Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility on Campus

We Are Diversity! Celebrating Diversity Month at RRC Polytech

March 30, 2026

April is Celebrate Diversity Month – a time to recognize, appreciate, and deepen our understanding of the differences that make each of us unique.

First established in 2004, Celebrate Diversity Month encourages us to explore and honour the many ways we differ through race, ethnicity, culture, traditions, gender, sexual orientation, language, lived experiences, and more. It also reminds us of what connects us: our shared humanity. By engaging with diverse perspectives and ways of life, we expand our understanding of the world and strengthen our ability to build inclusive communities.

At RRC Polytech, diversity is one of our greatest strengths. The richness of lived experiences, identities, cultures, and talents across our community enhances how we learn, work, and grow together. This diversity is not incidental; it is foundational to who we are. It strengthens our learning environments, supports better decision-making, enriches workplace culture, and helps us better reflect the communities we serve.

Story Spotlight: Sharing Our Heritage

What better way to recognize Celebrate Diversity Month than by sharing an inspiring example from our own community?

On March 11, 2026, the library hallway of the Notre Dame Campus (NDC) came alive with colour, sound, and connection. Laughter echoed through the space as students and staff gathered to experience the student-led Cultural Inclusion Event: Sharing Our Heritage, part of Inclusion Week 2026.

Led by students from the Global Access: English for Academic & Professional Purposes (EAPP) program, with guidance from their instructors, the event invited the Polytech community to:

  • Engage with diverse cultural traditions
  • Interact with students from around the world
  • Participate in fun, hands-on learning experiences

From the moment preparations began, the energy was unmistakable. Students carefully arranged vibrant booths filled with handmade posters, games, and cultural elements. Each display reflected pride, creativity, and inspiration to share a piece of home.

Students represented countries including China, Vietnam, Brazil, Thailand, Colombia, South Korea, India, and Japan, transforming the hallway into a global cultural journey.

Experiencing Culture, One Booth at a Time

Walking through the event felt like traveling the world in a single afternoon. Each booth offered something unique, with personal stories, traditions, and interactive experiences that invited curiosity and connection.

Some highlights included:

  • Palm Reading (China):
    Students explored traditional interpretations of palm lines, including life, health, and love, sparking long lineups and lively conversations.
  • Paper Kite & Flower Making (Vietnam & Brazil):
    Students shared the historical use of kites in parts of Asia, while an impromptu paper flower activity became a crowd favourite.
  • Art, Food & Scenic Showcases (Vietnam, China, Thailand):
    Students presented traditional dishes and destinations, with one student creating live illustrations while explaining their cultural significance.
  • Chinese Calligraphy:
    Participants practiced brush techniques and learned the meaning behind the characters they created – an exercise in patience, focus, and artistic expression.
  • Cultural Games & Activities:
    From Chinese Mahjong, “24 Game”, and Tangram puzzles to Korean Gonggi, Indian Ludo, Japanese Kendo, and Canadian Crokinole, participants experienced how play connects cultures across the globe. Interactive digital games also tested knowledge of cultural, geographic, and linguistic facts.
  • Cultural Traditions & Knowledge Sharing:
    Displays included Chinese zodiac readings, Vietnamese food and traditions, Colombian handicrafts, and insights into traditional Chinese medicine.
People seated at a table participating in a palm reading activity during a campus event.
People making paper kites at a cultural booth.
People crafting colorful paper kites together during a campus activity.
A sign on an easel reading “Vietnamese Culture” with hand‑drawn illustrations.
People standing around a table with snacks and cultural materials during an event.
People gathered at a table displaying red cards and cultural materials during a campus event
People standing around a table with snacks and cultural materials during an event.
Person holding a red fan and a sign that reads “Chinese Culture” in a hallway.
People creating calligraphy on red paper at a long activity table.
Three people posing behind a table displaying red greeting cards and a laptop.
Person seated behind a table displaying kendo protective gear and equipment.
A crowd gathered around a screen and table display at a cultural information booth.
People playing a traditional tabletop game at a booth.
A group standing behind a table with photos and digital displays at a booth.
People engaging in a tabletop game and calligraphy activity at a cultural booth in a campus hallway.
People gathered around a table reviewing cards and learning materials at a campus event.
A person seated behind a table decorated with a Colombian flag and crafts.
People examining herbs and traditional items at a cultural display table.

Why This Matters

This event was more than a showcase. It was a reflection of what inclusion looks like in action.

Every interaction offered something deeper than information. It created moments of connection, curiosity, and mutual respect.

Through student leadership, creativity, and collaboration, the Cultural Inclusion Event demonstrated how diversity can bring people together in meaningful ways. It created space not only to learn about different cultures, but to celebrate them.

A heartfelt thank you to the EAPP students, and the Global Access staff and instructors who made this event possible. Your initiative is a powerful reminder that diversity is not just something we talk about, it’s something we live.

Celebrating Diversity, Every Day!

While events like this are worth celebrating, diversity and inclusion are not limited to a single day or month. They are reflected in the choices we make and the ways we engage with one another every day.

Here are a few ways you can continue the celebration:

  • Stay informed:
    Explore the EDIA Blog to learn about cultural observances, stories, and stay tuned for upcoming events, including Pride Month in June.
  • Share your story:
    Contribute your traditions and celebrations through the Celebrate Everything initiative and help shape future features.
  • Support inclusion efforts (staff):
    If you feel comfortable, consider completing or updating your Employment Equity Self-Identification in HRIS. This helps ensure our community is accurately represented and informs efforts to build a more inclusive workplace.

Celebrate Diversity Month reminds us that our differences are not barriers. They are strengths. And when we take the time to share, listen, and learn from one another, we create a community where everyone belongs.

You might also be interested in:

Passover – April 1 – 9, 2026

World Autism Awareness Day

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

RRC Polytech > Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility on Campus > News and Events > News > We Are Diversity! Celebrating Diversity Month at RRC Polytech

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.

Learn more