Centre for Newcomer Integration

News

Opening Day Fun: CNI Students Experience Goldeyes Season Opener 

June 19, 2026

On May 19, newcomer students from RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) were invited to Blue Cross Park to take part in the excitement of the Winnipeg Goldeyes’ 2026 season opener. The Goldeyes faced off against the Kane County Cougars, setting the stage for an energetic and memorable evening. 

Students had the opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere of a live professional baseball game, something that was brand new for many attendees. The evening was made even more exciting with a special promotion, as the first 5,000 fans in attendance received free Goldeyes jerseys!  

A CNI student posing with the Goldeyes mascot

The ballpark was filled with excitement as fans cheered on the home team, creating a welcoming and engaging environment for CNI students to connect with the community. For many, the event offered not only a first game, but also a unique introduction to a popular North American pastime and a chance to enjoy the experience with family and friends. 

One student reflected on the experience, saying, “It was a very good experience because I went with my nine-year-old son, who just happened to have joined the school’s baseball team.”   

Events like these play an important role in helping newcomers feel a sense of belonging and connection as they settle into life in Manitoba. By participating in local traditions and community activities, students can build confidence, create lasting memories, and strengthen their understanding of Canadian culture. 

One student shared their enthusiasm, saying, “I would recommend this experience to other newcomers because it is fun, interesting, and a great way to discover Canadian culture and improve our English. “  

RRC Polytech extends its appreciation to the Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball Club for providing such an engaging and inclusive experience. Opportunities like this continue to support CNI students in their journey toward integration and community connection. 

5 CNI students and their instructor Smiling

Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations

June 19, 2026

Indigenous Peoples Day at Assiniboine Park

  • Music, entertainment, and fun in recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day​
    • When: Saturday, June 20​
    • Where: Outdoor Gardens at The Leaf, Assiniboine Park​

Indigenous Peoples Day at The Forks

  • Many Nations, One Heartbeat ᐊᐧᐦᑯᐦᑐᐃᐧᐣ Wáhkóhtowin​
  • Celebrate connection, culture, and community through 11 days of activities, including a community powwow, Indigenous artist performances, children and youth activities, culture-sharing talks, and more​
    • When: From National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) through Canada Day (July 1)​
    • Where: The Forks​

Canada Day Celebrations

June 19, 2026

Celebrate Canada Day on Wednesday, July 1!

Assiniboine Park

  • Family-friendly activities including concerts, dance lessons, fire and tipi teachings
  • When: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Forks

  • Indigenous, newcomer, and multicultural artists bring music, drumming, comedy, dancing, handmade goods, storytelling, and more to this special celebration.
  • When: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM

World Refugee Day Celebration

June 18, 2026

We’re excited to join MANSO for Winnipeg’s World Refugee Day Celebration! 🎉

Red River College Polytechnic and the Centre for Newcomer Integration work with newcomers every day, and June 18 is our chance to celebrate the contributions newcomers make to our community.

📍 Central Park, Winnipeg

📅 Thursday, June 18  |  11 AM – 3 PM  |  FREE

Face painting, button-making, rock painting, multi-sport games, soccer scrimmage, and community booths. Bring your family, your team, your clients — all welcome.

In Manitoba, we’re better together. See you there!

A Night of Discovery: CNI Students Explore the Manitoba Museum 

June 18, 2026

On June 2, 2026, RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) hosted a special evening at the Manitoba Museum, bringing together students, staff, friends and families for a memorable night of learning, exploring and connection. 

Ad adult and two children, posing in front of a museum exhibit.

More than 280 attendees participated in the event, including over 71 regional students along with their friends and family members. The strong turnout highlighted the enthusiasm and engagement of the CNI community, as well as the importance of creating opportunities for newcomers to come together in a welcoming and inclusive environment. 

Throughout the evening, students had the opportunity to explore the museum exhibits and learn about Manitoba’s history, nature and culture in an interactive and engaging setting. For many students, it was a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of life in Manitoba, while sharing the experience with loved ones. One student remarked, “The event was amazing. I discovered new things I had never seen before.” 

Two people standing together

Events like this play an important role in supporting newcomer integration by fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging social connections, and providing meaningful cultural experiences. By participating in community activities, students can build confidence, strengthen their language skills, and create lasting memories. 

RRC Polytech extends its sincere thanks to the Manitoba Museum for hosting this special event, as well as to the staff and volunteers whose efforts made the evening possible. Their support helped create a welcoming and memorable experience for all who attended. When asked about their experience, one student commented, “I liked it all. It is amazing! I had a good experience. I recommend people to come and see.”

A group of volunteers, smiling

RRC Polytech’s CNI remains committed to providing enriching opportunities that support both the personal and educational journeys of students, helping them feel connected and empowered as they build their lives in Canada. 

June is National Indigenous History Month

June 9, 2026

This month, we celebrate and recognize Indigenous History as Canadians. Indigenous Peoples have shaped Canada as it is today and have been part of the land since time immemorial. June is a focal point to celebrate and appreciate the unique histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people throughout the history of this land. The Summer Solstice, which lands around June 21 every year, is a celestial event observed by countless Nations for generations and is designated as Indigenous Peoples Day.

Visit RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Education website to learn about how you can celebrate this important month!

Show your PRIDE with RRC Polytech!

May 27, 2026

Join the 2026 Pride Parade and Rally! On Sunday, June 7, 2026, you are invited to walk alongside peers representing RRC Polytech. All are welcome.

The rally begins at 10a.m. at the Manitoba Legislative Grounds and the Parade will begin shortly after 11a.m.

This year to mark sustainable efforts, staff and students will be wearing the same bright yellow shirts as last year. A limited amount of new t-shirts have been ordered. Please help support our efforts and re-wear your shirt.

Register today to reserve your shirt and let us know you’ll be joining us!

We will not be offering T-Shirt pick-up will be available during June 2-5 at P308 (EDC) or C306 (NDC) as follows:

  • Tuesday June 2 12:00 PM -2:00 PM
  • Wednesday June 3 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
  • Thursday June 4 12:00 PM -2:00 PM
  • Friday June 5 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Pick up will be available as well as on the morning during the rally at the RRC Polytech float. 

More details about the rally and parade will be emailed to registered participants.

Communicative Competence Training for Internationally Educated Health Professionals

May 20, 2026

RRC Polytech has secured a renewed contract with Manitoba Settlement and Support Services to continue delivering job-specific language and communication activities for IEHPs and other healthcare workers in Manitoba. Courses and activities take place in three academic terms (Spring, Fall and Winter) to support participants at different stages of employment, licensure preparation, and professional integration.

Communicative Competence Training for IEHPs will equip participants with the knowledge and experience they need to successfully integrate into healthcare careers in Manitoba, including:

  1. Increased confidence gathering information in health history interviews, providing patient instructions, and supporting patients
  2. Improved ability to communicate updates and collaborate effectively with healthcare teams and colleagues
  3. Consistent application of clear, concise, and coherent communication to ensure information is conveyed accurately and efficiently

Eligible participants include Manitoba residents who are:

  • Temporary Residents with valid work or study permits
  • Refugee Claimants
  • Canadian Citizens who identify as newcomers, including Naturalized Citizens, Canadian born Citizens raised abroad, and foreign born children of Canadian Citizens
  • Spouses/common law partners and dependent children of the above

Permanent Residents will be considered only if seats remain available after Manitoba-eligible clients have been fully prioritized.

Visit the Occupation-Specific Language Learning for Health Professionals page to learn more about the programs available for IEHPs.


Visit a Famous Manitoban Tourist Attraction: Narcisse Snake Dens

May 7, 2026

Are you looking for something fun, exciting, free and somewhat creepy to do this weekend? If so, one of Manitoba’s most famous attractions, the Narcisse Snake Dens, is the place to be!

Every year, tens of thousands of red-sided garter snakes come out of their winter homes to meet ‘that special someone’. Actually, the snakes come to the surface to perform a fascinating mating ritual before going off to nearby marshes for the summer. The snakes only stay at the Narcisse Dens for a few weeks at this time of year, so don’t miss your chance to see them.

Here is a link to a short video about the snakes at Narcisse.

  • When: Now 
    • The dens are open every day. The best time to see a lot of snakes is on a warm, sunny day.
  • Where: Narcisse Snake Dens are located about 130 km North of Winnipeg. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to get there by car.
  • Cost: Free!

For more information, visit the Government of Manitoba’s Narcisse Snake Dens page.

You can find updated information on snake den activity here.

Free Activity: Birding at The Forks

May 4, 2026

Join Bird Friendly Winnipeg and Justin Rasmussen from the University of Manitoba’s Indigenous Birding Club for a guided birding walk at The Forks in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day!

  • Explore the site with expert eyes
  • Learn to identify local and migratory birds
  • Hear tips on preventing window collisions to protect our feathered friends

Where: The Forks (Participants are asked to gather under the canopy)

When: Saturday, May 9th, 9:30 AM

Visit the website to reserve a spot!

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.