Jay will speak on themes of resilience, Neurodiversity in the workplace, and the importance of diagnosis at any age

About the Presenter

Jay Scott is an instructor at RRC Polytech’s ACE Project Space and chairs the Neurodiversity Working Group, working to promote awareness and support for neurodivergent people. Before teaching, he worked in software development, building electronic medical records at Varian Medical Systems and later programming within game engines and tools at Ubisoft Winnipeg. Diagnosed with ADHD in 2022 and autism last year, Jay spent a long time wondering why certain tasks felt impossible to start, both at work and at home. Medication was a game-changer—it made directing focus so much easier, particularly on work that isn’t exciting or urgent. 

This workshop is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills to create meaningful and respectful land acknowledgments. Participants will delve into the historical context of colonization and its impact on Indigenous peoples, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the adversities and challenges faced. Participants will explore various types of land acknowledgments and the essential components of crafting a personalized and authentic land acknowledgement. 

By the end of this workshop, participants will have the knowledge and skills to create their own personalized land acknowledgments, fostering a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural contexts surrounding Indigenous lands. This workshop aims to inspire participants to further their commitment to ongoing learning and advocacy for Indigenous rights and reconciliation. 

About the Presenter

Gerald works for Red River College Polytechnic as an Educational Developer with an Indigenous Focus to support the integration of Indigenous language tradition, and culture into course design.   

Gerald is a member of the Red River Metis and was born in Treaty 1 Territory. After receiving his Bachelor of Computer Science and Bachelor of Education he enrolled in the Master of Education program with a focus on curriculum design and development with coursework in Educational/Assistive technology, and Indigenous education.   

Gerald has over 20 years of experience in various capacities as an instructor, counsellor and an Assistive Technology Consultant from Alberta. 

While introverts make up approximately 50% of society, today’s world praises being social and outgoing above all else. This makes it difficult to feel valued when one is quiet or reserved. Introverts are often described with terms that have a negative connotation (think: shy, aloof, rude, boring, unfit to lead), and while introverts may not be the most outspoken people in the room and are often overlooked, the reality is that they have many strengths that are valuable and should be celebrated. During this one-hour session participants will learn about these hidden strengths and ways to harness those strengths for success in the workplace (and beyond). 

Register in My Learning: HUB >HR Unlimited > My Portal> My Learning. 

Please note that this session will not be recorded. 

About the Presenter: Nicola McCrabbe, MSc PCC (she/her) 

Nicola McCrabbe is a skilled workshop facilitator, leadership coach, and author with extensive experience in organizational wellness, stress management, and burnout prevention. Originally from Northern Ireland, she began her career in education before participating in a teaching exchange in Saskatoon. After transitioning to corporate IT, she worked in both Dublin, Ireland, and Calgary, Canada. She later returned to education, teaching as a tenure-track faculty member at Mount Royal University and later in continuing education at the University of Calgary. 

Nicola currently teaches workshops for corporate and academic audiences on a wide range of topics related to leadership, resilience, and stress management. Known for being knowledgeable, approachable, and professional, she creates dynamic, interactive learning experiences tailored to diverse needs. With a strong background in both corporate IT and adult education, she brings a unique perspective to her workshops, blending practical business insights with hands-on teaching experience. Author of a book on burnout, she is passionate about supporting individuals and organizations in achieving balanced, sustainable success. 

The word for bead in Indigenous languages translates to “spirit” and “spirit berry.” In this workshop, beading techniques will be shared along with spirit relations.  

A main part of colonization was to sever the relationship with our spirits and hearts. Through beading and acknowledgement, we can take steps to grow and repair our spirit relations in a good way. One bead at a time, we can bead ourselves back into Creation. 

About the Presenter

Lucy Lindell (she/her) is a Métis free-hand beadwork artist and instructor from the Turtle Clan, raised in Eriksdale, Manitoba. She began to bead in 2019 with Lawrie Barkwell and moved between beading free-hand and with designs that were shared with the Louis Riel Institute. Beading became a way for Lucy to reconnect with her body and identity, helping her find hope and healing through every bead. Her knowledge keeper once shared that the word for “bead” in different Indigenous languages translates to spirit, little spirit, and spirit berry. Lucy enjoys sharing her culture and ways of knowing, serves as a helper at the sweat lodge and Sundance, and is currently completing her Masters in Peace and Conflict Studies with a memoir and auto-ethnography-based thesis titled Beaded and Braided Stories: The Need for Reflection on Everyday Peace and Conflict.

Trans People, despite gains, remain among the most marginalized in the world, including Canadian society. They continue to live their lives facing disadvantage, prejudice, stereotyping, and vulnerability.  As a former victim of such treatment there is a story to be told of a path towards hope and understanding for all. Shandi will share her story and what we can do to support transgender inclusion. There will be time for Q&A at the end of the session. 

About the Presenter
Shandi Strong is a pillar for the transgender community in western Canada. In 2016, she was the first openly transgender 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.

Visit members of the RRC Gender and Sexual Diversity Group to learn about community flags. Engage in a “Guess the Flag” game. The group will have information about the RRC Rainbow Walkways and RRC Polytech’s Personalized Pride Design. Visit the booth to pick up a pride button and enter our book draw.

About the Presenter
Acting as internal advocates for gender and sexual diversity (GSD) the GSD group works to support the priorities of RRC Polytech around equity, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) of Gender and Sexual Diversity. The group supports events and initiatives around GSD EDI at RRC Polytech.

This workshop will offer an introduction to both basic ASL and Deaf Culture. Together we will learn basic greetings in ASL in conjunction with the ASL manual alphabet – utilizing fingerspelling as a communication tool and conveying cultural awareness and respect for the Deaf Community to widen awareness about Deaf Culture. This session will be interpreted.

About the Presenter
Cindy Koskie is an Educational Assistant in the AEIP Program at RRC Polytechnic. She has over 30 years of experience teaching American Sign Language (ASL) and is passionate about education. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active with long hikes, swimming, and running, as well as spending quality time with her family. Cindy looks forward to introducing participants to basic ASL signs.

Space is limited to the first 20 participants.

Between: Living in the Hyphen offers a provocative glimpse of what the future holds: a departure from hyphenated names towards a celebration of fluidity and being mixed. 
 

Anne Marie Nakagawa’s documentary examines what it means to have a background of mixed ancestries that cannot be easily categorized. By focusing on 7 Canadians who have one parent from a European background and one of a visible minority, she attempts to get at the root of what it means to be multi-ethnic in a world that wants each person to fit into a single category. 

The Disability Awareness Presentation focuses on how to interact with and serve people with disabilities, emphasizing respectful language and addressing attitudinal barriers.

About the Presenter:

I am the Training Coordinator at Manitoba Possible and my job entails educating the public about disability, accessibility, and inclusion  I acquired my injury at the age of ten by means of a cancerous spinal tumour that caused me to become a T7 paraplegic which means I am paralysed from the waist down. Despite my disability I have been able to acquire a Bachelor of Arts in History and French at the University of Waterloo, an Education Degree at the University of Windsor and a Human Resources Degree through the University of Manitoba.  I spend a lot of my time with my wonderful spouse Jenny and our dog Harley and our cats Gretz and Clark .  My other passions lie in sport where I have completed 4 Half Marathons, play Sledge Hockey, Wheelchair tennis and Waterski.

Join us for an engaging and hands-on event where you can learn about accessible sports in Manitoba. This interactive session will introduce you to wheelchair floor curling and boccia, two inclusive and exciting activities that everyone can enjoy. What to expect: 

• Learn about the history and importance of accessible sports in the province. 

• Participate in a hands-on demonstration of Boccia and Wheelchair Floor Curling. 

• Enjoy guided practice with coaching and support from Manitoba Possible experts. 

• Player Limits: Wheelchair Floor Curling: 16 players at a time; Boccia: 16 players at a time. 

Note: Please remember to bring your athletic shoes, wear comfortable clothing, and sign the facility waiver when you arrive at the event.

About the Presenter

With Jaylene Irwin, Manager, Recreation, Leisure & Accessible Sport, and McKenna Wild, Recreation Staff at Manitoba Possible.

The Anti-Racism Action Committee is excited to host a Social Justice Coffee House during Inclusion Week, and we warmly welcome all staff, faculty and students to join us for this inspiring event! The Social Justice Coffee house will be a collaborative event where participants are welcome to attend as audience members and/or as performers.   

Participants can sign up to share readings (poetry, fiction, non-fiction), sing songs, engage in discussions, or have cultural exchanges about social justice topics. The goal is to have a safe space to voice thoughts and feelings on social justice matters, connect with peers, and learn and grow.   

Theme: Food Insecurity  

Donation: Donate snacks, non-perishable food items, gently used winter clothing, travel-sized personal hygiene items, or socks. that will be shared with Community 204 to be distributed to people experiencing housing insecurity in Winnipeg  

Step into a world of colors, sounds, and stories as students from the Global Access – Intensive English for International Students program bring their cultures to life. This is your chance to: 

• Engage with diverse cultural concepts 

• Interact with students from around the globe 

• Participate in fun and educational activities 

This student-led event is a celebration of the rich tapestry of cultures within our community. It’s designed to foster understanding and respect for different traditions and practices. Come with a curious mind and an appetite for knowledge. Sample a buffet of mini cultural lessons from 17 different countries. Everyone is welcome! 

Drop in, no registration required. 

This session touches on the following themes:

• Autism
• Being bipolar and visiting the psych ward
• Ankylosing spondylitis (a type of arthritis)
• Addictions
• Becoming a teacher at RRC Polytech

About the Presenter

Join Wilson Reid, an instructor in RRC Polytech’s Application, Development, and Delivery program, as he shares his powerful journey of resilience, self-discovery, and overcoming adversity. From navigating autism, bipolar disorder, and addiction to managing ankylosing spondylitis (a type of arthritis), Wilson offers a raw and honest perspective on perseverance through life’s challenges and his path to becoming an instructor. 

Did you know approximately 20% of people are neurodivergent? That means one in five people has a brain that works differently from the “neurotypical” majority.  

All staff and students are invited to visit the Neurodiversity Working Group Information Booth during Inclusion Week to learn more about what it means to be neurodivergent. The Neurodiversity Working Group was created in 2024 to raise awareness and offer support to our college community. Join us to ask questions and learn more about available supports for staff/students.  

We will have some fun games to play as well – hope to see you there. 

Join the Student Association for a fun Cultural Karaoke event! Come and sing along to songs from different cultures and countries. You can sing or just enjoy watching others. It’s a great way to have fun, meet new people, and learn about different cultures. Everyone is welcome! 

Drop in, no registration required. 

Do you want to learn more about Accessibility and Accessible Best Practices? About how to create and share content that is accessible to a wider range of individuals? Would you like to learn about accessibility features in specific programs or your devices? …Or how to possibly make your (work) life easier? Then virtually join Erica Ament, RRC’s Assistive Technologist, at “Accessibility and Assistive Technologies at Work.”

About the Presenter

Erica Ament has been with the College for six years in our Student Accessibility Services department. Erica has worked with individuals with disabilities for over 15 years in various settings including: coordinating multiple after school recreation programs and summer camps for youth; as an Educational Assistant in the K-12 school system; in group homes; in daycares/summer camps; and even spent time volunteering to support elementary school students with disabilities in Central America. Erica holds a BA in Sociology and Conflict Resolution Studies, and during her studies explored and wrote about the education of individuals with disabilities. Erica strongly believes in I/UDL and is passionate about sharing how technology can support all learners.

Between: Living in the Hyphen offers a provocative glimpse of what the future holds: a departure from hyphenated names towards a celebration of fluidity and being mixed. 
 

Anne Marie Nakagawa’s documentary examines what it means to have a background of mixed ancestries that cannot be easily categorized. By focusing on 7 Canadians who have one parent from a European background and one of a visible minority, she attempts to get at the root of what it means to be multi-ethnic in a world that wants each person to fit into a single category. 

This Immersive Story explores the following themes:

1) Indigenous Filipino Psychology

2) Relational words

3) Connecting to the Filipino culture and identity

4) Supporting decolonization and Indigenization in the classrooms

5) Land acknowledgement

About the Presenter

Janine is currently an Acting Chair for the School of Continuing Education, and was previously the Educational Developer who primarily supported the School of Indigenous Education. 
 
Janine was born in Pasay city and grew up in Parañaque city, located in the Philippine’s northern island Luzon. An avid reader and community builder, she uses the teachings of Virgilio G. Enriquez in Sikolohiyang Pilipino (Filipino Psychology) to reconnect with her culture and decolonize the way she lives and approaches decisions in her professional life.

Neurodiversity is the diversity of all people’s ways of thinking, learning, and behaving. Neuroinclusion refers to the movement to embrace neurological differences in our school, work and broader lives. During this session we will present the 6 Principles for Inclusion, which promote strategies in how everyone, students and staff, can create neuroinclusive learning and working on campus. You will leave this session with language, resources, and actionable ways you can support not only neurodivergent individuals, but everyone that you engage with, within the post-secondary environment.

About the Presenters

Emma Duffy (She/Her) is a Workforce Solutions Lead at the Sinneave Family Foundation. She has a Bachelors in Community Rehabilitation & Disability Studies and a Masters in Management, along with 8 years of experience working with non-profits. Emma plays a lead role in ensuring the success of the NEUROinclusive Workforce Solutions service and is passionate about supporting employers and teams in learning more about how to be a neuroinclusive workplace. 

Sarah Darrell (She/Her) is an Inclusive Workforce Specialist at the Sinneave Family Foundation. Through her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology, minor in Business, experience in the public and private sector and lived experience, Sarah has strong foundational knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion and its role in business. She focuses on creating ways to share knowledge with employers and related stakeholders about the need for and value of neuroinclusion in work and learning environments. 

RRC Polytech is committed to ensuring that all our programs’ course content meets the Accessibility for Manitobans Act’s (AMA) standards. To support this initiative, we are offering this virtual session specifically designed for Faculty. This session will include an overview of the Information and Communication Standard as well as a demonstration on using the Panorama software in LEARN to improve the accessibility of your course content.  

Learn about alternative formats, accessibility scores and reports, ways to fix detected issues and monitor accessibility of your LEARN courses using the Panorama dashboard.  

Campus Well-being, in collaboration with Centre for International Education and Global Partnership, is hosting a pop-up game for Inclusion Week. Drop by any time to enjoy a variety of games and activities! Games include Jenga, Chess, Connect 4, Snakes & Ladders, Corn Hole, Table Tennis, Mini Basketball, Board Games, Playing Cards and more! 

No registration required. 

To learn more about RRC Polytech’s commitment to accessibility the following additional links and resources are offered:

• Accessibility at RRC Polytech
• Employee Support:
  • Accessibility Services for Employees: Visit the Accessibility page on Staff Forum for more information on services and support available to employees.
  • Self-Guided Training for Employees:
    • Accessible Customer Service training
    • Accessible Information and Communication Standard training
    • Accessible Employment Standard (For Leaders)
    • Note: To register for Self-Guided Training, go to HUB > HR Unlimited > My Portal > My Learning > Learning Library > More > Choose the Course to take > Click Enroll.
• Student Support:
  • Student Accessibility Services: To learn more about the services and support available to students, visit the Student Accessibility Services page.
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services: To learn more about these services, visit the Deaf and Hard of Hearing page. To book an ASL-English Interpreter or transcriber submit this form.
  • Self-Guided Training for Students:
    • To learn more about self-guided training for students, visit RRC Polytech’s Diversity Resources Page
• Employee Working Groups and Community of Practice:
  • Community of Practice: Accessibility Garden. Join College RRC Polytech members as they exchange accessibility practices and conversation. To learn more, visit the Community of Practice: Accessibility Garden page on Staff Forum.
  • Neurodiversity Working Group. To learn more about Neurodiversity Working Group, visit the Neurodiversity Working Group page on Staff Forum.
• Additional Learning Resources:
  • RRC Polytech’s Library and Academic Services Resource Guide on Neurodiversity
  • Videos:
    • Creating Inclusive Online Classrooms and Meetings (25 min.)
  • Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) Resources:
    • CCDI Webinar: Creating neuroinclusive and accessible workplaces
    • CCDI Webinar: Removing barriers to accessibility and inclusion – Panel
  • LinkedIn Learning Path:
    • LinkedIN Learning’s Accessibility Learning Paths (LinkedIn Learning login required)
  • The Manitoba Accessibility Office’s Resources and Training
  • Microsoft Accessibility Training & Resources
  • WCAG Accessibility Guidelines
  • The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce CODE Initiative Additional Resources

To learn more about RRC Polytech’s commitment to anti-racism the following additional links and resources are offered:

• Anti-Racism at RRC Polytech
• Anti-Racism Learning Toolkit: Library and Academic Services offers the Anti-Black Racism Learning Toolkit to help deepen our understanding and foster a culture of respect and inclusivity.
• Employee Working Groups:
  • Anti-Racism Action Committee. The committee is welcoming new members who are passionate about making a meaningful impact. To learn more and get involved, visit the Anti-Racism Action Committee page on Staff Forum.
• Anti-Racism: A Journey to Allyship Training: All RRC Polytech employees are required to complete the Anti-Racism: A Journey to Allyship Training upon starting. We encourage everyone to revisit the training regularly to continue learning and growing.
  • Employees: To register for Anti-Racism: A Journey to Allyship, go to HUB > HR Unlimited > My Portal > My Learning > Learning Library > More > Look for Anti-Racism: A Journey to Allyship > Click Enroll.
  • Students: To register for Anti-Racism: A Journey to Allyship, visit RRC Polytech’s Diversity Resources Page.
• Additional Learning Resources:
  • RRC Polytech’s Library and Academic Services Resource
    • Inclusive Teaching: Strategies for promoting equity in the classroom (2022)
  • Videos:
    • What is Anti-Racism?
    • The difference between being “not racist” and antiracist | Ibram X. Kendi
  • Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) Resources:
    • Educational Guide: Racism and anti-Black racism (PDF)
    • Black History Month Commemoration Guide 2025 (PDF)
    • Educational Guide: Racism and anti-Black racism (PDF)
    • Navigating race in the workplace (PDF)
    • Sustaining the Black Lives Matter movement in the workplace (PDF)
  • LinkedIn Learning Paths:
    • How to Engage Meaningfully in Allyship and Anti-Racism (LinkedIn Learning login required)
    • The importance of speaking up to disrupt racism in the workplace (LinkedIn Learning login required)
    • Supporting Allyship and Anti-Racism at Work (LinkedIn Learning login required)

• Indigenous Student Supports: The Indigenous Student Support and Community Relations department offers a welcoming space with many of the comforts of home. Through the department, Indigenous students can also access Indigenous Liaisons/Advisors, counselling services, the Indigenous Centre, awards and scholarships, Elders-in-Residence, Transition to Employment services, and more. Visit Indigenous Student Support and Community Relations to learn more.
• Truth and Reconciliation: RRC Polytech has actively embedded the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action into everything we do and made Truth and Reconciliation commitment #2 of our Strategic Plan. Visit the Truth and Reconciliation page to learn more.
• 4 Seasons of Reconciliation Training: This training follows Indigenous principles and was formed under the guidance of our Indigenous Advisory Circle and the First Nations University of Canada.
  • Employees: To register for 4 Seasons of Reconciliation Training, go to HUB > HR Unlimited > My Portal > My Learning > Learning Library > More > Look for 4 Seasons of Reconciliation Training > Click Enroll.
  • Students: To register for 4 Seasons of Reconciliation Training, visit RRC Polytech’s Diversity Resources Page.
• Additional Learning Resources:
  • RRC Polytech’s Library and Academic Services Indigenous Resources Collection
  • Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) Resources:
    • CCDI Webinar: Pathways towards truth and reconciliation – Panel conversation
    • CCDI Webinar: Succession planning for Indigenous professionals in Canadian workplaces
    • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day – Commemoration Guide (PDF)
  • Indigenization Guides
  • LinkedIn Learning Paths:
    • Supporting Indigenous Rights (LinkedIn Learning login required)

To learn more about RRC Polytech’s commitment in supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, the following additional links and resources are offered:

• Gender Identity Supports
  • The Spectrum. RRC Polytech is accepting and affirming various gender identities for our students, staff and faculty. The Spectrum is a new RRC Polytech Students’ Association (RRCSA) space for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies. Learn more about The Spectrum.
  • Beyond Pride Month. Our support for and allyship with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community doesn’t stop after June 30. RRC Polytech has an evolving list of resources to foster learning, understanding and allyship. View RRC Polytech’s Pride Resources.
• Employee Working Group
  • Gender and Sexual Diversity Group. Acting as internal advocates for gender and sexual diversity (GSD), the GSD group works to support the priorities of RRC Polytech around equity, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) of GSD. To learn more and get involved, visit the Gender and Sexual Diversity Group on Staff Forum.
• Gender and Sexual Identities: Advancing Understanding and Inclusion Training: All RRC Polytech staff are required to complete the Gender and Sexual Identities: Advancing Understanding and Inclusion upon starting. We encourage everyone to revisit the training regularly to continue learning and growing.
  • Employees: To register for Gender and Sexual Identities Training, go to HUB > HR Unlimited > My Portal > My Learning > Learning Library > More > Look for Gender and Sexual Identities Training > Click Enroll.
  • Students: To register for Gender and Sexual Identities Training, visit RRC Polytech’s Diversity Resources Page
• Additional Resources & Learning Supports:
  • RRC Polytech’s Library and Academic Services Resource Guide on Gender and Sexual Diversity
  • Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) Resources:
    • CCDI Webinar: 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion: Challenges in and strategies for the workplace
    • CCDI Webinar: Gender equity, inclusion, and safety – Panel
  • LinkedIn Learning Paths:
    • The Spectrum of Gender Identity in the Workplace (LinkedIn Learning login required)
  • How to add your Pronouns to Your RRC Polytech Email Signature
  • Why Do You Need a Parade? A Pride Month Presentation
  • Open Educational Resources:
    • Introduction To LGBTQ+ Studies
    • The American LGBTQ Rights Movement: An Introduction
    • LGBTQ+ Healthcare
    • Genderbread Person Teaching Tool
    • How to Use Personal Pronouns in an Inclusive Way

To learn more about RRC Polytech’s commitment to inclusion across various identities and communities, explore the following links and resources:

• RRC Polytech’s Diversity Resources
• Immigrant and International Student Support
• English as an Additional Language Support
• Gender-neutral Washrooms
• Spiritual Supports
• No Wrong Door

• CCDI: Educational and Inclusion Guides (PDF)
• Centennial College: Social Action Cards
• Generative AI in HR Diversity, equity, and inclusion (LinkedIn Learning login required)
• Eliminating Harmful Language (PDF)
  • Content Warning: This website contains language that is offensive or harmful. Please engage with this website at your own pace.
• The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce CODE Initiative Additional Resources