feels great, although it felt a bit like imposter syndrome at first,” said Berhane. “It’s a bit like a journal entry but I am proud of it. I will always look back and reflect on the work we put into this project, and now, to be recognized for this national award reaffirms that it was a good piece.”

Berhane graduated from the Creative Communications program in June 2023. He said writing about his past has given him a chance to think back to his childhood.

“Working Draft has given me a platform to share my story and opened doors for others to tell me their stories as well,” said Berhane. “It also challenged me to dig deep and reflect a lot internally about pushing myself to be vulnerable and share my story, while also thinking carefully about the implications it may have for my family and their safety. My parents still go back home and visit, and this story is public, so I had to think about the cost of privacy.”

He also credits the exercise in creative non-fiction for helping him on the career front as well. Since joining Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW) after graduation, Berhane says his story telling skills and the experiences of his Working Draft project have helped him to reach new emotions, work collaboratively, and receive constructive criticism. The result? Three promotions within six months to his current role at EDW as Corporate Communications Coordinator.  

Working Draft is a yearlong project students embark on at the start of their second year in Creative Communications. Students must choose their story idea based on a common theme, pitch their ideas, and have them approved by a panel. Once their story idea is approved, they begin researching their topics and start interviewing their subjects. Students choose from three styles of writing: feature, creative nonfiction, and white paper. Once the stories are completed, students create multimedia to augment their impact.

Students work closely with Faculty Advisors Emily Cain and Karen Press, along with instructors from various disciplines within Creative Communications on developing and refining their Working Draft stories throughout the year.

“All of our students worked incredibly hard on these stories throughout the year. They were brave for telling their stories, they all had to dig deep for research and put themselves in a vulnerable place,” said Emily Cain, Creative Communications instructor at RRC Polytech.

Both Press and Cain looked at the COPA submission criteria, discussing which stories they thought would do well. They submitted six stories plus the Journalism Specialization podcast into the contest.

Three stories shortlisted for the COPAs is a fantastic national profile for the Creative Communications program and adds to the profile of Working Draft, added Cain. She said her first emotion when she found out was pride for the students.

“I’m proud they are being recognized for their work,” she said.

Press and Cain put a lot of work into guiding the students as they write and edit the magazine. Berhane recognizes their dedication to the students and Working Draft.

“They work with us until it is finished, this project really opens doors for us and gives us a platform,” said Berhane.

“Their guidance and mentorship have been the cornerstone in my development. I thank them for their encouragement, the invaluable lessons they imparted, the platform they provided, and, most importantly, believing in my story, which has been nothing short of transformational,” Berhane said.

The recognition is incredible, and it is an honour being up against incredible writers with amazing stories, added Berhane.

“This nomination is a shared achievement, and while it does not guarantee a win, it is a testament to the collective effort of everyone who has been part of this journey,” said Berhane.

Summaries of the three CreComm student stories and journalism class project nominated for the 2023 COPAs (Academic Category):

1. Robel Berhane:  Best Multicultural Story with “Almost Home”
   After soldiers broke down the gates to Robel Berhane’s childhood home and took his parents away, forcing him to look after his younger brothers, how can he find home again? 
   
2. Caleb Dueck: Best Feel-Good Story with “Making my Peace with Babel”
   Nonverbal Learning Disorder shaped Caleb Dueck’s identity and mental health. His journey to understanding himself began with a doll house.
   
3. Rachel Ferstl: Best Feature Story with “Camp like a Girl”      
   What does it mean to camp like a girl? Rachel Ferstl discovers it means getting outside in spite of sexism and traditional gender norms. She talks to two Manitoban organizations that are getting women into the wilderness and celebrating how being outside helps women tap into their innate power — and have fun while doing it.
   
4. Journalism specialization: Best Podcast (Media Category) with The Basement: A Son’s Quest for Justice
   Journalism students worked on this investigative podcast as a class project under the guidance of instructor, James Turner. They are up against media outlets such as the CBC.

The winners will be announced on February 8, 2024 here.

Learn more about the Creative Communications program here.

The new Peer Support program will provide critical well-being and mental health support for students at the College’s eight Manitoba campuses.

After identifying a gap in student wellness and mental health support on campus, in 2021, RRC Polytech engaged students in the co-design of an innovative Peer Support program, thanks to a Bell Let’s Talk Post-Secondary Fund Kickoff Grant. And today, Bell Let’s Talk has invested an additional $100,000 to get this critical program off the ground, enabling RRC Polytech to expand our student well-being supports.

While RRC Polytech provides a vast selection of well-being programming, including sport and fitness, mental wellness, counselling services and recreation activities, through surveying students and developing the Healthy Minds Healthy College Strategy, the College recognized the growing need to provide peer support to promote student well-being.

Greater awareness about and access to well-being resources and supports across our campuses is a top priority because maintaining good mental health helps students develop stress management skills, build positive relationships, achieve academic success, and can even boost physical health.

“The goal of RRC Polytech’s Healthy Minds Healthy College Strategy is to enhance belonging, connection and well-being, so students can thrive in their educational journeys and lives. Thanks to the Bell Let’s Talk Post-Secondary Fund, we will be launching an innovative Peer Support program for students, co-designed by students. The program aligns with our mental health strategy, which includes reducing stigma and barriers to seeking support as well as promoting a proactive approach to stress reduction and wellness, rather than waiting until crisis hits,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

The Peer Support program is a collaborative effort between the College’s Campus Well-Being area and the RRC Polytech Students’ Association, who thanks to the investment from the Bell, will be able to work with expert partners to develop the necessary program policies, recruit and select suitable students, train peer supporters, and launch, promote, and evaluate the program.

The program will see a diverse group of students trained to provide support for their peers. Peer Supporters will learn best practices to ensure they can provide critical mental health support to their peers, while also practicing good self-care, and receiving support for their own well-being.

Through training a diverse pool of peer supporters, it increases the likelihood that a student in need of support will connect with another student with whom they can relate. Building a trusted, supportive relationship with a peer supporter is key in reducing stigma around discussing mental health and creating greater student awareness of resources available on and off campus.

To ensure the sustainability of the Peer Support program, the RRC Polytech Students’ Association will be providing funding to the amount of $50,000 per year, over the next three years, for a total commitment of $150,000. The funding will go towards all elements of running, evaluating and promoting the program, as well as providing honourariums for Peer Supporters.

“Bell Let’s Talk is proud to support our eight new community partners in Manitoba that are connecting youth and adults living with mental health challenges with the critical support they need, when and where they need it. Bell Let’s Talk continues to support organizations like these across the country and we look forward to kicking off another year of action and real change for mental health with Bell Let’s Talk Day on January 24,” said Mary Deacon, Chair, Bell Let’s Talk.

RRC Polytech is one of the eight organizations receiving funding as part of Bell’s investment in mental health in Manitoba. Bell’s investment in mental health extends to initiatives with Sagkeeng Child and Family Services, Newcomers Employment & Education Development Services (N.E.E.D.S.) Inc., Child and Family all Nations Coordinated Response Network, Candace House, Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, Kidthink Children’s Mental Health Centre and Steinbach Community Outreach. Read Bell’s release, here.

Currently, RRC Polytech, Campus Well-Being and the RRC Polytech Students’ Association are working with expert partners to get the Peer Support program ready for an anticipated launch date in early 2025. For more information about Campus Well-Being at RRC Polytech, visit rrc.ca/well-being.

The College’s Prairie Research Kitchen is now home to an innovative Terrace Pro hydroponic growing system that promotes sustainability and offers solutions to offset rising grocery costs for businesses and individual consumers.      

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – After working together with RRC Polytech to develop the Terrace Pro, an innovative hydroponic growing system, Les Verts Living is extending the partnership by providing a commercial Terrace Pro unit to the College’s Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) – to promote further study of indoor gardening and to supply Culinary Arts students with access to fresh, gourmet produce while they pursue their education.

“RRC Polytech helped us convert our vision of sustainable produce into a reality, and today our soil-free, pesticide-free and stress-free Terrace Pro system empowers anyone anywhere to grow fresh, quality greens for their family, friends and local communities year-round with minimal effort and no prior growing experience,” says Andrew Vickerson, CEO of Les Verts Living.

“We are thrilled to continue this partnership and offer their students and researchers an opportunity to further explore indoor hydroponic gardening by providing Manitoba’s up-and-coming culinary minds with the highest quality produce to create their next showstopping dishes.”

What sets the Terrace Pro apart is its impressive production capacity, exceptional quality produce, ease of use, and significant savings opportunities. The professional-grade equipment and nutrient regimes surpass the freshness and nutritional value of other indoor systems and what is typically found in grocery stores and promises a significant return on investment through reduced food waste and produce expenses.

“Through our technology, facilities and expertise, the College is uniquely positioned to bring these types of project ideas to life for our industry partners while training the workforce of tomorrow,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech.

“This project demonstrates the power of partnership and the value of applied research in propelling our province’s economy forward, and today, we can quite literally see and taste the success of this project while sharing the benefits with our community.” 

The relationship began almost six years ago when locally based entrepreneurs from Les Verts approached RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen to confirm chefs’ interest in the product and then were referred to the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) for help with the electrical and mechanical components of their original design. The TACAM team worked with Les Verts staff to refine the unit’s unique combination of necessary pumps, motors, fans, and lights while addressing tank orientation for optimum watering and drainage. Eventually they even created a control panel/interface to integrate all the systems together. The Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC) was also consulted to analyze any humidity level changes caused by the system.

Now, the easy-to-use product is on the market encouraging even the greenest of gardeners to grow an abundance of the freshest, top-quality living produce available while saving money on their food expenses – and the partnership continues to evolve with PRK’s research team studying further development options through a follow-up project.   

“Rising food costs have increased the demand for locally grown, sustainable produce so offering chefs of all levels the ability to grow their own greens and herbs year-round has enormous appeal,” says Mavis McRae, Director of the Prairie Research Kitchen Technology Access Centre. “We’re excited to test the benefits of the Terrace Pro unit in a restaurant setting and continue studying how we can optimize this technology while working with our partners at Les Verts to develop future products for commercial and home growers.”   

To celebrate this successful collaboration and inspire a more sustainable food future, Les Verts Living and RRC Polytech hosted a media tasting event at Jane’s Restaurant located in the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute. The teams involved joined industry, academic and community leaders for a small sampling of the delicious living lettuce, fragrant herbs and hyper-nutritious microgreens and baby greens produced in the Terrace Pro before touring the PRK, Manitoba’s only Technology Access Centre that blends food science and culinary arts. 

There is a winter storm impacting the province today.  Please be advised that the Perimeter Highway is closed due to poor driving conditions.

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

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

• Portage campus will be open but classes will be delivered online.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg campuses will be open with classes as usual during the day.
• Winkler campus will be open but classes will be delivered online
• Selkirk campus is closed with online delivery today.
• Peguis campus is closed with online delivery today.
• Sagkeeng campus is closed with online delivery.
• Steinbach and Arborg Language Training Centre classes will be cancelled.

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

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to weather conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

Any updates to campus operations will be shared here.

Let’s get digital! rrc.ca/dtti

Last week, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) announced a $3,250,000 Mobilize grant to fund Red River College Polytechnic’s new Digital Technology Transformation Initiative (DTTI). The funding comes as part of a larger investment from NSERC to support applied research projects at colleges across Canada that are designed to address local challenges.

The DTTI will build applied research capacity to support Manitoba as it moves towards digital transformation, while achieving net-zero goals in the leading sectors of advanced manufacturing and climate/clean tech.

“This funding empowers RRC Polytech, through the DTTI, to strengthen our position as a vital resource in Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem, regional socioeconomic system, and provincial economy now and into the future,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech. “The establishment of the DTTI is not only a great benefit to the College and our partners, but it goes a long way in supporting RRC Polytech as we strive to meet our strategic commitments – particularly deepening partnerships to maximize prosperity across industry and community.”

The DTTI aims to rapidly accelerate digitally-focused applied research expertise at RRC Polytech, so the College can continue to address industry’s most critical needs in the areas of advanced digital manufacturing (ADM) and climate/clean tech, while laying the groundwork for deepening collaborations with current and prospective partners in these areas. The DTTI will also provide invaluable experiential learning opportunities for students while facilitating a talent pipeline of diverse innovators to power the workforce of tomorrow.

“The DTTI is designed to alleviate some of the common challenges faced by the advanced manufacturing and climate and clean tech sectors, such as the increased pressure on businesses to engage in digital innovation, adoption, and net-zero strategies,” says Wilson.

“While RRC Polytech has existing and substantial infrastructure and expertise, this funding provides the additional human resource capacity and project funds necessary to establish a broad range of interdisciplinary applied research partnerships in the digital technology transformation space.”

RRC Polytech’s research enterprise, Research Partnerships & Innovation, has been a crucial player in the Canadian applied research scene for 20 years. The Mobilize funding comes on the heels of RRC Polytech’s recent 14^th place ranking in Re$earch Infosource’s annual list of Canada’s top 50 research colleges.

For more information, visit rrc.ca/dtti.