This year marks the Intercultural Partnership Program’s twentieth year, and it also marks the program’s first time being held in person since 2019. Over the last year, 69 partnerships have formed through the program, with the goal of building deeper intercultural competence and aligning with RRC Polytech’s commitment to embed equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.

About the Intercultural Partnership Program

The program connects local partners (students and staff who are Canadian-raised or have lived in Canada for at least one year) with global partners (immigrant and international students) for friendship and to explore intercultural connections.

The Intercultural Partnership Program invites partners to explore differences in a safe, positive and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing differences and giving them equal worth and value.

Each partner has lived through specific, unique experiences, and the program is an opportunity to share experiences and perspectives, helping to reciprocally build deeper understanding.

The Making a World of Difference Award

To celebrate partnerships that exemplify the spirit of the Intercultural Partnership Program, every year two pairs of partners per term (Fall and Winter) are recognized with the Making a World of Difference Award. Specifically, partnerships that:

• Embrace equality within the partnership
• Explore cultural differences together and learning from each other
• Are patient and respectful with themselves and one another
• Deliberately seek out new experiences together and embrace time spent together
• Step outside their everyday comfort zones

Meet the 2022-23 Making a World of Difference Recipients

Sui Hong Ma (global partner) and Heather Holens (local partner), Tourism and Hospitality Management students

Both students in the Tourism and Hospitality Management program, Hong and Heather embraced trying new experiences – from activities to cuisines. Within their partnership, they embarked on experiences together as well as with each other’s friends and families. Together with friends and family, they talked about cultural differences between Canada and Hong Kong.

Hong and Heather focused on listening, remaining open-minded and overall learned how to communicate better. They attribute their experiences and ability to effectively communicate to helping close the gap between local and international students.

“We noticed, acknowledged, and appreciated our differences which made this partnership successful. We both learned new things and accepted each other for the differences that make us special and unique.”

– Sui Hong Ma, global partner

Wilson Plazarte Cumbal, Automotive Technology student (global partner), and Fred Meier, President and CEO (local partner)

Wilson is from Quito, Ecuador and came to Canada in August of 2022 as a student in the Language Training Centre, and Fred is a lifelong Winnipegger. From the get-go, the partners embraced equity within their partnerships, ensuring they both had an opportunity to share ideas for the experiences they were going to participate in.

Wilson and Fred soon realized they shared common interests, both enjoying the outdoors, fishing and hiking, and they worked together to find activities that were important to them both.

Throughout their partnership, Wilson and Fred stepped out of everyday comfort zones and explored new experiences together. They prioritized visiting new places and learning about each other’s cultures. This helped them grow personally and interculturally, and to build a more profound connection with one another.

“The intercultural partnership program has helped us develop a lasting friendship. We learned about unique aspects of each other’s backgrounds, but most of all we learned that even though there are language and cultural differences these make friendships even stronger.”

– Wilson Plazarte Cumbal, global partner

Jenny Martínez, Science Laboratory Technology student (global partner) and Tanya Cole, Nursing Instructor (local partner)

Jenny is originally from Colombia, and moved to Winnipeg from Costa Rica with her family, about a year-and-a-half ago, and local partner, Tanya, is originally from England but has lived in Winnipeg for the past 19 years. After an initial WhatsApp call, the partners discovered a mutual passion for dance. As they shared stories about their lives, education and future aspirations, they discovered many common threads despite coming from different parts of the world.

Jenny and Tanya explored many activities together – from a salsa dance class to visiting a museum to getting creative at a paint pouring class and cooking traditional Colombian food. Throughout their participation in the program, the partners developed a friendship and even brought their children along to partake in activities with them.

“Our experiences in the program helped us feel more connected to our community, within Red River College Polytechnic and also the city of Winnipeg. We have more confidence in our ability to build meaningful relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds – and felt respected and appreciated for our differences.”

– Jenny Martínez, global partner

Ka Cheong Law, Hospitality and Tourism Management student (global partner), and José Manuel Castellón Álvarez, Applied Computer Education Instructor (local partner)

This partnership’s first outing together was a very memorable one – Manuel invited Ka Cheong to attend his Canadian citizenship ceremony. After this, they continued to explore one another’s culture through sharing meals, including shrimp tacos at Manuel’s and Ka Cheong prepared a traditional Chinese hot pot.

Together they talked about a perception held by some of the Asian community that Mexico is a dangerous country, full of drugs and crime. Manuel shared more about his home country of Mexico, highlighting its vibrant culture and celebrations. One interesting difference Ka Cheong discovered was that in Mexican culture death is celebrated through the Day of the Dead festival. Whereas, in Chinese culture death is viewed as “scary and creepy,” noted Ka Cheong. The partners explored many cultural differences and engaged in meaningful conversation around them.

The partnership not only created a bond between Ka Cheong and Manuel, but their sons also became fast friends during the experience.

“The wonderful partnership program created two pairs of buddies. I gained a lot more than I expected from the program. I am looking forward to inviting Manuel to visit my co-op workplace.”

– Ka Cheong Law, global partner

Take Part in the Next Intercultural Partnership Program

Intercultural communication is becoming increasingly important in today’s global environment where personal and professional success implies communicating across cultures and drawing from all perspectives, experiences and worldviews. The Intercultural Partnership Program is a fantastic opportunity for local and global partners alike to develop a partnership that supports valuable intercultural communication and leadership skills; helps build your social and professional networks; gets you out and about exploring Winnipeg; and is a lot of fun!

The program is open to all RRC Polytech students, staff and faculty, with two sessions coming up in August 2023 and January 2024.

For any questions, please email iesupport@rrc.ca.

Canadian Multiculturalism Day is celebrated annually on June 27, to recognize the contributions of multicultural groups and communities to Canadian society. The day is an opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity and reaffirm our commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive Canada.

At RRC Polytech, diversity is one of our greatest strengths and celebrated not only on June 27, but year-round. Several equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) working groups at the College collaborate to help raise awareness of celebrations, holidays and observances that align with equity-deserving groups – Women, Indigenous Peoples, Persons with disabilities, Racialized Persons and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

In recognizing days, weeks or months of importance, the goal is to foster understanding and opportunities for learning, and build more inclusive campuses where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. We recognize that we may not capture every holiday or observance that RRC Polytech staff and students celebrate. To support reflecting the diversity within our communities, you’re invited to share what you celebrate (or commemorate).

Multiculturalism Survey

Take the opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity that enriches us collectively and reaffirm your commitment to equity, diversity and mutual respect. We will be sharing stories and photos submitted by staff and students to highlight the strong multicultural RRC Polytech community and to learn more about one another.

For any questions about the Multiculturalism Survey, please contact Lauren Dominici at ldominici@rrc.ca.

As of 2015, June was designated as Deafblind Awareness Month, to help Canadians build an understanding and advocate on behalf of those in their community who are deafblind.

What is Deafblindness?

Persons are considered deafblind if they have dual sensory loss, a combined loss of both vision and hearing, such that neither of the senses of vision and hearing can be used as a primary source of gathering accurate information.

The combination of these sensory losses results in significant difficulties in accessing information, learning, communicating and participating.

• Congenital deafblindness occurs when a person becomes deafblind before language development, usually between three months to two years old.
• Acquired deafblindness occurs later in life through accidents, disease or aging, the latter which is the leading cause of deafblindness.

According to CNIB, an estimated 466,000 Canadians over the age of 15 are living with some degree of dual sensory loss. Deafblindness is a relatively low-incidence disability in Canada, affecting about 1% of the population, but is not recognized as distinct by the Federal Government. Many Canadians who are deafblind lack access to supports and services to help them fully engage in their communities.

Resources for further learning:

• Learn more about the experiences of people living with deafblindness:
  • Jane Sayer, one of the founding members of the Manitoba Deaf-Blind Association
  • Abby Sienko, CNIB Youth Council Member
    
• Discover the Deafblind Manual Alphabet, which uses touch as a method of communication.
  
• Watch the video (below) about Camp Manitou’s Deafblind Summer camp, which was the first of its kind to launch in 2018:

May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia – a day that was created to raise awareness of the discrimination and violence faced by individuals of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

This year’s theme is “Together Always: United in Diversity”. At RRC Polytech, we believe that diversity is our strength. We are committed to creating inclusive learning and working environments where everyone feels sale, respected, and celebrated. Homophobia, transphobia and biphobia have no place within our college community.

Below are resources and further information on homophobia, transphobia and biphobia to support your learning journeys so that you can counter fear and panic with compassion and reason, and to make a difference in all our communities.

RRC Polytech is committed to being allies for everyone – it doesn’t matter who you are, everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect.

On May 17 (every day), take a moment to reflect upon how you can stand up and speak out against discrimination; how you can create a safe and inclusive space that respects all individuals; and how you can support 2SLGBTQIA+ friends and colleagues.

If you have any questions or comments, please email us at diversity@rrc.ca.

Resources:

Being a 2SLGBTQIA+ Ally

Allyship is leadership

How to be an Ally to a Bi+ Person

What Does Trans Allyship Look Like?

Fondation Émergence: The LBGTQ Phobias Are Just As Irrational campaign

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

CCDI’s Glossary of Terms – which includes the following definitions:

• Homophobia: a fear, dislike, or hatred of and discrimination against LGBTQ2+ 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 LGBTQ2+ community

The province of Manitoba observes May 28 to June 3, 2023, as Manitoba Access Awareness Week (MAAW). Celebrated annually in conjunction with National AccessAbility Week, its purpose is to raise awareness of accessibility barriers experienced by Manitobans with disabilities and to promote removal of these barriers.

RRC Polytech is committed to developing a culture of diversity and inclusivity for the communities we serve. We believe in equal access to education and employment, and we are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming, supportive and respectful of the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities. The College will continue our work to meet, and exceed where possible, the mandate of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA).

To advance this commitment to accessibility, RRC Polytech has created an Accessibility Plan, which is updated every two years by the Accessibility Working Group, representing programs and departments across the College.  You can read more about RRC Polytech’s Accessibility Plan, Student Accessibility Services, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services and Supportive Employment Program on our website. Centre for learning & Program Excellence (CLPE) has developed resources and guidelines on Staff Forum for staff and faculty to create accessible instructional and informational materials.

The Accessibility for Manitoban’s Act Information and Communication Standard was enacted in May 2022, and post-secondary institutions are required to meet the requirements of the Standard by May 1, 2024. To help the College community prepare for this Standard, the following session will be offered at RED Forum: Access in Action: Are you ready for the 2024 Information and Communication Standard? This information session will be led by a panel of staff bringing different perspectives to the conversation – Instructional Design, Instruction/Teaching, Student Accessibility Services and Accessible Technologies. Topics will include an overview of the Standard, inaccessible content and its impact, and designing content with accessibility in mind. Register for RED Forum here.

The Manitoba Accessibility Office will be celebrating Manitoba Access Awareness Week 2023 with a zoom webinar on Thursday, June 1, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The theme of the event is “Reducing Barriers to Web Accessible Information and Communications”.  It will include four short talks with organizations that received Manitoba Accessibility Fund (MAF) grants in 2022/23 to complete activities enhancing web accessibility and experiences for end users. To register for the webinar, please visit the Eventbrite page to sign up to attend. 

If you have any questions or feedback about RRC Polytech’s Accessibility Plan, please email 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.

May 1 marks the beginning of Asian Heritage Month, a time to reflect on and recognize the many contributions that Canadians of Asian heritage have made and continue to make to Canada.

RRC Polytech is proud to have a diverse community of staff and students from different backgrounds and cultures. One way to create a more inclusive culture on campus is by learning the stories of the people we work and learn with every day.

To begin the month, Creative Communications student Paolo Gonzales shares his creative non-fiction story Canada Is In The Heart, a reflection of what it means to be Filipino as a first-generation immigrant to Canada.

Read the full story here

Share your story

This month we invite RRC Polytech community members of Asian heritage to keep the conversation going – share your story today.

Fill out the Asian Heritage Month form here

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

You may be thinking, didn’t we just do this in February? Not quite, February is when we celebrate Pink Shirt Day.

Pink Shirt Day was created when two students attending high school in Halifax were upset about the bullying that took place when one of their peers wore a pink shirt to school on the first day. Together, those two students started an international movement that takes a stand against bullying.

While similar, Day of Pink was created to specifically take a stance on bullying and discrimination faced by members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The day, inspired by Pink Shirt Day, was created by the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD), previously known as Jer’s Vision. The purpose was to stand up against homophobia, transphobia, bullying, and to promote allyship as we move towards a future free of discrimination.

Day of Pink is for people who have previously, or recently, experienced discrimination because of their sexuality, gender identity, or gender expression. It’s for people to stand up and say, “this is not okay!” when these kinds of things happen in schools, workplaces, or anywhere. It’s for creating allyship. It’s for people to band together and be responsible for a future of kindness and inclusivity. We are strongest when we are together.

So, how can you take part in this global event? It’s simple, on April 12^th show your support by wearing something pink (get your shirt in our Campus Stores). It can even be your favourite cardigan, newest shoes, or a bracelet. Just a little something to show you care and stand by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community members at RRC Polytech, Winnipeg, and all over the world.

Take Pledge Against Hate!

Where:

• The Spectrum (Notre Dame Campus FM66)
• P407 (Exchange District Campus)

When: April 12 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

What:

• Sign the pledge against hate, intolerance, and oppression, and
• share a photo with the Pledge Poster with #DayOfPink.

We look forward to standing together for a brighter community.

Written By: Justine Hawley, Resource Management Technician, Library and Academic Success Centre, Gender and Sexual Working Group Member

On November 20, 2022, RRC Polytech recognized Transgender Day of Remembrance and highlighted some Canadian icons who have inspired future generations of transgendered individuals to be who they are, and stand up for themselves and their community. We remembered the leaders, the trailblazers and the loved ones we have lost.

Even in the darkest times it is important that we still celebrate the light around us. Did you know that Canada is the first country to collect and publish data on gender diversity from a national census? Or that younger Canadian generations were three-to-seven times more comfortable expressing their identities? Change still needs to continue to happen until equity can be reached. However, the fact that the average life span of someone identifying under this umbrella has risen nearly ten years, is telling us we are marching in the right direction.

Manitoba is a great place to live. Rich in cultural diversity, we have fantastic artists, amazing restaurants, and we didn’t get the title of ‘Friendly Manitoba’ for no reason. Our beautiful province is also home to some amazing Two Spirited, transgender, and non-binary heroes that are continuing to advocate and stand up for trans* rights.

Shandi Strong (she/her/hers)

What can be said about Shandi Strong that hasn’t been said before? She is a pillar for the transgender community in western Canada. In 2016, she was the first openly transgendered person to run for provincial office. She’s been on the board for Winnipeg Pride, Manitobans for Human Rights and Our Own Health Centre. She even led the very first Trans March in Manitoba. It is evident by all the amazing work she’s done and all of her accomplishments that she is a shining star of Manitoba’s trans community. When asked why she loves her trans identity, she said:

“Before transition, I spent most of my life scared and trying to fit in. Finding connections and chosen family within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community finally helped me see myself and my potential. The journey wasn’t easy but because I endured it, I emerged stronger and more confident today than I ever thought possible.”

Feather Talia (he/she/they)

Art comes in many forms and Winnipeg is not lacking in that department. Feather Talia is an example of the drag queen scene in Manitoba. She not only performs fantastic, lively shows but also represents the Two-Spirit (2S) community. Originally, she started her drag career in Regina, SK, before making a home in Winnipeg. She’s works with the Sunshine Bunch through the Sunshine House, a community drop-in and resource centre that focuses on inclusion and harm-reduction. She’s also a member of the very talented group The Bannock Babes. When asked about why she loves her 2S identity and how it’s positively impacted her life, she said:

“I love my 2S identity because it just makes sense. For all my teen years, and some of my early 20s [sic], I was confused about my own personal identity (like most people are) and when I stumbled on the term Two Spirit and doing my own research, something in me just clicked. I do believe I carry Two Spirits within me. One masculine and one feminine. This also helps make me a good storyteller. Being 2S also helps me with my drag persona! It truly makes me the best version of me!”

Kael McKenzie (he/him/his)

Did you know that Manitoba is the home to the very first transgendered judge in Canada? The Honourable Judge Kael McKenzie made his way to the history books in 2015. Not only does he represent the vibrant Métis community, he’s also showing the world that you can be successful and live life as your authentic self. He has a long list of accomplishments such as serving as the Manitoba Chair for the Canadian Bar Association, acting president of the Rainbow Resource Centre and he is a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. He’s a husband and a father of two and when asked why he loves his trans* identity he said:

“When I transitioned, I found myself. For the first time in my life, I felt comfortable in my own skin. I cannot imagine being anyone other than I am now. I have immense gratitude that I live in a time in history where I can be who I am and still be able to work in the profession that I love.”

As you can see, there are amazing Manitobans who are the warriors of change, inclusivity and diversity. Their contributions to the transgender community, which they are a part of, are shaping history and shaking up the Cis-tym. We appreciate and applaud them, and all the other people, paving the way to an even more inclusive future in Canada.

Sign a Heart in Support of Trans Rights

On Friday, March 31, 2023, you’re invited to join us in The Spectrum (Located on the Mall Level of the Notre Dame Campus) to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. by signing a heart to show your support, and enjoy some tasty treats.

If you or anyone you know is in crisis, contact one of these supports for transgender-specific guidance:

• Trans Health Klinic
• Trans Lifeline

Resources:

• Gender and Sexual Diversity Guide
• Gender Diversity and Inclusion Statistics Hub (Statistics Canada)
• Honoring Trans Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Awareness (Human Rights Campaign)
• Egale: Preparing Students for the Transition of a Trans or Gender Diverse Person
• Egale: Draw The Line – Against Transphobic Violence in Schools and Supplement Resources
• Gender and Sexual Diversity Working Group: join the group

If you have any questions or comments, please email us at diversity@rrc.ca.

To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day 2023, RRC Polytech is pleased to share two short films worked on by Creative Communications (2013) graduate Monique Pantel.

Growing up in Winnipeg, Monique and her parents lived in the same duplex as L’Arche Winnipeg, an organization which creates homes, social opportunities and jobs for people with intellectual disabilities. The connections Monique has made through L’Arche have lasted a lifetime. In her 20s, she worked part-time at the L’Arche Tova café, and took on additional roles within the organization to help promote and uplift the community. One of the ways she’s been able to do that is through her work on two short films, Linda’s Wish and Freebird. Both films were inspired by the lives of people with Down syndrome who are part of the L’Arche community.

Monique currently lives in Cambutal, Panama with her family and is a successful international photographer specializing in wedding and lifestyle.

Linda’s Wish

Created by Monique Pantel and her father, Hubert Pantel

The 6 minute short film, a creative collaboration between father and daughter Hubert Pantel and Monique Pantel, celebrates Linda’s life-long dream of becoming a bride. On her special day, Linda was surrounded and supported by her friends and family, complete with cake, dancing and a bouquet toss.

“I’ve known Linda my entire life. She spent Christmases with my family. And she’s had a lifetime love for white dresses, fancy rings and everything wedding related. Last summer (2018), her community of friends and family came together to celebrate her and she finally got to experience what it felt like to be a bride. A true lifelong wish for her. To say that capturing this day was special- is an understatement. This short film was created in collaboration with my hero, my dad, whose older footage of Linda really helped shape this film.” – Monique Pantel.

Freebird

Created by Nicholas Herd and directed by Michael McDonald & Joe Bluhm

Freebird is the coming-of-age story of a boy with Down Syndrome who learns to navigate the world with a loving mother, an absent father, a classroom bully, and a life-long crush. In just five minutes, we watch 45 years of his life flash by. Freebird Creative Director, Nicholas Herd, is the first film maker with Down syndrome in history whose film has been long-listed for an Academy Award.

#LotsOfSocks

March 21 marks World Down Syndrome Day, and this year you’re invited to wear “lots of socks.” Lots of socks acknowledges what makes us all different, and yet the same.

Wear your most fun, colourful, eye-catching socks as a conversation starter. The idea is to get your socks spotted, so when people notice you can let them know you’re wearing them to raise awareness about Down syndrome. And then you can share everything you want them to know about Down syndrome.