RRC Polytech has committed to embed equity, diversity, and inclusion into all work done at the College and is always looking for ways to advance meaningful change.

Moving forward, the College will use the acronym 2SLGTBQIA+ to respectfully acknowledge members of the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and the countless affirmative ways in which people choose to self-identify community.

The College is placing Two Spirit People at the beginning of this evolving acronym, out of respect for their longevity, and their importance and status in Indigenous beliefs and traditions, after consultation and collaboration with our Elders in Residence and Knowledge Keepers Council.

“I’ve always advocated to recognize Two Spirit first because if we are going to talk about truth and reconciliation within Canada and recognize and acknowledge Indigenous people, including Two Spirit people, we should put them at the beginning. I’ve never understood why we are at the end,” says Barbara Bruce, O.M., All My Relations Inc., and RRC Polytech Knowledge Keepers Council.

“Placing the 2S at the beginning of the acronym is recognizing the original peoples of Canada — First Nation, Métis Nation and Inuit Two Spirit people — and it’s acknowledging who those people are. I think everybody should embrace this stance.”

The change comes just in time for Pride celebrations throughout College campuses and the city. On June 5, hundreds of students, staff and family members walked together representing RRC Polytech at the Pride Winnipeg parade.

The Students’ Association held a vigil to honour lost members of the community, and the College partnered with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the LGBT Purge Fund to host a film screening of The Fruit Machine. Pride-themed activities on campus will continue throughout June, including an upcoming virtual speaker series discussion on the history of the movement from a local and post-secondary perspective.

This year’s Pride celebrations began with the raising of the Progress Pride flag at both the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses.

The new flag adds a five-stripe chevron, indicating forward momentum, and includes the light blue and pink colors of the Trans flag, brown and black stripes representing people of colour, and white to represent those who are transitioning, intersex, or identify outside of the gender binary, while honouring the meaning and tradition of the classic rainbow design.

RRC Polytech is committed to making its campuses welcoming, respectful and inclusive spaces where all people can feel safe and confident to be their true selves.