Equity, Diversity and Inclusion on Campus

Anti-Racism Speaker Series

Diversity Speaker Series: Dr. Danièle Behn Smith

January 23, 2023

You’re Invited – Addressing Structural Racism in Canada’s Healthcare System – Featured Expert and Virtual Panel Discussion

Health and healing, both mental and physical can present major challenges for Indigenous people and others in marginalized groups to work, learn and thrive. One of the areas that Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified to address in its 94 Calls to Action is Health. The effects of generations of trauma continue to be passed down in these communities and barriers caused by systemic or structural racism is resulting in a significant gap in health outcomes for Indigenous people across Canada.

Join RRC Polytech’s Anti-Racism Committee for the final presentation of a four-part virtual speaker series featuring champions of equity, diversity, and inclusion accompanied by a moderated panel discussion designed to inspire change.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Danièle Behn Smith. As B.C.’s Deputy Provincial Health Officer – Indigenous Health, she works alongside Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry to provide independent advice and support to the Ministry of Health to advance the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples and truth and reconciliation. 

Dr. Danièle Behn Smith

Dr. Behn Smith is Eh Cho Dene (Big Animal People) of the Fort Nelson First Nation in B.C. with French Canadian/Métis roots in the Red River Valley. As both a physician and health leader, her work recognizes self-determination as the foundation of health and wellness among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, and the importance of Indigenous approaches and healing systems.

She advocates for upholding the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples by illuminating and arresting the ways in which inherited ideologies of white supremacy and racism insidiously show up in everyday public health practices, policies, and approaches.  

Following her 20–25-minute presentation addressing structural racism in Canada’s healthcare system – Titi Tijani, President of African Communities of Manitoba Incorporated will join the discussion to add her perspective, further the conversation, and respond to questions from the audience.


Event Details

Date: Wednesday, February 8, 2023 

Time: Noon – 1pm

Host: RRC Polytech’s Anti-Racism Committee via ZOOM

Moderator: Ginger Arnold, Instructor, Social Innovation and Community Development

Click to Register


We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. If you require any accommodations, please contact kmichie@rrc.ca. For all other questions, please contact diversity@rrc.ca.

If you have technical difficulties when logging on to this Zoom event, please contact kmichie@rrc.ca or text 204-299-8000. 


Full Bios:

TITI TIJANI

As a leader, internationally educated teacher, and activist, with over 25 years of experience in community development, Titi Tijani is a pillar in the African Community. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Ecology from University of Manitoba; and Certificates in Education, Community Leadership, NVCI Trainer and Conflict Resolution.  She has worked with Manitoba Housing, in Tenant Services since 1998 and currently as Director of Support Services.

Titi has volunteered in the African community for over 25 years, supporting the integration of newcomer women and their families.  As the President of African Communities of Manitoba Inc. (ACOMI) since 2017, Titi supports the African ethno cultural community organizations build and develop capacity to support their membership; preserve and promote African culture and heritage and promote cultural understanding in Manitoba. 

Her career in social services, education and her volunteer work with organizations like the Okin International Club of Canada (OICC), African Communities of Manitoba Inc., Manitoba Lung Association, Central Youth Justice Committee, Nigerian Association of Manitoba, the Black Community Collective and the Police Accountability Coalition have allowed her to advocate and support thousands of community members and organizations in their pursuit of building a more diverse, sustainable, and equitable Manitoba. 

It is for these reasons that Titi has been recognized by the Spirit of a Community Builder Award, the Premier’s Volunteer Service Award Certificate of Recognition, one of 100 most fascinating Manitobans in 2020, Manitoba Honour 150, Mayor’s Volunteer Service Award.in 2021 and most recently as a recipient of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Community Leadership Award in 2022.


Dr. Danièle Behn Smith

Effective October 13, 2015, Dr. Danièle Behn Smith has been appointed as the province’s aboriginal health physician advisor.

Dr. Behn Smith works alongside, Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer. Dr. Behn Smith provides independent advice and support to the Ministry of Health on First Nations and Aboriginal health issues. In support of the Ministry’s strategic agenda, Dr. Behn Smith focuses on closing the gap in health outcomes between First Nations and other British Columbians.

Dr. Behn Smith is Eh Cho Dene (Big Animal People) of the Fort Nelson First Nation in B.C. with French Canadian/Métis roots in the Red River Valley. Since getting her Doctor of Medicine from McMaster University and completing residencies at the universities of Ottawa and Manitoba, Dr. Behn Smith’s career has spanned the country and the globe.

She has practiced rural medicine in remote communities across Canada and is currently a family physician at Tse’wulhtun Health Center in the Cowichan Valley. She was a board director for the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, the director of education for the University of Alberta’s Indigenous Health Initiatives Program and the site director of the University of British Columbia’s Aboriginal Family practice residency.

Dr. Behn-Smith was also the host of “Medicine Woman”, a 13-episode television series which explored traditional healing practices in ten countries on six continents.

Diversity Speaker Series: Laurelle Harris

October 19, 2022

Addressing the Combination of Systemic Racism and Ableism – Featured Expert and Virtual Panel Discussion

The first step in removing barriers to access and participation for all people is to identify and address the obstacles they are facing. Systemic racism exists in entrenched practices, beliefs, laws, and policies that produce, condone, and perpetuate widespread unfair treatment and oppression related to race. Ableism, or discriminating against people with learning and living challenges, is a deep-rooted construct that often unintentionally makes it more difficult for individuals with physical and neurological differences to succeed. 

Join RRC Polytech’s Anti-Racism Committee for the third in a four-part virtual speaker series featuring champions of equity, diversity, and inclusion in a post-secondary setting, accompanied by a moderated panel discussion designed to inspire change.

Keynote speaker, Laurelle Harris is the Founder, CEO and Principal Consultant at Equitable Solutions; an experienced litigator with formal training in mediation, arbitration and conflict resolution; an educator; and a caregiver to racialized individuals with disabilities. Ms. Harris will focus her discussion on ways in which systemic racism and ableism in combination can present in workplaces and educational settings and offer advice on how to address it.

An RRC Polytech student and Executive Director will then join the discussion to share their experiences and suggestions and respond to questions from the audience.

Event Details

  • Date: November 4, 2022 
  • Time: Noon – 1pm
  • Host: RRC Polytech’s Anti-Racism Committee via ZOOM

Keynote

Laurelle Harris, Principal Consultant at Equitable Solutions

Laurelle Harris has undertaken graduate studies in Women’s Studies and Black Studies at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio as well as pursuing Women’s Studies at the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba. Ms. Harris earned her law degree in 2001 from the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba and is an experienced litigator with formal training in mediation, arbitration and conflict resolution undertaken locally and at York University in Toronto, Ontario.

She founded Equitable Solutions Consulting in 2020 offering services which help organizations meet their goals to be more equitable and inclusive, including:

  • Organizational assessments and equity action plan development
  • Dedicated organizational support and strategic advice relating to equity, anti-racism, and leadership development
  • People, culture, and wellness support, including workplace investigations, policy and process development, and equitable recruitment support
  • Anti-racism and equity education

Coming from a family of educators, Ms. Harris finds teaching to be a rewarding way to contribute to effecting change in our communities. Ms. Harris teaches and practices using an anti-racist, intersectional feminist analysis to better understand, dismantle, and counter structural oppressions. She has taught Women’s Studies at the undergraduate level and has also taught at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law.

Ms. Harris has served on local and national boards and committees and has volunteered extensively in the area of community health. Within the legal community, Ms. Harris also serves as a director with the Manitoba Law Foundation and as a member of the Legal Aid Manitoba Advisory Committee. She also chairs the Manitoba Bar Association’s Equality Issues Section.

Panel

BJ Canard, RRC Polytech Student, Social Innovation and Community Development program

William Canard is better known to his friends and family as Billy Joe or BJ. He’s currently enrolled in the Social Innovation and Community Development program through the School of Indigenous Education at RRC Polytech. BJ is a 46-year-old Indigenous male who is visually impaired. Before his vision loss he worked as a cook and a chef for nearly 20 years so with his background in hospitality and the new skills he’s developing at the College he’s hoping to get into event planning. BJ enjoys a wide variety of interests from playing guitar and music, to audiobooks and is considering getting into the golf program at Blind Sports Manitoba

Arnold Boldt, RRC Polytech Executive Director, Policy and Projects

Arnold Boldt O.C., M.Ed. has contributed extensively to variety of post-secondary teaching and leadership roles over the past 35 years. Beginning his career as an Instructor at Keewatin Community College (now UCN), he also served as a Chair, Principal and Executive Director of Inter-Universities North’s First-Year Distance Education program at KCC before moving on to create and administer an adult learning centre for the Nisichawayasihk Education Authority (in Nelson House).

He then spent 18 years with Saskatchewan Polytech serving as a Dean (technology), Associate Vice-President (learning & teaching) and Provost & VPA (interim). Since 2016 Arnold has been with RRC Polytechnic serving as Executive Director, Academic, Special Advisor to the VPA and now as ED, Policy & Projects. Arnold’s involvement in elite-level athletics and para-cycling includes participation in six Paralympics and numerous national and world championships. His Paralympic high jump record of 1.96m in 1980 (Arnhem, Netherlands) still stands, as do his world championship mark of 2.04m (Rome 1981) and indoor mark of 2.08m (Herald Tribune Games, Winnipeg, 1981). He has been inducted into four sports halls of fame, including the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. For his life-long contributions to the Paralympic movement and advocacy for disabled people in Canada and other parts of the world, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada by the Governor General in 2012 and received both the Queen’s Golden (2002) and Diamond (2012) Jubilee Medals.

Moderator

Joshua Malam, RRC Polytech Student, Business Administration (Marketing)

Joshua Malam is a Marketing Major in the Business Administration Program at RRC Polytech. He believes strongly in community engagement and advocacy for students. A mature accessibility student, Joshua is familiar with some hoops and hurdles that persons with disabilities must navigate for equal opportunity and success. Both thankful for the opportunities afforded by Student Accessibility Services and the great love for RRC Polytech, Joshua volunteers time back to his college community. He Has sat on the Board of Directors for The Red River College Polytechnic Students’ Association and, in May, fulfilled a term as the interim VP of Academic. A fundamental principle guides Joshua to repair the world; cultural teaching passed down from his mother and the Jewish community. Joshua fights hard to give back to his community and help to break down barriers and help others navigate a path to success.

For any questions, contact diversity@rrc.ca.

Diversity Speaker Series: Jonathan Niemczak

June 9, 2022

You’re Invited – A History of Pride in Winnipeg: The Struggles, The Victories, The Challenges Ahead – Featured Expert and Q&A Discussion

Pride, like the many people the movement represents, comes in endless forms, colours, shapes, sizes, and identities. The 2SLGTBQIA+ community still seeks understanding and acceptance but is more mobilized than ever before to elevate and embolden members and allies, on a mission for meaningful change.    

Join RRC Polytech’s Anti-Racism Committee for the second in a four-part virtual speaker series featuring champions of equity, diversity, and inclusion in a post-secondary setting. Keynote speaker, Jonathan Niemczak is the Chair and CEO of the Canadian Pride Historical Society, Past President of Pride Winnipeg, and a gender, sexuality, and relationship (GSRD) advocate with over fifteen years of community leadership experience.

After a personal introduction by friend, ally, and committee member Vassan Aruljothi, our passionate expert will address Pride in Winnipeg today, by examining the long and often difficult path travelled so far, by advocates and activists like himself. Jonathan will share his experiences in a post-secondary setting, respond to your questions, and lead a discussion about meaningful change. 

See additional resources available at RRC Polytech ›

Event Details

  • Date: June 16, 2022 
  • Time: Noon – 1pm
  • Host: RRC Polytech Anti-Racism Committee via ZOOM
  • Registration Deadline: June 16, 11:30am

Speaker

Jonathan Niemczak, Canadian Pride Historical Society

Moderator

Vassan Aruljothi, WIL Coordinator, Electrical Manufacturing & Mechanical Engineering, School of Skilled Trades and Technologies

Note: If you have a specific accessibility request, please contact kmichie@rrc.ca. For all other questions, please contact diversity@rrc.ca.

If you have technical difficulties when logging on to this Zoom event, please contact kmichie@rrc.ca or text 204-299-8000.

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Anti-Racism Speaker Series: Dr. Leela Viswanathan

April 1, 2022

Sharing Experiences and Strategies for Effectively Addressing Racism in Post-Secondary – Featured Expert and Virtual Panel Discussion

To combat racism, we must address racism in all forms and in all areas of our daily lives. How can you help? It’s simple. Listen, learn and act. 

RRC Polytech’s Anti-Racism Committee presents the first in a four-part speaker series featuring champions of equity, diversity, and inclusion in a post-secondary setting, accompanied by a moderated panel discussion designed to inspire change.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Leela Viswanathan, an award-winning educator and anti-racism advocate, introduces several themes – accountability, practices to address bias, and ways to support the journey of all students to see them flourish.

A panel representing RRC Polytech’s senior leadership team, distinguished alumni, and the student body then join the discussion to share their experiences and suggestions and respond to questions. 

Event Recorded

April 14, 2022

Speaker

Dr. Leela Viswanathan, PhD, RPP, MCIP, Viswali Consulting

Panel

  • Jamie Wilson, Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy and Business Development 
  • Kyra De la Ronde, Student, Social Innovation and Community Development
  • Jackie Wild, President, Manitoba Filipino Business Council – Senior Community Investment Manager, TELUS – RRC Polytech Graduate, Creative Communications 2013                       

Moderator

Ginger Arnold, Instructor, Social Innovation and Community Development 

Read More →

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, 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 ›