Image via United Nations

Today, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21 – the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.

Since then, some racist systems have been dismantled but, in many regions, too many individuals, communities, and societies suffer from the injustice and stigma that racism brings. We can use this day to reflect on the fact that Indigenous peoples and racialized communities continue to experience racism and discrimination in Canada every day. We can re-commit to take action against racial discrimination in all forms to ensure a world where everyone has equitable access to all aspects of society.

Learn more about the United Nation’s theme for 2024: “A Decade of Recognition, Justice, and Development: Implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent”.

Film Screening: The Skin We’re In

Today, the Social Justice Engagement Club is an initiative put on by the Anti-Racism Action Committee to create a space for students, faculty and staff to foster a learning community that advances Truth and Reconciliation, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

In recognition of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, join the Social Justice Engagement Club for a film screening and guided conversation for faculty, staff and students. We’ll provide snacks and you could win a book.

We will be screening the CBC documentary, “The Skin We’re In.”

Day: Today, Thursday, March 21, 2024

Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00pm

Locations:

• Notre Dame Campus: Active Learning Classroom (Library, CM27)
• Exchange District Campus: Roundhouse Auditorium

Read more about the event and register on the diversity blog.

Register now.

Anti-Racism Training:

As a College community we have a responsibility to commit to standing up, speaking out, and pushing back against racism in all its forms.

We know diversity is one of our greatest strengths and the College is home to thousands of employees and students from all different backgrounds. Every one of us brings a unique perspective, experience, and connection to our workplace and classrooms.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to complete your Anti-Racism Training for Employees, please make time to complete this training and learn more about privilege, unconscious bias and decision-making, the difference between anti-racism and systemic racism, why microagressions are called “death by a thousand cuts” and why silence makes things worse. Through Anti-Racism: A Journey to Allyship training, you will leave with concrete actions you can take towards racial equity and tackling discrimination that make a difference.

Complete your training here.

^{PHOTO:UN/ Martine Perret}

Red River College Polytechnic strives to make campus a safe and inclusive space for all. Stand with us against fear, prejudice and hatred of Muslims, and all forms of racism, religious discrimination, and harassment.

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has recognized March 15 as an International Day to Combat Islamophobia. The UN defines Islamophobia as “a fear, prejudice and hatred of Muslims that leads to provocation, hostility, and intolerance by means of threatening, harassment, abuse, incitement and intimidation of Muslims and non-Muslims, both in the online and offline world. Motivated by institutional, ideological, political, and religious hostility that transcends into structural and cultural racism, it targets the symbols and markers of being a Muslim.” This designation by the UN is a response to the increasing incidents of Islamophobia. According to the National Council of Canadian Muslims, in the last year there has been 1300% increase in cases of Islamophobia as a result of the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

The significance of March 15 lies in its marking of the anniversary of the Christchurch Mosque shootings, a tragic event where 51 individuals who identify as Muslims, were killed.

Reflecting on a similar tragedy closer to home, on January 29, 2017, six lives were tragically lost, and 19 others were severely injured in an attack at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec in Sainte-Foy. To commemorate the victims of this attack—one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history—January 29 has been proclaimed as National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque attack and Action against Islamophobia.

With over 2 billion followers, Islam is the world’s second-largest religion accounting for 24.9% of the global population.

Resources:

• Allyship means taking concrete actions against individual and systemic discrimination. Ally is a verb, not an identity. There are many ways you can be an ally to Muslims.
• 25 Interesting Facts About Muslims: A fact sheet from the Islamic Heritage Month Resource Guidebook (Toronto District School Board)
• Islamophobia at Work: Challenges and Opportunities: A report on the trade union perspectives on Islamophobia (Canadian Labour Congress)
• Islamophobia is… more than hate crimes: A short video created by Islamophobia-Is.com (YouTube)
• Vancouver Public Library: Reading List

For Educators:

• Guidelines for Educators on Countering Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims
• Accommodating Muslim Students During Ramadan: Yes, I’m Hot In This: A free poster to help educators create safe and inclusive spaces for Muslim students during the month of Ramadan
• Know Your Rights Guide for Muslim Postsecondary Students: A guide for Canadian post-secondary students about discrimination and harassment (National Council of Canadian Muslims)
• D.A.R.E.: The Digital Anti-Racism Education (DARE) Project is the Canadian Council of Muslim Women’s national program to raise awareness of online hate and Islamophobia (Canadian Council of Muslim Women)
• National Film Board of Canada: The Faith Project: The Faith Project is an interactive tablet documentary featuring short films about prayer in the modern world. (National Film Board of Canada)

In recognition of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, join the Social Justice Engagement Club for a film screening and guided conversation for faculty, staff and students.

We will be screening the CBC documentary, “The Skin We’re In”.

The Skin We’re In marks a distinctly Canadian contribution to the “Black Lives Matter” movement which originated in the US, but which describes a set of systemic injustices and disadvantages faced by all black people living in white-dominated societies. Cole asserts that anti-black racism is so all-encompassing in Canada that black people and their allies, far from congratulating themselves that they do not live in America, should be following the American example and dismantling the structures that continue to hold them back.

The Skin We’re In invites viewers into the mind of an emerging intellectual and firebrand. Boasting intimate access to one of Canada’s most intriguing voices, it profiles Desmond Cole as his most exciting chapter unfolds.

This is his journey from journalist to activist, unfolding in real time. We follow Cole as he travels across Canada in pursuit of stories, examples, and knowledge about black identities and experiences.

The Social Justice Engagement Club is an initiative put on by the Anti-Racism Action Committee to create a space for students, faculty and staff to foster a learning community that advances Truth & Reconciliation, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Event Details:
Day: Thursday, March 21, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00pm
Locations:

• Notre Dame Campus: Active Learning Classroom (Library, CM27)
• Exchange District Campus: Roundhouse Auditorium

Registration: Click on this link and submit the form to register for the event.

The Anti-Racism Action Committee is excited to launch the third iteration of the Truth and Reconciliation Community of Practice (TRCP) this Winter.  

The TRCP is an RRC Polytech learning community that creates opportunities for staff and faculty to extend and apply their learning, and to take action to advance Truth and Reconciliation and anti-racism. Joanna White, Indigenous Education Developer on the Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development team, will be facilitating this series.

Participation in the TRCP will involve a commitment of 10-12 hours throughout Winter 2024. This includes both group discussion, facilitated in circle, and small group or partner discussions, around guided questions that relate to both Truth and Reconciliation and anti-racism. These discussions will guide participants on a journey through the Medicine Wheel and will provide experiential learning around Indigenous teachings. Participation in the TRCP will culminate in a group feast, to celebrate the truth learned and actions taken over the course of the term, as well as to plan next steps.

Outcomes: 

Outcomes of participation in the TRCP include:  

• Demonstrating a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, and the pursuit of EDI.  
• Experiencing and understanding Indigenous teachings, such as circle teaching and the Medicine Wheel.  
• Identifying meaningful opportunities for individual action and engagement relating to reconciliation, and the enhancement of inclusion at RRC Polytech.

Key Dates:  

Participation in the TRCP involves the following dates: 

• Truth and Reconciliation Community of Practice Circle: March 6, 2:00 – 4:00 (F205, NDC) 
• Truth and Reconciliation Community of Practice Circle: March 20, 2:00 – 4:00 (F205, NDC) 
• Truth and Reconciliation Community of Practice Circle: April 10, 2:00 – 4:00 (F205, NDC) 
• Truth and Reconciliation Community of Practice Group Wrap up & Feast: April 24, 2:00 – 4:00 (F205, NDC) 
• 4 x 1 hour meetings with small group/learning partner for discussion and reflection (self-directed, in-person or remote) 

Learn more and apply now: 

If you have any questions about the Truth and Reconciliation Community of Practice, please let us know.

Currently, the TRCP is only open to college staff and faculty.

Apply to this iteration of this program here.

February is Black History Month, an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities, who have been a part of shaping Canada’s heritage and identity. The theme for Black History Month 2024 is Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build. You can learn more about Black history in Canada on the Government of Canada website.

Black History Month at RRC Polytech

RRC Polytech is committed to pursuing equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. During Black History Month the College community is encouraged to heighten their awareness of the Black Canadians in our lives who impact us daily – celebrate their successes and contributions and spend time learning about the many ways cultural diversity enriches our lives.       

Library & Academic Services has created the Anti-Black Racism Learning Toolkit to help everyone better understand racism and how to take action against it. An additional list of resources will be shared below.

New members of the College’s Anti-Racism Action Committee are always welcome to join a working group of motivated staff and students dedicated to making a difference across our campuses. If you are interested in attending a meeting, please reach out to Co-Chair Rebecca Molly Hiebert.   

RRC Polytech is sponsoring a community event entitled Supporting the Winnipeg Black Collective: Action Vision & Change on February 16^th at Fort Richmond Collegiate. All members of the College community are invited to show their support by attending the dinner and symposium featuring a keynote address by Canada’s award-winning Black Justice Strategy Co-author, Zilla Jones, BMA, JD.

The evening’s festivities will celebrate Afro-Caribbean Black Canadian communities’ by paying homage to its rich history and celebrating Afro-Caribbean Black (ACB) people’s great accomplishments in our present times. The evening’s social gathering will encourage audience members to dance, sing and contribute to a thought-provoking panel discussion on the Black experiences in Winnipeg, empowering ACB community members, and supporting local Black Businesses and Initiatives.

The third annual event is organized by the Afro-Caribbean Mentorship Program (ACMP) and the University of Manitoba Black Alliance (UMBA). RSVP is required as space is limited.

Click for more details and to register

As part of the event sponsorship, one RRC Polytech student of African/Black descent (including international students) will be awarded a Book Bursary of $400, providing they submit their application before the deadline of February 10^th.  Please encourage any students or classmates who might qualify to fill out the brief online form to apply.   

Click to apply

Black staff, alumni and students have previously shared some personal stories to help others better understand the significance of Black History Month and we recommend you revisit them through the following links:      

Sharing Stories – Tanya Hansen Pratt

Sharing Stories – Gbolahan Olutayo Oduntan

Sharing Stories – Phyllis Reid-Jarvis

Stay tuned to the Diversity blog and RRC Polytech’s social media channels for additional events and stories throughout February, as the celebration of Black History Month continues.

Staff are also encouraged to complete the Anti-Racism training on LEARN this month, if you haven’t already. The course speaks to unconscious bias, microaggressions, systemic racism, and privilege and purposefully challenges our staff to act when confronted with racism or discrimination, to create safe learning and working environments for all.

As we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians, we also recognize the importance of equity and inclusion beyond the month of February. At RRC Polytech, we are committed to pursuing equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do, year-round.

Additional Resources:

• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) Resources has created a commemoration guide for Black History Month that RRC Polytech employees can use to celebrate and recognize the diverse experiences of Black Canadians: Commemoration Guide (PDF).
• CCDI is also hosting a free, live webinar for its employee partners on February 9, Celebrating Black History Through Story (Staff only; login required)
• CCDI past recording (no login required) Addressing Anti-Black Racism in the Workplace
• CCDI past recording (no login required) History of race and racism in Canada
• CCDI Educational resources on racism and anti-Black racism
• Winnipeg Public Library: Black History Month
• Black History Manitoba: Events Calendar
• CBC’s Black on the Prairies and Being Black in Canada
• National Film Board of Canada: Black Communities in Canada
• Government of Canada: Noteworthy Historical Figures  
• CBC’s “The Secret Life of Canada” podcast: Crash Course on Black Nurses
• Black Chamber of Commerce
• Canadian Human Rights Museum: Black History and Human Rights (Sundays are free)
• Beyond anti-racism, anti-discrimination statements and charters (Scarborough Charter discussions) | Feb. 8 at 3:30 – 6:00pm
• The Mental Health Effects of Anti-Black Racism (Panel discussion on Feb. 6 at 6:00 – 8:30pm)

If you have any questions, please contact us at diversity@rrc.ca.

In recognition of Asian Heritage Month, join the Social Justice Engagement Club for a film screening and guided conversation for faculty, staff, and students.

We will be screening the National Film Board documentary, “In the Shadow of Gold Mountain”.

Filmmaker Karen Cho travels from Montreal to Vancouver to uncover stories from the last survivors of the Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act, a set of laws imposed to single out the Chinese as unwanted immigrants to Canada from 1885 to 1947. Through a combination of history, poetry and raw emotion, this documentary sheds light on an era that shaped the identity of generations.

The Social Justice Engagement Club is an initiative put on by the Anti-Racism Action Committee to create a space for students, faculty and staff to foster a learning community that advances Truth & Reconciliation, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Event Details:

Day: Tues. May 23, 2023

Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00pm

Location: Active Learning Classroom (CM27, Notre Dame Campus)

Registration: Click on this link and submit the form to register for the event.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is March 21. 

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.

Since then, some racist systems have been dismantled but, in many regions, too many individuals, communities, and societies suffer from the injustice and stigma that racism brings. We can use this day to reflect on the fact that Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities continue to experience racism and discrimination in Canada every day. We can re-commit to take action against racial discrimination in all forms to ensure a world where everyone has equitable access to all aspects of society. 

Source: Canada.ca 

Visit the Anti-Racism Action Committee’s booth on March 21st from 12pm-1pm in the NDC Library hallway and EDC Roblin Atrium to: 

• Commit to an action towards ending racism 
• Make a button and wear it to show your solidarity 
• Enter to win a book educating about anti-racism 
• Explore the Anti-racism book display 
• Get a treat! 

Join us in the fight to end racial discrimination! 

Resources

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Resources at the College

Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion Resources (For employees only; Login may be required)

• Webinar: Microaggressions: Microinterventions and microaffirmations (March 21, 12 pm)
• Guide: Racism and Anti-Black Racism

Winnipeg Public Library

The Winnipeg Public Library has compiled resources to help you learn more about different forms of racism, racial privilege, and what it means to be anti-racist.

The Social Justice Book Club is an initiative put on by the Anti-Racism Steering Committee to create a space for students, faculty and staff to foster a learning community that advances Truth & Reconciliation, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The title of a book will be shared and then there will be an opportunity for participants to share in a facilitated discussion to explore the impact of the book. The discussion questions will be shared in advance on the Social Justice Book Club website as well as emailed to the discussion session registrants.

Join us for our first Social Justice Book Club event centered around Black History Month:

Step 1

Pick up There’s Something in the Water by Ingrid R. G. Waldron from the Campus bookstore, or your local library, and read the book during February and March and/or watch the documentary about the book on Apple TV or Prime Video.

For questions about the Social Justice Book Club, email diversity@rrc.ca

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. 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:

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.

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.

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