Manitoba Access Awareness Week (MAAW) is observed annually to raise awareness about accessibility issues that affect people with disabilities in Manitoba. It is important to be aware of these issues, remove barriers and celebrate access and inclusion.

RRC Polytech is committed to continuing its work to remove barriers to education and employment, and to promote access and participation in all aspects and activities of the College. Each member of the RRC Polytech community shares the responsibility of creating an equitable and inclusive environment.

All employees can access the Accessible Customer Service Standard Training and Accessible Information and Communications Standard Training through HRIS/My Portal/My Learning, to learn about the requirements of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act and Standards and resources available at the College. 

RRC Polytech offers programs and services to help with accessibility. You can find more information on our websites:

• Accessibility at RRC Polytech Public Website
  • Student Accessibility Services 
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services 
  • Inclusive Hiring and Interview Accommodations 
  • Accessible Parking
• Accessibility at RRC Polytech Internal Site (Staff Forum)
  • Supportive Employment Program 
  • Individual Emergency Plan 
  • Accessibility Training and Learning Resources for Staff
  • Accessible Information and Communication Content Creation Resources 

The Manitoba Accessibility Office will be hosting free daily webinars from May 27 to May 31 in recognition of Manitoba Access Awareness Week. We will be highlighting these webinars and other learning opportunities through Staff News posts in the coming days.

RRC Polytech is committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming, supportive and respectful of the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. We will continue to identify and implement strategies to ensure that individuals in the College community have equal opportunity to achieve their employment and educational goals.

You can let us know your questions or feedback regarding accessibility using the feedback form or by emailing diversity@rrc.ca.

Post written by Dr Obren Amiesimaka and Justine Hawley, Gender and Sexual Diversity Group Members at RRC Polytech.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) is marked every May 17. Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia are probably words you’ve heard before. They refer to the “fear, dislike, or hatred of and discrimination against 2SLGBTQIA+ people”(Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion’s Glossary of Terms) because of their gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

Derogatory language, violence and various forms of discrimination, at work or in the law/education/life generally, are few examples of homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia. These acts of discrimination can be subtle, but they don’t have to be overt to negatively impact 2SLGBTQIA+ folk. Sadly, many members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Canada and around the world still face discrimination due to homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. We should not be complicit by letting these hateful actions occur without repercussions or anyone standing up.

The theme for this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is “No One Left Behind: Equality, Freedom and Justice for All”. At RRC Polytech, we are committed to pursuing equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do, and this is embedded in our Strategic Plan. We strive to be allies, show kindness to, and respect the dignity of everyone, no matter who they are and who they love.

Think about how you can be a 2SLGBTQIA+ ally and stand against homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia this May 17 and always.

• What is IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia)?
• Being a 2SLGBTQIA+ Ally
• Allyship is leadership
• How to be an Ally to a Bi+ Person
• What Does Trans Allyship Look Like?
• Join the Gender and Sexual Diversity Working Group at RRC Polytech
• CCDI’s Glossary of Terms
  • Homophobia: a fear, dislike, or hatred of and discrimination against 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Homophobia presents in many forms, and can be structural/systemic, interpersonal, or internalized.
  • Transphobia is the fear, dislike, or hatred of and discrimination against trans people. Transphobia exists through offensive jokes, exclusion, denial of services, employment discrimination, intentional misgendering, harassment, and violence.
  • Biphobia: Fear, dislike, or hatred of and discrimination against bisexual people. Biphobia presents through offensive jokes, exclusion, bi-erasure, harassment, and violence. Biphobia exists both within and outside of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

International Day of Pink, also known as Day of Pink, is celebrated annually on the second Wednesday of April to celebrate diversity, acceptance, courage, and inclusivity within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and beyond.

Day of Pink is for people who have previously, or recently, experienced discrimination because of their sexuality, gender identity, or gender expression. This day urges people around the world to stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to continue fighting for equality and acceptance.

At RRC Polytech, Campus Well-Being in partnership with the Gender and Sexual Diversity Working Group hosted a booth at Notre Dame Campus on April 10 to create awareness and share resources. Staff and students had the opportunity to create a customized button to mark the day.

You can explore the International Day of Pink website, to read more about this year’s theme, and to learn more about the anniversary of three important milestones: the birth of the Trans flag, the Brunswick Four, and the Depathologization of Homosexuality.

via United Nations

World Autism Awareness Day is an annual observance on April 2, designated in 2008 by the United Nations to acknowledge the lived experiences, bring awareness to the inequities and advocate for the rights of individuals who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (or autism).

Also known as World Autism Acceptance Day, the observance highlights the importance of accepting, supporting and including persons with autism, so they can lead a full life and make meaningful contributions at work, at home and in the community.

Learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder and how you can recognize World Autism Awareness Day:

• RRC Polytech Library and Academic Success Centre Guides:
  • Autism Spectrum – readings
  • Autism spectrum – videos
    
• Free self-paced online program offered through the University of British Columbia’s Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration in Autism:
  • Autism and Neurodiversity in the Workplace
    
• Autism Canada
  
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) – RRC Polytech employees can sign up to access all resources for free!
  • Neurodiversity Guide
  • CCDI Webinar: Neurodiversity: An introduction
    
• The United Nations
  • Tuesday, April 2, 10:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. EDT | Free virtual event: Moving from Surviving to Thriving: Autistic individuals share regional perspectives. Register Here.

On April 2, and every day, may we recognize the unique contributions of persons with autism, and continue to create more inclusive environments where everyone feels accepted.

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.

International Trans Day of Visibility is an annual event dedicated to celebrating Trans people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by Transgender people worldwide. Join Elder Albert McLeod on Trans Day of Visibility for a talk centered on perspectives on understanding Transgender identities, challenges faced by the Transgender community, Two Spirit advocacy within the Winnipeg Trans community, and the importance of visibility and allyship.

Date: Wednesday, March 27

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location:

In person: Connected Classroom, G139 (second floor) Emerging Media and Production, NDC. Drop in, no registration is required.

Online on Teams: The event will also be livestreamed. If you would like to join the event online, please register here.

About the Presenter:

Albert McLeod is a Status Indian with ancestry from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and the Métis community of Norway House in northern Manitoba. He has over thirty years of experience as a human rights activist and is one of the directors of the Two-Spirited People of Manitoba.

Albert began his Two-Spirit advocacy in Winnipeg in 1986 and became an HIV/AIDS activist in 1987. He was the director of the Manitoba Aboriginal AIDS Task Force from 1991 to 2001. In 2018, Albert received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Winnipeg.

Albert lives in Winnipeg, where he works as a consultant specializing in Indigenous peoples, cultural reclamation, and cross-cultural training.

March 20 is Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day. In recognition of this day, RRC Polytech is holding a Two Spirit Film Festival, screening films from The National Film Board of Canada to celebrate the radiance and diversity of Two-Spirit identities, expression and experience.

Locations & Time:

• The Spectrum, Notre Dame Campus, from 12:00 to 1 :00 p.m.
• Room E155, Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae, Exchange District Campus, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Films range from six to 22 minutes. Drop in for one or stay and view all three over the hour!

• First Stories,Two Spirited – This short documentary presents the empowering story of Rodney “Geeyo” Poucette’s struggle against prejudice in the Indigenous community as a Two Spirited Jingle Dancer.
• Second Stories, Deb-we-win Ge-ken-am-aan, Our Place in the Circle – Lorne Olson’s short documentary presents a vision he had of Two Spirited people dancing, laughing, and smiling. His vision spurs him to rediscover the strength of the past to better face the challenges of today.
• Woman Dress – Pre-contact, a Two Spirit person named Woman Dress travels the Plains, gathering and sharing stories. Featuring archival images and dramatized re-enactments, this film shares a Cuthand family oral story, honouring and respecting Woman Dress without imposing colonial binaries on them.

February 26 to March 1 marked RRC Polytech’s second annual Inclusion Week, an opportunity for students and staff to live our shared commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in everything we do, through a mix of in-person and virtual sessions.

Thank you to the planning committee, volunteers, presenters and special guests for another fantastic week full of programming and learning. And of course, thank you to everyone who participated in sessions throughout the week!

Resources for Beyond Inclusion Week

Missed out on attending a session, or looking for some self-guided learning opportunities? The journey to embodying EDI and creating more inclusive spaces doesn’t stop when Inclusion Week is over!

Recordings of Inclusion Week Keynote and Featured Sessions

Keynote Session – Dr. Robert Mizzi: Queer Voices Inclusive Choices Transforming Academic Spaces

Featured Session – Isha Khan: Finding Your Voice and Advocating for Change

Featured Session – Tanya Marinelli-Clarke: Lateral Violence to Lateral Kindness

Access the full list of self-guided resources at the bottom of this post.

Creating Inclusive Online Classrooms and Meetings

Watch the presentation from Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and Students Accessibility Services team members on how you can create more inclusive learning and collaboration in online spaces.

Upcoming Events

Join the College community for events this month in recognition of Two Spirit Day, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and Trans Day of Visibility.

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.

RRC Polytech is recognizing Pink Shirt Day on February 28, 2024. The annual anti-bullying event began in 2007 in Nova Scotia when a grade 9 boy was bullied for wearing a pink shirt.

Two of his classmates organized a schoolwide protest, asking all students, teachers and staff to wear pink in solidarity and to demonstrate there is no place for bullying.

Pink Shirt Day’s mission is to create a more kind, inclusive world by raising awareness and funds for anti-bullying initiatives.

The Campus Store has purchased shirts where proceeds support Indigenous community programs, kindness promotion and bullying-prevention programs in schools across Canada, and program subsidies to Indigenous Schools. Oromocto First Nation student artist Brooke Gillam designs this year’s artwork:

Artist Statement:

“I chose a sacred feather because it symbolizes and represents a high honour, wisdom, power, and freedom. The three hearts inside represent kindness, friendship, and love. When I tied the two together, it felt right because my heart told me it felt like it was meant to be.” -Artist Brooke Gillam Oromocto First Nation

Stand for kindness and wear pink on Pink Shirt Day to show your support for safe and inclusive campuses, workplaces and communities.

Please note the Campus Store will be closed February 27-29.

Respectful College – Online Training

RRC Polytech has developed a course called Respectful College to support our commitment to a safe and inclusive working and learning environment where everyone is entitled to be free from bullying, harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence.

The Respectful College course is available to all staff and students and takes about two hours to complete. Staff and students who complete the full training, including learning activities, will be eligible to print a Certificate of Completion. Login to LEARN to complete the course.