RRC Polytech has been named the bronze recipient for Excellence in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Awards of Excellence, held this week in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

In the past year, RRC Polytech proudly implemented a corporate EDI action plan. This helped establish a network of Diversity Champions who encourage EDI engagement on campus. The College’s Academic Success Centre and staff designed multiple training programs, while Anti-Racism and Gender and Sexual Diversity Committees were created and have played an integral role in organizing events to further raise awareness and foster inclusion.

“We are committed to meaningful change by embedding EDI practices into everything we do,” says Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer. “The College fosters a culture where every student, staff and faculty member feels welcomed, respected and valued by prioritizing Truth and Reconciliation and EDI through the commitments of our Strategic Plan. We take great pride in this acknowledgement, knowing that RRC Polytech students and employees will carry invaluable EDI knowledge and skills into their communities and workplaces to further advance change.”

RRC Polytech has made a public pledge to make Manitoba a centre of excellence for Indigenous education, research, languages and culture. To do so requires a journey of learning and unlearning, building partnerships with Indigenous businesses and organizations, and creating pathways for Indigenous learners and instructors.

To guide this significant and transformational work, the College continuously seeks strategic advice from its Elders-in-Residence, Knowledge Keepers Council, Director of Truth and Reconciliation, and new Vice-President of Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development.

The College also introduced a key landmark that will serve as a powerful inspiration to continue the commitment to embedding Truth and Reconciliation in everything it does. Manitou a bi Bii daziigae is a state-of-the-art building with an Anishinaabemowin name that honours the history of Indigenous peoples in Manitoba, represents the work and learning that occurs inside, and celebrates Indigenous tradition and artwork.

To further support the collective journey towards reconciliation, RRC Polytech launched the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation training program for all employees and offered to share it with partners in the community.

Other modular courses, including Anti-Racism: A Journey to Allyship and Respectful College, have been developed as frameworks to support those who may just be starting their EDI journey, and set the tone for more advanced learning.

“Equity, diversity and inclusion connects our teaching, learning, research and work at RRC Polytech,” says Gudmundson. “We will continue to build upon our strong foundation of support and development for staff, students and partners by seeking knowledge and expanding resources that ensure our campuses and communities become more vibrant and diverse, creating lasting change.”

The CICan Awards of Excellence recognize best practices from colleges, institutes, cegeps and polytechnics across the country, as well as individual leadership and achievements in 10 categories. The awards are distributed in partnership with TD Insurance.