This presentation is all about supporting your mental and emotional health with nutrition. Food can play an important role in supporting our brain health, from our focus and cognitive function, to our mental health and mood. Food can also influence our emotions, and vice versa. Join us and learn about what we eat, and how we eat can impact our mental and emotional health.

Watch the recording. Video with ASL-English Interpretation.

REGISTER – In-Person or Virtual – Notre Dame Campus: Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023 – 12:00pm to 1pm, Connected Classroom in EMP, near North Gym.

Hao-Yi is a Registered Dietitian who has been practicing for several years. He has had experience working in acute care, long term care. Currently works out of the Wellness Institute in Primary Care, helping individuals manage and prevent chronic disease. He also provides nutrition coaching for athletic and sport performance. Hao-Yi’s focus is helping individuals achieve their goals using food they enjoy.

In this Kindness to the Earth presentation, Elder Paul Guimond, shares sun wisdom and the impact of the sun on our earth and daily lives. The sun gives life, light and hope, sharing it’s fire with everything around and within us.

The experience is enhanced by the surrounding natural images projected on all four walls at the same time, creating a unique 360º experience in the Immersion Room.

Watch the recording. Includes ASL-English Interpretation.

Register: In-Person or Virtual, Thursday, November 23, 2023, 12 to 1pm, Immersion Room, GM33, Notre Dame Campus

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Paul Guimond is part of the Turtle Clan and his spirit name is Okonace (Little Eagle Bone). He and his wife Kim have three children, 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Paul is a Sundance Bundle Carrier (Chief), Sweat Lodge Bundle Carrier (Water drum) and Dark Room Bundle Carrier. He studied Counselling Skills at the University of Manitoba. In Sagkeeng, Paul sat on Chief & Council for 20 years and served as the School Board Chairman for ten years. He is an active elder with Addictions Foundation of Manitoba and Sagkeeng Child & Family Services, offering healing, spiritual growth and personal development through ceremony, programming and establishing healthy relationships. Paul is also a certified coach in hockey, baseball and lacrosse. Paul joined the Elder-in-Residence Program at Red River College Polytechnic in 2018.

Delve into the world of pollinators, discovering how pollinators came to be, what they are, and what they need to survive. Learn what you can do to help support your native pollinator communities, showing your kindness to the environment and the future of our ecosystems.

Learn how to get engaged in the conversation surrounding pollinator conservation and highlight pollinator importance to your friends and family. Small acts can make a world of a difference to these pillars of Manitoban ecosystems!

Watch the recording. Includes ASL-English Interpretation.

REGISTER – Virtual presentation, Tuesday, November 28, 2023, 12pm to 1pm. NOTE: Link will be emailed separately closer to the event.

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Presenter: Syd Shukla-Bergen BSc, is a Master of Science in Entomology student at the University of Manitoba, studying landscapes effects on pollinator diversity and abundance. For the past several years, she has been working on several pollinator focused projects, all highlighting pollinators roles in the environment, the need for their conservation, and highlighting the alarming decrease in pollinator abundance and diversity in Manitoba. This year she joined Red River College Polytech as an Academic Student Success Coach at the Steinbach Regional Campus.

Sprinkled with humour and filled with insight, Vassan shares ways to spread kindness through our daily interactions with peers, colleagues and strangers we meet along the way. Learn some strategies to create a safe and respectful space for kindness to thrive.

Watch the recording. Includes ASL-English Interpretation.

Register: In-Person or Virtual, Thursday, November 30, 2023, 12 to 1pm, Immersion Room, GM33, Notre Dame Campus

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Vassan Aruljothi: Originating from Malaysia, Vassan has been in Canada for two decades. He started his journey with RRC Polytech at the Winkler campus as an instructor back in 2017.

In 2018, Vassan moved to Winnipeg to assume the position of an Event Coordinator under the College and Public Relations department.

In 2021, Vassan had the privilege to continue his dedication to RRC Polytech with the School of Trades & Technologies as a Program Liaison for a welding program. And finally, in 2022, he moved to his current role as the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Coordinator for the Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) program. Since, August 2023, Vassan has accepted a position at the Organizational Development Department as a Consultant.

During all these, Vassan has worked with almost every department on campus, building lasting relationships with each of them.

Representing a group of people and advocating for them has always been Vassan’s passion. He has been a part of multiple Boards of Governance in the past, such as President of the UW Alumni Association, Chair of the Corn and Apple Festival Committee in Morden, Forks Festival Director for Pride Winnipeg, and Secretary for the Tamil Cultural Society of Manitoba, to name a few.

Personally, Vassan is a proud downtown Winnipeg resident, who loves cooking Malaysian food, and hanging out with his wife and two cats.

Learn about the foundational movements of Breaking, and their connection to Hip Hop culture with instructor, Mooki. Classes will be focused around learning steps, and terminology which will provide students a knowledge base to take the dance into their own hands.

“That was the BEST. So much fun and such a nice change for something to do during lunch! I have zero experience, but I must say, it was SUCH an inviting environment and not intimidating at all. I can’t wait to attend the next one.” Erica Blatz

Breaking is an extremely powerful exercise tool, and a course like this will benefit participants who are looking to find a fun, new way to stay in shape. These activities will have no particular physical requirements and are in one way or another accessible for all.

REGISTER – Nov 1, 8, 22 and 29, Notre Dame Campus: Wednesdays, 12:10pm to 12:50pm, in the South Gym. All experience levels welcome.

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NOTE: The November 8 class changed to a special event in The Cave from 12 to 1pm for Thrive Week.

T’ai Chi involves the use of daily gentle exercise to improve health with a focus on breathwork. Sifu Josh Schafer teaches this longevity practice that is easy to access and yet profound enough for a lifelong engagement. The universal martial arts movements serve as a focus for the development of mind, body, and spirit (Chi).

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus: Mondays, 12:10pm to 12:55pm, in the South Gym. All experience levels welcome.

NOTE: Monday, November 6 class has changed to a special event in The CAVE from 12 to 1pm for Thrive Week.

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For a virtual Tai Chi option and other online movement classes or wellness workshops, visit MindWell. All programs are free for RRC Polytech staff, students and faculty. Create or sign in to your account to get started.

Holly Pluchinski guides in-person yoga participants in a room surrounded by soothing sounds and panoramas. Stretch and relax! Suitable for all levels and mats are provided.

Wednesdays till December 6, 2023, 12:10pm to 12:50pm, Notre Dame Campus, GM33, near North Gym.

REGISTER: In-person OR Virtual option available, all registrants will have access to the recording as well for one week after the class.

NOTE: Link will be emailed to participants after registration. No food is allowed in the room. Click here for more information about the Immersion Room.

From the comfort of your home or office, Holly leads a 30-minute yoga class allowing participants to stretch, breathe and feel good. Suitable for all levels. 

REGISTER – Fridays, 12:15 to 12:45pm, link will be emailed to registrants separately.

These fun and high energy sessions utilize bodyweight exercises, kettlebells, dumbbells, medicine balls, bands and more for a compete total-body workout.

• Improve your mood, health and fitness in this action-packed class that will have you building muscle and fully energized for the rest of your day!

• All fitness levels are welcome & exercise progressions and modifications will be provided throughout each workout to accommodate everyone.

• With Coach MG

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus, North Gym: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:10 – 12:50pm

Build strength, flexibility, and training knowledge in this self-paced class that focuses on movement quality over quantity.

• Incorporate a combination of strength exercises with mobility and flexibility drills to counteract our repetitive daily activities.

• Improve your physical performance and reduce the likelihood of injuries and chronic pain.

• All fitness levels are welcome & exercise progressions and modifications will be provided throughout each workout to accommodate everyone.

• With Coach Justin Ross

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus, North Gym: Mondays and Wednesdays 12:10 – 12:50pm

Borrow one of Campus Well-Being’s bikes to go for lunch, run an errand or cruise around the area. Our four new bikes include Moose and Bear (large), Eagle (medium) and Goose (small).  Come to the NDC North Gym customer service desk during regular gym hours, fill out a waiver and pick your bike – daytime borrowing only by students and staff.

Learn more about the Bike Share program here.

Bring yourself, your friends or family for an “all welcome” board game night.

DROP-IN – Notre Dame Campus: Thursday, Nov 16, 4pm to 7pm, in The Cave, DM30.

DROP-IN – Exchange District Campus: Tuesday, Nov 21, 4pm to 7pm, in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons.

Games include: Anomia, Battleship, Boggle, Can you Name 5, Catan Family Edition, Chess and Checkers, Cranium, Taboo, Cribbage and Crib Wars, Dominoes, Forbidden Island, Hedbanz, Jenga, Last Word, Monopoly (board game) and Monoply Deal (cards), Othello, Pictionary, Pictureka, Scrabble, Sequence, Taboo, Telestrations, Trivial Pursuit, Uno, Yahtzee, and You Don’t Say.

Contact Kristi if you’d like to reserve a specific game for your group of friends, classmates or staff team.

“Art is a powerful form of medicine – with the power to heal, to find insight, stillness and growth, to de-stress and feel in balance. Making art is a safe space to be wild and free.” Kisa MacIsaac 

Join Campus Well-Being, the Students’ Association and instructor Kisa MacIsaac, for an evening of painting and creative discovery. Participants follow a step-by-step process to create a unique painted canvas.

There is no cost for this event. All students and staff are welcome to register. 

REGISTER – Virtual: Wednesday, Nov 1, 2023, 6pm to 8pm. Link will be emailed to registrants closer to the event. 

Thrive Week is a time to focus on the importance of balance and self-care in developing positive mental health that supports success in learning and working.

We invite you to take a moment to do something that gets you active, creative, connected or relaxed – whatever it is you need for balance. All events are free and open to students and staff.

VISIT our Thrive Week post with all the details! Attend events and be entered for door prizes!

Is the drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet keeping you awake at night?  Is your toilet past its prime and starting to leak or run for no reason?

If so, this next installment of the Renters and Homeowners Maintenance Series on Beginner Plumbing may be just what you need to get a good night’s sleep and save money on your water bill!

Water is our most precious resource and a leaky tap or toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water in a short period of time.  In this “taps and toilets basics” class, participants will learn the basic parts of both faucets and toilets and troubleshoot and repair common issues with both of these.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, in room J2-05, watch for some signs to help find the room.

From the comfort of your own kitchen, Abby Legaspi leads at-home chefs through the step-by-step recipe for Easy Haleem Inspired Stew. Cozy up with good food and lots of fun!

NOTE: The first 15 RRC Polytech students may request an ingredient kit to pick up from NDC or EDC. You will receive email confirmation. Student supply kits are limited, so register early.

Thursday, November 23, 2023: 6pm to 8pm – Virtual – REGISTER
**LINK and Recipe: Will be emailed separately to registrants closer to the event.

Learn how to make a dreamcatcher with Holly Scherban from The School of Indigenous Education. All materials supplied, limited spots.

The teaching: When making your dreamcatcher, you are to be in good spirits and good thoughts. Dreamcatchers catch our bad dreams within its web, then when placed near a window, release them, never to be present in our lives again.

This way our Dreamcatchers carry good energy into our room and into our lives.

NOTE: The class will start with a smudge to remove any negative energies that may present (optional).

REGISTER – Thursday, November 30, 2023, 4:30pm to 7:30pm, Indigenous Centre, F209, Notre Dame Campus.

Tired of trying to find a home handyman or professional contractor who will come and complete small repair jobs in and around your home? Join the Carpentry staff in this short two-hour workshop where you will gain valuable insight into repairing damaged drywall ready for paint, changing a lockset or installing a deadbolt on your doors, and learn some strategies for making your home more secure against theft. Questions about anything home renovation related are welcome.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus: Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, in room T1-25 (the Carpentry Shop), watch for some signs to help find the room.

Thursdays 12:00 – 1:00pm (North Gym)

 

Mondays 4:00 – 5:30pm (North Gym)

 

Fridays 4:00 – 5:30 (North Gym) 

 

On hold. No sessions scheduled for November.

 

Wednesdays 4:00 – 5:30pm (North Gym)

Fridays 12:00 – 1:00pm (North Gym)

 

Join us in welcoming local musician, writer and speaker, Don Amero for Thrive Week’s keynote presentation in-person and live-streamed. Light refreshments provided and Don Amero Swag Bag door prize.

Don Amero – Up Close and Personal – Be inspired and read this article to learn more about Don!

REGISTER – In-Person or Virtually – Thursday, November 9, 2023, 12pm to 1pm, in the Roundhouse Auditorium, Exchange District Campus, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae.

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Throughout the last decade, singer-songwriter, performer and 3x JUNO Award nominee Don Amero has made it his mission to tell engaging and unique stories, tapping into his rare ability to effortlessly and genuinely connect with his audience.

2022 marked a momentous year Amero; he earned a 2022 CCMA Award nomination for ‘Ford F-150 Album of the Year’ for his previously released EP ‘Nothing Is Meaningless’ – which includes his hit single ‘You Can’t Always Be 21’, and later went on to join Tim & The Glory Boys as direct support on their cross-Canada ‘Home-Town Hoedown’ tour. Amero recently shared new music including singles ‘Ain’t Too Late’, ‘Go Girl’ and ‘Wheels Off’, all included on his recently released EP ‘Six’.

His ‘Through The Fire’ podcast has been met with much enthusiasm, featuring engaging conversations with Canadian public figures focusing on the journey one takes to overcome adversity, and he recently added author to his growing resume after sharing the news of his first children’s book “These Roots Of Love”.

Amero, who is of Cree and Métis heritage, has taken the skills he utilizes on stage and applied them to his advocacy work within Indigenous communities and beyond, including his participation as a youth mentor for the Winnipeg Jets and True North Youth Foundation’s ‘Project 11’.

An avid public speaker, Amero created the ‘Music Is Medicine’ workshop, presenting the impact and power music has mentally and physically, and has connected with the TOBA Centre, which helps children and youth seek justice. Amero also serves as the first ever advisor and Chair of the CCMA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee.

Sharing the ways you thrive can help others thrive! Pop by in-person to the NDC and EDC libraries to add your answer to our Wellness Wall. Throughout the week, the Wellness Wall will become filled with messages that everyone can see and be uplifted from.

We’ve created an online option for those who aren’t available to post a message in person. Your note will be posted anonymously on your behalf. Stay tuned to the Library webpage for updates and photos as it grows.

Take a break from reading, PowerPoints, and hybrid classes with puzzles and colouring pages provided for your relaxation. Create an inspirational bookmark with the provided supplies.

Drop-in to the Notre Dame Campus and Exchange District Campus libraries anytime.

Check out a book or ebook from the Healthy Minds, Healthy College collection (see display at NDC library).

Including:

• Aki-Wayn-zih : A Person As Worthy As the Earth
• Psychology of physical activity : determinants, well-being and interventions
• The medicine path : a return to the healing ways of our indigenous ancestors
• The gifts of imperfection let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are
• Healing through the dark emotions : the wisdom of grief, fear and despair
• Peace is every step : the path of mindfulness in everyday life
• College students’ sense of belonging : a key to educational success for all students
• 8 keys to safe trauma recovery : take-charge strategies to empower your healing

Intramural sports provide students and staff an opportunity to participate in a variety of recreational sport activities in a safe and supportive environment.

Choose from our intramural sport of the day or come in anytime between 6:30am and 6:00pm to play a sport of your choice.

All students and staff are welcome to join. Get active and make some new friends at the same time!

REGISTER HERE: All sport activities take place at the Notre Dame Campus

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Fitness Classes: We have some talented instructors and a great variety of programs to help get you moving toward your fitness goals or take your routine to the next level. Our coaches will provide exercise progressions & modifications to accommodate all fitness levels.

All classes are at the Notre Dame Campus unless otherwise noted. Some fitness & yoga classes are offered virtually and at the Exchange District Campus. 

Class Schedule (September 25 – December 1, 2023)

Animal and human interactions can offer many positive health benefits. For example, animals can help decrease our cortisol levels (a stress hormone), lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of loneliness, and help boost our mood. They are also fun to have around and offer us to chance to form unique and intimate bonds.

Session Details:
NDC – Monday, November 6, 2023: 11:30am – 1pm, Campus Store hallway, In-person, Drop-in

EDC – Monday, November 6, 2023: 11:30am – 1pm, Agora in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, In-person, Drop-in

Join Sifu Josh Schafer as he showcases time-tested health and longevity practices for Yang Style T’ai Chi as well as Northern Praying Mantis Fist. These are principles taught during Campus Well-Being’s T’ai Chi and Self-Defense classes.

T’ai Chi involves the use of daily gentle exercise to improve health with a focus on breathwork. The universal martial arts movements serve as a focus for the development of mind, body, and spirit (Chi). Self-defense training provides tools and concepts to improve defensive responses to a variety of situations. A particular focus is placed upon learning to counter knife and stick attacks.

Drop-By – Notre Dame Campus: Monday, November 6, 2023, 12:00pm to 1pm, in the The CAVE.

Take a virtual trip from the Earth to the edge of the known Universe by the Planetarium. Viewers will tour the solar system, explore the Milky Way Galaxy, and see how even our galaxy is only one of billions in the cosmos.

REGISTER – Tuesday, November 7, 2023, 12 to 1pm, Virtual

NOTE: Link will be sent separately to registrants closer to the event via email.

Drop by – take a break in The Cave student lounge to play some giant games, eat your lunch with some popcorn and drinks provided. (Note: This activity changed from a movie to games.)

Notre Dame Campus, Tuesday, November 7, 2023, 11am to 1pm, The Cave, DM30

This workshop explores the wonderful flavors and health benefits of spice-laden Indian cuisine.

Dr. Nandita Selvanathan, an avid cook and scientist with a specialty in biological sciences, will teach participants about the preparation techniques used in Indian cuisine and the benefits of incorporating traditional spices.

During Thrive Week – REGISTER – Exchange District Campus: Tuesday, Nov 7, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, P107, The Roblin Centre, Exchange District Campus

After Thrive Week – REGISTER – In-Person or Virtual – Notre Dame Campus: Tuesday, Nov 28, 2023 – 4:30 to 6:30pm, Connected Classroom in EMP, near the North Gym.

We’ll be hosting the first ever Red River Breakers Crew Cypher! 

A “Cypher”  is an event that orients the crowd in a circle as breakers go into the circle and deliver their best moves! This years Cypher will include students and staff from RRC Polytech, however we will also be featuring members from our local breaking community such as, The Gago Brothers, Mooki, of Challenger Deep, BreakMB, and many more!

Prepare to experience dance like you’ve never seen it before!

Drop-by – Notre Dame Campus: Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 12pm to 1pm, The CAVE, DM30.

Holly Pluchinski guides in-person yoga participants in a room surrounded by soothing sounds and panoramas. Stretch and relax! Suitable for all levels and mats are provided.

Wednesdays till December 6, 2023, 12:10pm to 12:50pm, Notre Dame Campus, GM33, near North Gym.

REGISTER: In-person OR Virtual option available, all registrants will have access to the recording as well for one week after the class.

NOTE: Link will be emailed to participants after registration. No food is allowed in the room. Click here for more information about the Immersion Room.

Are you looking for new ways to engage your body? Join Indigenous Yoga instructor Dawn Chartrand as she leads a meaningful full body yoga flow with pranayama (breath work). The class targets all fitness levels and is very beginner friendly. Dawn utilizes an assortment of calming music mostly by Indigenous artists. The Immersion Room adds panoramic, relaxing scenes to enhance your experience.

REGISTER – In-Person or Virtual, Notre Dame Campus: Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 4:30pm to 6:00pm, The Immersion Room, GM33 near the North Gym.

Dawn Chartrand: After 10 years of practicing yoga and driven by the low representation of Indigenous people in mainstream yoga classes, Dawn studied to become a yoga instructor and completed her training in May 2022. She has now launched her own yoga business, “OM-Digenous Yoga & Wellness”, and teaches several yoga classes per week with special focus on drawing Indigenous participants. Dawn’s intention is to create a safe and accessible environment where Indigenous people can feel welcome to participate, learn, and benefit from regular yoga practice.

Join Campus Well-Being and the Student Association for an evening of creativity and connection by painting on rocks. All materials supplied.

REGISTER – Exchange District Campus: Thursday, November 2, 2023, 4:30 to 6:30pm in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons. (Just before the official Thrive Week events).

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus: Thursday, November 9, 2023, 4:30pm to 6:30pm in The CAVE, DM30.

Mini-golf, a classic Canadian pastime, is now happening in the Library! Even if you haven’t played golf before, you’ll have loads of fun.

Drop-in: Come as a group or on your own and finish the week off on a high note!

Notre Dame Campus Library: Friday, November 10 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.

From the comfort of your home or office, Holly leads a 30-minute yoga class allowing participants to stretch, breathe and feel good. Suitable for all levels. 

REGISTER – Fridays, 12:15 to 12:45pm, link will be emailed to registrants separately.

Spend some time in nature – join fellow students and staff for a guided walk through the Chickadee Trail at Birds Hill Park. We will spend some time bird watching and walking through the trails.

Session Details:
Saturday, Nov 11, 2023: Chartered Bus (Limited Seating) OR Meet at Chickadee Trail.

Roundtrip Chartered Bus – 9:45am to 1pm
*BUSES ARE FULL – thank you for registering. Registration is CLOSED

Round trip transportation to Birds Hill Park is provided free of charge.

Meet at the Notre Dame Campus bus loop at 9:45am where we will be transported together by chartered bus. You may also register family members to attend (space permitting).

The bus will also stop at the Exchange District Campus after NDC. Please be ready outside the Manitou a bi Bii daziigae front doors for pick up around 10 am.

We will drop off in reverse order, EDC then NDC and should return to the NDC bus loop by 1pm.

OR

Meet at Chickadee Trailhead at 10:40am in Birds Hill Provincial Park.

Dress appropriately for the weather. The walk will be cancelled in the event of heavy winds, rain or hail.