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!

Access the full list of self-guided resources, here. (Scroll to the bottom of the 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.

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.

RRC Polytech’s second annual Inclusion Week is February 26 to March 1, 2024! The week-long event is filled with in-person and virtual opportunities for students, staff and faculty to learn how to embody equity, diversity, and inclusion at work, in class, and in our personal lives.

We strive to host accessible events. If you require an accommodation, please email diversity@rrc.ca.

Diversity counts on our campuses. At RRC Polytech, we are committed to pursuing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in everything we do – and to do this, we need to know who’s here at the College. By completing the Student and Employee Diversity Self-Identification Survey, you will help us assess our current EDI initiatives, programs and policies and help us make meaningful progress in our shared priorities

Schedule of Events

Monday, February 26

Queer Voices, Inclusive Choices: Transforming Academic Spaces
Keynote with Dr. Robert Mizzi
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | In-person and virtual
Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae

Inclusion Week is an opportunity to celebrate and promote everyday inclusion in all its forms at RRC Polytech and to support our commitment to pursue equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in everything that we do.

This opening event will kick off with opening remarks from Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic, followed by a keynote presentation from Dr. Robert Mizzi. Dr. Mizzi will speak on inclusion strategies, respectful work and learning spaces, and affirming and amplifying queer identities and knowledge.

Light Refreshments will be provided for in-person attendees. Space is limited so be sure to register early.

register

Dr. Robert Mizzi is the Canada Research Chair in Queer, Community and Diversity Education and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba.

Dr. Mizzi is a member of the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame and the Royal Society of Canada.

He has produced over 200 publications and presentations. His most recent book is Queer Studies and Education: An International Reader (Oxford University Press, 2023).

Tuesday, February 27

Read&Write – A Literacy Support Toolbar Now Available at RRC Polytech
With Erica Ament
10:00 to 11:00 a.m. | Virtual via MS Teams

Join Erica Ament, Assistive Technologist with RRC Polytech, to explore an exciting new software available for all staff and students to use. Read&Write has digital tools with supports for reading, writing, notetaking, studying, comprehension, translation, and more! Learn how Read&Write reads digital text aloud, highlights information and collects your highlights, provides definitions, creates vocabulary lists, and translates text! Plus, these amazing supports are available for both your desktop, and web content! …and did we mention Read&Write is free?! You get all the above supports, and more, in a very user-friendly package, for the low cost of, free!

register

Please note that this session will be recorded.

About the Presenter
Erica Ament has been with the College for five 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.

Wednesday, February 28

The Inclusive Library: From Searches to Collections
Presented by Library and Academic Services
Facilitated by Fatima DeMelo
10:00 to 11:00 a.m. | Virtual through MS Teams

While the library as an inclusive, physical space facilitates discussions relating to inclusion and libraries, factors like resource collection and changing keywords also play a role in silently fostering or limiting inclusion. In this session, participants will learn about inclusive searching of library resources and how access to information, in order to counter ignorance and foster allyship.

Outcomes/Key Takeaways:

• Recognize libraries are part of a larger discussion of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
• Describe RRC Polytech’s library’s evolution as a more inclusive library to include staff development, curated collections through our LibGuides, and indigenous subject headings.

register

About the Presenter
Fatima DeMelo has worked for the RRC Polytech library for 13 years and currently works as a Reference Technician doing everything from troubleshooting printers to answering student questions on chat or in person. When not on campus, she enjoys reading and goes from yoga namaste to boxing knock-out at the gym when not taking walks. 

Finding your voice and advocating for change
With Isha Khan
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | In-person and virtual
Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae

In this featured speaker presentation, Isha Khan, CEO, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, will talk about finding our voice and advocating for change. This presentation will provide ideas and strategies for students and staff to create an inclusive work and learning environment. A question-and-answer period will be available at the end of the session.

Light refreshments will be provided for in-person attendees. Space is limited so be sure to register early!

register

About the Presenter
Isha Khan (she/her) is a lawyer, educator and community leader dedicated to building a culture of human rights in Canada and beyond. She has led the Canadian Museum for Human Rights as its CEO since August 2020.  

Isha holds degrees from the University of Manitoba and the University of Victoria. She worked in private practice as a lawyer in Calgary before returning to Winnipeg to lead institutional development and change management at United Way Winnipeg. She served at the Manitoba Human Rights Commission, first as legal counsel and then as Executive Director. Before assuming her role at the Museum, she was appointed by the Government of Canada to review the conditions of incarcerated people in segregation in federal penitentiaries.  

In addition to her professional accomplishments, she is a dedicated community volunteer who currently sits on the board of the Main Street Project and the executive committee of the International Network of Museums for Peace. She is also a past Board Chair of United Way Winnipeg. 

Throughout her life, Khan has helped build communities where everyone is respected and empowered to reach their full potential. She continues that work at the Museum, engaging people around the world in a growing movement for hope and human rights. 

Yoga with Holly
12:10 to 12:50 p.m. | In-person and virtual

Holly Pluchinski guides participants to stretch, breathe and feel good. Suitable for all levels; mats are provided for in-person session.

register – in-person

register – virtual

In-person yoga takes place in GM33, near the North Gym, NDC. Virtual registration includes access to the recording for one week post-class.

About Holly
Holly Pluchinski is a 400-hour registered yoga teacher who has been teaching since 2016. She believes that yoga can be both a tool for introspective growth and also fun which is why oftentimes there’s laughter in her classes. Holly’s yoga classes are often designed to embrace the brain to body connection through classic yoga poses and a focus on functional movements.

Thursday, February 29

Drag Storytime with Miss Gender
12:00 to 1:00 p.m. | In-person
NDC Library (CM18)

Join us for a dynamic reading of a storybook by local Drag Queen, Miss Gender. Modeled after similar events, the aim is to inspire a love of reading, while teaching deeper lessons on diversity, self-love and an appreciation of others. Following the reading, participants will have an opportunity for a Q&A with Miss Gender.

Drop-in; registration is not required.

About the Presenter

Miss Assuma Gender (she/her) is a funky, crafty, and weird little drag queen from Treaty 1. She’s the current reigning Mx. Queer Winnipeg, a member of the Sunshine Bunch, and has performed all across Manitoba with her friends. Assuma has been performing in drag for the last four years, bringing theatre, camp, and stories about her queer journey to every event. She’s always excited to talk, to sing, to listen, and to learn.

Intro to Basic American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture
With Cheryle Broszeit and Kyra Zimmer
2:00 to 3:00 p.m. | In-person
Prairie Lights, NDC

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.

register

About the Presenters

Cheryle Broszeit is an instructor in the ASL-English Interpretation Program and is currently also teaching ASL classes for beginners through RRC Polytech’s Continuing Education Department. Cheryle has been teaching at the college for 24 years. Cheryle, who is Deaf, comes from a large Deaf family and an active member of the Winnipeg Deaf Community. Cheryle is also an avid photographer, and nature lover who loves to travel.

Kyra Zimmer is an instructor in the ASL-English Interpretation Program and is currently also teaching ASL classes for beginners through RRC Polytech’s Continuing Education Department. Kyra has been teaching at the college for 25 years. Kyra, who is Deaf, comes from a large Deaf family and an active member of the Winnipeg Deaf Community. In her free time Kyra can be found spending time with her family, reading and swimming.

Friday, March 1

Lateral Violence to Lateral Kindness
With Tanya Clarke-Marinelli
8:30 to 9:30 a.m. | In-person and virtual
Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, EDC

The session will adapt a decolonized approach to lateral violence in the workplace by describing the essential characteristics of lateral violence, examining why we engage in lateral violence, exploring how lateral violence has affected individuals, redirecting lateral violence to lateral kindness and identifying specific lateral kindness behaviours that can be incorporated within our workplace, families, schools, and communities. There will be time for question and answers at the end of the session.

Light refreshments will be provided for in-person attendees. Space is limited so be sure to register early!

Register

This session will be recorded for future viewing.

About the Presenter
Tanya Clarke-Marinelli is a proud First Nations woman from Hollow Water First Nation and the founder of TC Training Services. She served three years on the Board of Directors with the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce and serves as Vice President with Neemu-Egwah Inc.

Supportive Employment Information Session (for Staff and Faculty)
With Joy Gilpin
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | In-person
Prairie Lights, NDC

This interactive and engaging session will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn more about RRC Polytech’s Supportive Employment Program. The session will cover:

• An overview of supportive employment, the supportive employment process and the roles and responsibilities of those involved;
• Information on general practices around requesting and providing medical documentation;
• An overview of the workplace accommodation process; and,
• Where employees can learn more information and/or access additional supports and resources

Please note that this session is open to faculty and staff members only.

register

About the Presenter

Joy Gilpin, Supportive Employment Consultant
Joy began her career in disability management after graduating from the Human Resource Management program at the University of Winnipeg and then graduating from the Disability Management Studies program at Dalhousie University. She subsequently obtained a Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) designation from the National Institute of Disability and Research (NIDMAR), making her uniquely qualified as a subject matter expert in the field of disability management. Joy has worked in a variety of disability management and safety roles in both private and public sectors and possesses a strong management skillset as a result of this combination of formal education and diverse work experience.

Pow Wow Teaching with Ray (Coco) Stevenson
1:00 to 2:00 p.m. | In-person
Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, EDC

If you have ever been to a powwow then you know what powwow songs sound like; the steady drum beat and vocals that accompany the various dances: jingle, fancy, shawl, traditional, and grass dance. But while it may seem like they all sound the same, there are many different types and songs for all occasions, from those sung to honour someone — like veterans’ songs — or those sung only in ceremony, like the Sundance. 

register

About the Presenter
Walking wolf Ray “Coco” Stevenson comes from Treaty 1 Territory with both Ojibway and Cree background. Home for Ray is Winnipeg, where he was born and raised. 

Coco is a traditional singer, drummer and a composer of traditional singing and well known for his roles within the Pow Wow community. He was first introduced to drumming and ceremonies over thirty years ago. His journey as an Indigenous artist started after that first introduction. Over the years he has recorded seven original albums of his own composed songs. 

Self-Guided Resources

RRC Polytech’s second annual Inclusion Week is coming up, February 26 to March 1, 2024! The week-long event is filled with in-person and virtual opportunities for students, staff and faculty to learn how to embody equity, diversity, and inclusion at work, in class, and in our personal lives.

We are excited to announce the Inclusion Week keynote speaker, Dr. Robert Mizzi, who will be presenting a session entitled Queer Voices, Inclusive Choices: Transforming Academic Spaces.

Dr. Robert Mizzi is the Canada Research Chair in Queer, Community and Diversity Education and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba.

Dr. Mizzi is a member of the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame and the Royal Society of Canada.

He has produced over 200 publications and presentations. His most recent book is Queer Studies and Education: An International Reader (Oxford University Press, 2023).

Stay tuned to the Diversity blog and Staff/Student News for the full Inclusion Week schedule of events.

Signed up to volunteer for Inclusion Week? The Planning Committee is currently finalizing the programming and will be reaching out with volunteer opportunities in the coming weeks.

This year marks 75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The United Nations General Assembly created the UDHR to establish that every human being is treated as an individual and has inalienable rights.

The UDHR is a legal document listing the rights everyone is entitled to. This means all humans have the same rights regardless of religion, language, gender, race, colour, social opinion, property, or status.

Did you know, the UDHR is written in over 500 languages and is the world’s most translated document? It was proclaimed in Paris, 1948 and continues to be known as groundbreaking and a global pledge.

The theme for Human Rights Day 2023 is Freedom, Equality and Justice for All.

RRC Polytech is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion on every campus. The College is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all staff, faculty, and students. You can read more about your human rights at the RRC Polytech library and visit the book display in the library hallway for recommended reading.

Local Human Rights Day events:

RRC Polytech instructor and knowledge keeper Marilyn Dykstra is facilitating a workshop tomorrow (Saturday, December 9) at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) called Opikinawasowin – The process of lifting children and growing sacredness. In this free workshop, which runs from 11a.m. to 2p.m., participants will discover and reflect on their connections with each other, with balance and with human rights through teachings and a traditional tea. Registration is required

The CMHR is also offering free admission on December 10. You can visit the museum’s galleries to learn more about our human rights and take part in activities for visitors of all ages.

TED TALKS:

Access, Equity and Justice: A World Where Women’s Rights are Human Rights (Emilie Songolo)

Stand Up: How You Can Be A Human Rights Warrior (John Shattuck)

PODCASTS:

Justice Matters Podcast

Rights Back at You

The Rights Track

The following message may trigger powerful emotions, especially for those with lived experience of victimization and violence. It is recommended that you read the message when you feel safe and supported. Resources are available, including REES (Respect Educate Empower Survivors), a community for survivors, a 24-7 Crisis Line, and additional support services for those affected by gender-based violence.

Today, December 6, RRC Polytech recognizes the National Day for Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Our flags are lowered at half-mast, and we ask that the College community observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. in the classroom, your workspace or at home.

December 6, 1989, 14 women, mostly students, who were studying in the field of engineering at Montreal’s École Polytechnique were killed at the hands of violent misogyny. Another 14 women were left injured and many more people were deeply traumatized by witnessing the horrific tragedy.

Today, we remember: Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewic.

All these women were denied the bright futures ahead of them. Several women were mere days away from completing the final course of their program, with jobs and travel plans lined up, ready to make great contributions to our society.

December 6is a painful reminder that such heinous violence is not merely something of the distant past. Women and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community continue to be victimized and targeted by gender-based violence, globally, nationally and within our province.

Recently within Manitoba, we have heard the difficult details of the murder of Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit peoples. Over the last 30 years, there have been over 1,400 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S) in Canada, and the loss of these lives is a stark reminder of this ongoing endemic issue.

Any life lost is a tragedy. Those lost could be our colleagues, mothers, daughters, sisters or aunts.

While today is somber a time, a moment to grieve the futures that were robbed of the 14 women – and all those we’ve lost due to gender-based violence – it’s also a time to foster hope. Together, we can take action and foster hope for a better future for women and girls, and remind ourselves of the deeply important “why” behind our shared commitment to embedding equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.

It’s up to us as a College community to create safer, inclusive spaces where no matter what someone’s gender expression is, they can show up as their authentic selves, pursue their chosen education and future, and succeed along the journey.

I invite you to join the College community in commemorating those we’ve lost and fostering hope for a better future free of gender-based violence. There are several ways you can show your support for the elimination of violence against women:

• Observe a moment of silence today at 11:00 a.m.
  
  
• Wear a white ribbon to symbolize your pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls.
  • Ribbons are available at the Student Association offices, Security Services (NDC and PGI), Campus Stores, Parking Office (NDC), and they have been sent to Regional Campuses.
    
    
• Attend Women and Gender Equity Manitoba’s vigil this evening at 5:30 p.m. at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae.
  • The event will also be livestreamed via youtube.com/ManitobaGovernment
    
    
• Learn more about gender-based violence and supports available.
  
  
• Today and throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence (from November 25 to December 10), add your voice to the conversation and share the ways you are being part of the solution to end gender-based violence. Use the hashtag #16Days.​​​​​​​

Today is an incredibly difficult time for many. Take good care of yourselves, and if you’re able to, take care of those around you. If you need someone to talk to, RRC Polytech staff have access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program through Homewood Health. Supports are available for students through Campus Well-Being.

World AIDS Day is observed on December 1 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care around the world. First established in 1988 by James Bunn and Thomas Netter, the theme of World AIDS Day 2023 is “Let communities lead” and serves as an opportunity for communities worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for those living with HIV, and commemorate those who have passed away from HIV-related illnesses. It is also a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of the disease. HIV targets the body’s white blood cells, weakening the immune system and reducing natural resistance to other diseases. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most important global public health issues in history.

Please visit the World Health Organization (WHO)’s fact page to read detailed information about the transmission and prevention of HIV.

There is no cure for HIV infection. However, with access to effective HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, it has become a manageable chronic health condition enabling people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives. It is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) using drugs to stop the virus from replicating in the body, allowing a person’s immune system to get stronger. This helps them to fight other infections, but currently ART must be administered every day for the rest of a person’s life to be effective.

Knowledge is a powerful tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS so promoting understanding and empathy empowers us to protect ourselves, to challenge misconceptions and to become advocates for change. World AIDS Day is a rallying cry for all people to commit to working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat.

RRC Polytech’s Gender and Sexual Diversity (GSD) working group is hosting a presentation about HIV prevention and safety with guest speaker Shauna Fay from Nine Circles Community Health Centre at 11:30 a.m. on December 1^st. All staff and students are welcome to attend, pick up some information pamphlets, enjoy light refreshments and have a chance to win some prizes. Join us in person at The Cave on the Notre Dame Campus or register to join online.

Additional Resources:

Manitoba Health

Manitoba Care Pathway

Manitoba HIV Program

Nine Circles Community Health Centre

Sisters of Fire

World AIDS Day.org

APTN story on spiking HIV rates among Indigenous People

The Bicycle : Fighting AIDS with Community Medicine (video)