RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) hosted a two-day Book Exchange event on March 24 and 25, 2025, at the Round House Auditorium. The event invited students, staff, and community members to donate and exchange books of all types, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds through the shared love of reading. 

From March 3 to March 21, donations poured in. People contributed gently used books across genres and languages, from cookbooks and ESL resources to romance novels and children’s stories. Thanks to these donations, attendees were able to browse a wide selection of literature, create or expand their home libraries, and take part in a meaningful cultural exchange. 

On May 29, 2025, more than 670 students and guests from RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) attended A Night at the Museum at the Manitoba Museum. For many years now, this event has offered newcomer students and their families an engaging evening filled with exploration, learning, and connection. 

Since its launch, the event has grown in popularity, and this year marked the largest turnout yet. Attendees explored exhibits ranging from the prehistoric age to present-day Manitoba, including student favourites like the Earth History Gallery, the bat cave and the iconic Nonsuch ship. 

At RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI), language learning goes beyond grammar and vocabulary. It’s also about understanding the histories and cultures that shape life in Canada. That includes making space for Indigenous perspectives in the classroom. 

In 2023, CNI led a research project supported by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Guided by RRC Polytech’s Knowledge Keepers Council, the project explored how Indigenous histories and perspectives are being taught in settlement language programs across Manitoba, and how those efforts can be strengthened. 

Summer is here! The CNI Student Support Services team hopes you enjoy a safe, relaxing, and fun summer break. To help you to make the most of it, we’ve put together a list of free summer activities in Winnipeg and across Manitoba.

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day
Join in the celebration of Indigenous cultures, music, and traditions on Sunday, June 22 at The Leaf’s Outdoor Gardens in Assiniboine Park.

Visit the full schedule at assiniboinepark.ca

Canada Day at Princess Auto Stadium
Celebrate Canada Day with family-friendly activities from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. and a free concert in the evening from 5:00 to 10:30 p.m. at Princess Auto Stadium, located at the University of Manitoba.

Learn more about the event by visiting the Winnipeg Blue Bombers website.

Cool Off with Free Water Fun

• Spray Pads: Now open and free for everyone.
• Wading Pools: Open on a staggered schedule starting July 1. Free for children 12 and under and their parent(s)/guardian(s).
• Unheated Outdoor Pools: Open June 27 and always free.
• Heated Pools: Swim for free during special times at select indoor and heated outdoor pools.
  
  Find locations and hours on the City of Winnipeg website.

Visit a Provincial Park for Free
Entry to all Manitoba provincial parks is free all summer—no park permit needed! Beaches, walking trails, and playgrounds are open to enjoy. (Camping fees still apply.)

Learn more about Manitoba provincial park beaches.

Learn more about Manitoba provincial park maps and locations.

Ballet in the Park
Enjoy a beautiful outdoor performance by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
July 23–25 | Activities at 6:30 p.m. | Show at 7:30 p.m.
Lyric Theatre, Assiniboine Park
More info: rwb.org/performance/ballet-in-the-park

Assiniboine Park Summer Entertainment Series
Enjoy live music and entertainment outdoors at Assiniboine Park all summer long.

• Thursday and Sunday Evenings: Free concerts at the Lyric Theatre, July 4 to August 29
• Wellness Wednesdays: Free fitness classes in the park every Wednesday, July 3 to August 28
• Movies in the Park: Outdoor movies every Friday evening in August (bring a blanket!)

Visit the full schedule at assiniboinepark.ca

More Free Music Events

• Winnipeg Jazz Festival: June 17–22 (free concerts at Old Market Square)
  Learn more by visting the Jazz Winnipeg wesbite
• Corydon Avenue Concert Series: Fridays and Saturdays, June 20–August 30
  Learn more about the concert series by visiting the Corydon Avenue Biz website
• Lyric Theatre Concerts: Thursdays and Sundays, part of the Summer Entertainment Series

Stay Connected
Want more updates about free events and activities at CNI and in the community? Subscribe to the CNI News.

Have a great summer and enjoy all the city has to offer!

Celebrate Multiculturalism Day in Canada at the Newcomer Welcome Fair!

• Access city services
• Find settlement information
• Try some tasty food
• Participate in fun, family activities
• Enjoy a variety of multicultural performances

Location: Freight House Field, 200 Isabel Street

Date / Time: Saturday, June 14th / 12PM-4PM

Everyone is welcome!

In March 2025, two people from RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) teamed up to lead a workshop aimed at improving intercultural sensitivity in the classroom. ESL instructor Scott Lao and instructional designer Scott Brownlee developed and delivered a pilot training session through the Strategic Transformation and Applied Research (STAR) initiative. With strong faculty participation, the session provided practical tools for navigating cultural differences and enhancing communication with students from around the world.

If you walk or drive around town this Saturday and Sunday, you might notice that there are many items on the curb in front of people’s houses and apartments. That’s because this weekend is a Giveaway Weekend in Winnipeg. It’s a great time to get rid of some household items that you no longer use or to browse the curbs for some gently used finds.

Tips if you are giving away items:

• Place unwanted household items at the curb on your front street.
• Label each item with a FREE sticker or sign.
• Store items out of sight that you do not want to give away.
• Remove leftover items from the curb by dusk on Sunday.
• Do not put out any items that may be infected with bedbugs.

Tips if you are looking for items:

• Take only the items at the curb marked “FREE.”
• Check all items closely to ensure they are safe and in good condition before you put them in your vehicle or bring them into your home.
• Don’t walk or drive on private lawns or gardens.

For more information, please visit the City of Winnipeg website.

Join FortWhyte Alive and Access Credit Union for a day of nature-based presenters, sessions, and workshops designed to help you learn something new about our planet and how you can help protect it.

For more information, visit the FortWhyte Alive website here.

Did you know that the Government of Manitoba just announced that all provincial parks will have FREE entry for the next year! (Please note, that this doesn’t include camping permits.)

Get out and explore Manitoba this spring! Check out some of these great hiking trails in Manitoba Parks:

• Beaudry Park
• Birds Hill-Cedar Bog Trail
• Birds Hill-Chickadee Trail
• Birds Hill-Kingfisher Trail
• Birds Hill-Beach Park Loop
• Spirit Sands