This year’s TRC Week theme is “Colonization Impacts Everyone” and various books and movies tackle the theme and further number one of the 94 calls to “building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.” A call applying to faculty and staff as well in their daily work. 

The Library continues to add Indigenous resources especially as more and more authors publish works as varied as Swampy Cree author David A. Robert’s graphic novel Sugar Falls to Cree scholar Verna Kirkness’s autobiography Creating a Life’s Work. Bringing these voices to the College community during Truth and Reconciliation Week, the Library is having an “Indigenous Voices” book table during the following dates and times: 

• Sept. 25, 1-3pm | Exchange District Campus, Atrium 
• Sept. 28, 11am-2pm | Notre Dame Campus, Library Hallway

Bring your staff/student ID to sign out books and we can recommend more titles from the collection. However, books are not the only formats offered during TRC Week, and the experience of colonization isn’t solely on Turtle Island. 

Featured Titles (And More) 

While the book table will bring a selection of titles, we want to highlight two titles in our collection with more found in the Library’s curated Indigenous Resources Collection.

Decolonizing data: unsettling conversations about social research methods 

(by Jacqueline M. Quinless)

Provides a deeper understanding of the social dimensions of health as applied to Indigenous peoples, who have been historically underfunded and excluded from health services, programs, and quality of care; this has most recently been seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In this together: fifteen stories of truth & reconciliation

(by Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail)

An eye-opening collection of personal essays by Indigenous and non-Indigenous contributors from across Canada. Without flinching, the contributors—including journalists, academics, and artists—each explore their own “aha” moments regarding Canada’s colonial past and present to ask how we can all move forward in a spirit of reconciliation and anti-racism. 

Featured Videos

Both CBC’s Curio.ca and National Film Board offer outstanding videos on Indigenous topics. To view a few hand-selected options, click on an image below. (login with RRC Polytech credentials may be required to view online resources).

Guides to Get You Started

Guides are a great place to start on any topic as they highlight resources hand-selected by Library staff. Of particular interest is our Indigenous Health and Well-Being guide.

VIEW ALL INDIGENOUS EDUCATION GUIDES

Colonization Impacts Everyone: Two Notable Titles

While we continue to focus on Canada, colonization has impacted cultures around the world from borders to languages, with the fallout felt across generations. Countries like Australia and New Zealand have continued their own reconciliation journey with two films exploring the impact of systemic attempts to erase Indigenous Cultures: 

Once Were Warriors 

In a poor suburb of Auckland, Jake and Beth Heke live a life defined by drunken parties, unstable friendships, and confrontations with authorities. Jake, a complex man with a rascal’s charm, is weighted down by a quick temper, alcoholism, and an evil streak of male entitlement. Beth’s beauty has been scarred by broken dreams and Jake’s beefy fists. Yet her inner strength and desire to save her family make her the solid center around which this story of tragedy and hope is constructed.

Rabbit-Proof Fence

In 1931, Molly and her younger cousins, Gracie and Daisy, were three half-caste children from Western Australia who were taken from their parents under government edict and sent to an institution, were taught to forget their families, their culture, and re-invent themselves as members of “white” Australian society. The three girls begin an epic journey back to Western Australia, travelling 1,500 miles on foot with no food or water, and navigating by following the fence that has been build across the nation to stem an over-population of rabbits.

Have a Question or Comment? Connect with the Library!

Connect with a Library staff member through our Ask Us Chat, our Ask a Question form, or visit one of our service desks during regular Library hours. We would love to hear from you!

Written by Fatima DeMelo – Reference Technician

Are You Ready to Elevate Your Writing Skills?

The Academic Success Centre can help with that! This fall, we are offering Building Your Writing Foundation, a series of seven online workshops, each tailored to refine a specific aspect of academic writing.  

Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 12:15-12:45pm, Sept. 13 – Oct. 25, 2023.  Students are welcome to attend any or all of the seven sessions. No registration is required! 

Building Your Writing Foundation Workshop Schedule

Workshop 1: Writing Professional Emails

What does a professional email look like? When should I send one? 

Date: September 13, 2023 12:15-12:45pm

Description: Join this workshop to learn all about professional emails: when to send them, what they look like and sound like, how to structure them, and how to write with a professional tone.

Workshop 2: Claim and Evidence

How do I support a claim? What even is a claim? 

Date: September 20, 2023 12:15-12:45pm

Description: Join this workshop to learn what a claim is, how to strengthen your claims with reasons, and how to back them up with evidence. Learn how to provide evidence with both personal experience and research.

Workshop 3: Reflective Writing

What does it mean to reflect? How can I write about what I’ve learned?

Date: September 27, 2023 12:15-12:45pm 

Join this workshop to learn what reflective writing is and how to spot a reflective writing assignment. Learn a reflective writing structure you can use in your assignments and see it in action with a discussion board post example.

Workshop 4: Paragraph Structure

How should I organize my ideas in a paragraph? 

Date: October 4, 2023 12:15-12:45pm 

Description: Join this workshop to learn how to organize big ideas and details into a clear paragraph. The paragraph structure you will learn can be applied to all types of academic writing assignments, including summaries, reflections, discussion posts, essays, reports, and more.

Workshop 5: Summarizing

How can I reduce a text to only the main idea?

Date: October 11, 2023 12:15-12:45pm

Description: Join this workshop to learn what summaries should and should not include. Learn how to write a summary that accurately expresses the main idea of a text.

Workshop 6: Paraphrasing

How do I use other writers’ ideas in my writing? 

Date: October 18, 2023 12:15-12:45pm

Description: Join this workshop to learn how to write another person’s ideas in your own words and how to incorporate into your writing. Learn a five-step process to paraphrase effectively. 

Workshop 7: APA Citations and Formatting

What is APA citation style? Where can I find information to use APA accurately? 

Date: October 25, 2023 12:15-12:45pm 

Description: Join this workshop to learn the basics of why and how the APA citation style is used in many academic assignments. Then, learn how to use online resources to become confident in creating in-text citations and references in the APA 7th edition citation style.

Visit Our Webpage!

Visit the Building Your Writing Foundation webpage for login information and more!

Content submitted by Meg Loewen, Academic Support Specialist – Academic Success Centre

There has never been a better time to start using your Library!  With a variety of useful resources and services offered at both the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses, as well as through our website, your Library is here to help you succeed!  

1. USE THE LIBRARY 

Coming to the library is as easy as walking through the door! Once inside, you are free to browse the collection of print materials, use our computers for printing, ask questions, or simply find a space to study and work on assignments.  

We strive to make the Library an inclusive, welcoming, and safe space, where you can feel comfortable working toward your academic goals! So, come in, say “hello” to our friendly staff, and start using the space today. We’ll be happy to see you!  

Learn more >> Use the Library

2. ASK QUESTIONS 

If you have a question, we encourage you to ask the Library staff for help! You can do this by approaching the service desk and asking them directly, or you can also ask a question through our Ask Us Chat.

To use the chat, simply click on the Ask Us Bubble on the Library website. This will connect you with our Library chatbot, which uses self-led prompts to answer a variety of common questions. If you have a more detailed question, you can also choose the option to connect with a Library staff member over live chat, and they will be happy to help!  

Learn more >> Library and Academic Services website

3. GET ASSIGNMENT HELP

If you are starting an assignment and need help finding research on a particular topic, or if you just want to learn how to search more effectively on your own, Library staff can help with that!  

They will go step-by-step through the search process with you, ensuring you find the best resources to satisfy the requirements of your assignment. On top of that, they will also help you to improve your search skills for future assignments by showing you how to search more effectively. 

Learn more >> Research & Write

4. BOOK A TUTOR 

If you are struggling with a particular course, or if you just want to learn the skills needed to be a better student, the Academic Success Centre (ASC) is a great resource within the Library to check out!  

The ASC offers tutoring services for a variety of courses and topics, as well as drop-in workshops and exam prep sessions! You can sign up for tutoring online, or you can come in and speak with a tutor who will help you find the tutoring solution for your particular needs!  

Learn more >> Tutoring Services

5. BROWSE THE COLLECTION 

If you would like to borrow something from our collection, there are a couple of ways to go about it. You can browse the shelves on your own, or, if you are looking for something specific, you can search online through our website. Searching through OneSearch, or through a specific database, allows you to filter your search results according to a variety of parameters, ensuring you find the best and most relevant resources available!  

In addition to an extensive and varied collection of print resources — which includes books, magazines, and DVDs — students have free online access to thousands of electronic resources, such as ebooks, academic journal articles, and industry manuals.  

Learn more >> Browse & Borrow

6. BORROW EQUIPMENT 

Finally, we also lend out equipment at both Library locations! This includes everything from phone chargers and various types of cables and adaptors to larger equipment such as cameras and tripods, speakers, microphones, projectors, and even laptops!  

In the modern college, a laptop is an essential piece of equipment to own. However, if you are waiting for your laptop to be repaired or for funding to come in for you to purchase a new one, the Library can help you get through that time! We lend out laptops for up to a month. To see the complete inventory of equipment items and their availability, check out the website! 

Learn more >> Equipment

Written by Dylan MacDougall, Reference Technician – Library and Academic Services

Hosted by the Academic Success Centre, students are invited to join the weekly English Conversation Circle to strengthen speaking skills and build connections and confidence through communication practice.

Schedule

No registration is required, just drop in and join the conversation! Sessions will run for 12 weeks, starting the week of September 5th.

Content

Conversational Speaking Skills

Each week, the English Conversation Circle will practice different conversational speaking skills, including:

• Starting a Conversation
• Closing a Conversation
• Interrupting
• Resuming after an interruption
• Giving opinions
• Asking personal questions
• Keeping the Conversation Going
• Checking Comprehension

Topics of Interest

Conversation skills will be practiced around topics of interest to the group, including:

• Family & Friends
• Seasonal activities
• Cultural practices
• Getting to know one another
• Getting to know Winnipeg

To learn more, contact ealsupport@rrc.ca, or join our first sessions to participate! 

Submitted by the Academic Success Centre’s English Language Centre

When we learn, we change

Think back to something you learned with little effort (sport, skill, language, instrument, coding, math concept). What factors, behaviours, and practices led to this learning? Which tools did you leverage for your skill development? What barriers did you overcome?   

One thing we know is when we learn something, we change. We change at the level of knowledge, skill, attitude, and/or behaviour. And we learn through practice and experience.  

Thinking about this process of learning, how do  certain things impact learning (for the good or for the bad)?   

Four areas that impact learning

The Academic Success Centre (ASC) is excited to deliver four online workshops aimed to shed light on significant areas that impact learning. Our hope is that through our Understanding How You Learn Workshop Series students will build lasting awareness of these four areas, and use strategies around them as they move through college successfully.  

1. Your Brain & Learning 

When we learn, important changes take place in our brain, including the building of new connections between neurons. The more we practice you something – that math concept or instrument we talked about above – the stronger the connections in our brain become. This workshop will dive deeper into how the brain learns best and what it needs to maximize learning potential. Our hope is you will walk away with actionable tools for optimal brain health.  

2. Critical Thinking & Learning

Critical thinking is the intentional pairing of judgement with knowledge. It is a thought process that requires looking “one step deeper” than the facts. In college, you may be asked to think critically about information in order to connect ideas, pinpoint the importance and relevance of arguments and ideas, recognize, build and evaluate arguments, among other things   

When we think critically about new information or a deep thinking task you gather information, separate feelings from facts, look at the bigger picture and decide what you think.  This systemic approach is useful for learning new information and completing tasks in a thoughtful way.   

3. Stress & Learning

Everyone has stress – it’s part of the human experience! But when does stress become unhelpful and what can we do about it? Join this workshop to learn about what’s going on in the stressed-out brain; how stress can impact your ability to learn and recall knowledge; and how to manage unhelpful stress! 

4. Procrastination & Learning

Many of us delay doing something we need to do – but don’t want to do. Instead, we choose to spend our time on more pleasant or interesting things. This is normal behaviour. But, why is it normal? When we put off a task that we have to do – we still have to do it – and now with shortened time and increased anxiety (and of course the addition of other tasks). The consequences of procrastination in college should not be ignored. Perhaps the best approach though is to overindex the benefits of overcoming procrastination. The first step in this approach is to manage negative feelings which lead to procrastination. The second step is to shift habits and behaviours (focus on the next action, understand that mood follows action, and place obstacles in front of procrastination temptations).   

Schedule at a glance

We invite students to join our workshop series this Sept. Come see all you can learn about learning in 30 minutes!    

Link to join

To join, simply click on the following link at the scheduled date and time >>  WebEx Link to Join Workshops

Series webpage

Bookmark the series webpage and join from there >> Understanding How You Learn Workshop Series  

Submitted by Dayna Graham – Student Case Manager and Faculty Liason, Academic Success Centre

The RRC Polytech Library is here to help with any of your questions, big or small. We offer two ways to connect: in-person or online.

In-person

When on campus, visit our Service Desk at the following locations:

Notre Dame Campus
CM18 – 2055 Notre Dame Avenue

Exchange District Campus
P214 – 160 Princess Street

Online

When off-campus, visit the Library and Academic Services’ website and click on the “Ask Us” bubble. You will go through some self-led prompts that offer responses to our most common questions.

Alternatively, you can skip the questions and select ‘Live Chat’ to connect with a Library staff member during our open hours or submit an email question after hours.

Written by Meagan Acquisto and Christina Janzen – Reference Technicians

The Library at RRC Polytech has an abundance of resources to help you with your studies, research, and even pastimes. Over the next few weeks, we will highlight some of the fantastic databases that you have access to.

What are databases?

So, databases. What are they? How are they useful to me? And why are there so many? The databases we subscribe to are specifically chosen to align with the college’s programs, initiatives, and individual courses that are offered to our students. Each database has specific information on areas of interest to help with your studies. Some databases are specifically ebooks, some are journals on the latest information in the field, and some are entirely composed of videos.

To optimize the availability of information, there are several databases we subscribe to. The great thing about this is that you simply choose one database and search for what you need as opposed to having too many results about irrelevant topics.

Each database has different tricks and tips to make sure you’re able to search for the right information. They’re not all set up the same and each will have its own set of rules to make sure you’re getting the most out of it.

Let’s explore one of our newest editions to the database collection.

Knovel: Aerospace and Radar Technology

You may have already used or heard of the Knovel database. Knovel is a database of ebooks covering many aspects of the engineering field. Not only does it provide valuable information, but it also has interactive equations, unit converters, and other handy tools for engineering work. Within the Knovel database, we subscribe to different collections. The newest one is Aerospace and Radar Technology. Knovel is intended to be used by professionals and students alike and so a mobile app was created. Having the app on a mobile device offers quick access to the information.

Since there are a variety of collections available through Knovel, check out some tips below for searching this specific collection.

When you first open the Aerospace collection, you’ll notice that there are hundreds of references and equations. Like the previously covered Alexander Street database, RRC Polytechnic has only subscribed to certain portions. To make sure that you’re getting accessible information, click the “My Subscription” tab.

Once you’ve clicked the correct tab, you’ll notice that there are fewer sources you’ll need to comb through.

Like any database, you are able to filter and use search terms. As you type your search terms, the results will automatically start to filter through.

When you have found a book or manual you’re interested in viewing, simply click on the link and the eBook will show up. Once you’re in, more filtering options are available such as searching within the reference text. It’s best to be specific as you may get hundreds of results.  

One of Knovel’s handiest features is “add notes.” By clicking this, you are able to add additional information such as a study note or a read-later note. However, in order to access this feature you will need to make an account with your RRC Polytech email address. It’s very easy to do and this way, your added information has a place to be stored.

You also have the option to save the reference material or the chapter you’re browsing to either your account or your mobile device.

By clicking “My Knovel” on the left, you’re also able to see what other items have been saved for further reading or access, recent searches, and recent views. You can also look at your specific saves under “My folder.”

As you can see, Knovel has a lot of great capabilities for you to access Aerospace and Radar Technology’s content. You have the option to filter inside of materials, add your own notes, save chapters, and easily pick up where you left off. A perfect tool for students and professionals needing quick access to information.

Stay tuned for more of “Know Your Resources!”

Keep an eye out for the next installment of Know Your Resources! where we will continue to explore all the great resources the Library has to offer. If you have any questions on how to access or navigate something come and visit us in the Library or send us a message through our Ask Us Chat — we’d love to assist you.

The previous edition of Know Your Resources! is available here >> Part 2: Alexander Street Nursing Video Collections

Written by Justine Hawley – Library Resource Management Technician

Part of a series introducing the multi-faceted Assessment Services team.

The External Exams subunit of Assessment Services coordinates, hosts, and invigilates certification exams, regulatory exams, business exams, and provides services to students studying at other educational institutions and business organizations across Canada and internationally.

Our external exams specialist is Susan Kleppe, who has worked at the College for 20 years in this area, when it was under the auspices of School of Continuing Education. Since seamlessly integrating into the wider Assessment Services unit, Susan has become a deeply valued member of the new, amalgamated unit at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae.

Other posts in the series

• Exam Accommodations: Removing Disability-Related Obstacles to Performance
• Assessment Services: Who We Are

Submitted by Piers Smettem, Assessment Specialist

Note: This post was previously published on May 26, 2022, and has been updated for the current year.

Pride is a celebration of confidence, self-respect, and solidarity as expressed by 2SLGBTQIA+ people, associated with openness about one’s own sexual and/or gender identity, and the celebration of Queer culture and history. It is also a protest in support of human rights and equality for all those who express sexual and gender diversity. This protest demands political, industry, health care, and community leaders address the human rights concerns of the Queer community and move toward positive and informed change.

Encouraging allyship is important for everyone and helps to make the world a more inclusive and affirming place.  We encourage you to activate your allyship by exploring queer resources, data, and history. Library Guides are subject and database-specific curated collections of library and external resources, that provide instruction, and “jumping off points” for unlocking your full capacity to find well-sourced and high-quality resources and information.

Below we have highlighted Guides that support learning about gender and sexual diversity. Learning is an important part of allyship. The impact of 2SLGBTQIA+ -specific allyship also extends beyond benefiting Queer identities by decreasing the likelihood of implicit and explicit bias, and removing barriers to true inclusion.

Why Diversity Matters

When talking about the complexities of cultural identities, we sometimes focus on ethnicity, language, or religion. However, gender and sexual diversity also play a key role in our identities and day-to-day lives. As part of our efforts to foster respect and inclusion, we need to recognize our cultural biases or assumptions, regarding expectations of gender roles/expressions. Rather than either/or, gender and sexual identities are unique, fluid, and complex.

Featured Guide:

>> Intercultural Competence & Diversity – Gender and Sexual Diversity

Why Health and Well-Being Matters

Sexual health can be a challenging issue to discuss in the clinical context. Studies have reported that some healthcare providers may face barriers to discussing sexual health with their 2SLGBTQIA+ patients, including a lack of knowledge of same-sex sexual practices.

“Although 2SLGBTQIA+  people are as diverse as the general Canadian population in their experiences of mental health and well-being, they face higher risks for some mental health issues due to the effects of discrimination and the social determinants of health.”[i]

Featured Guides:

>> Gender Studies for Health Professionals 

>> Indigenous Health & Well-Being, Two-Spirit Resources

>> Sexual Violence Awareness – Education, Prevention and Supports – 2SLGBTQIA+ Perspectives

Why Statistics Matter

Statistics around gender and sexual diversity help us gain a better understanding of the Queer experience and help researchers, advocates, and the Queer community use data to illustrate the concerns of 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Statistics can also be used to track the impact of policy changes that affect 2SLGBTQIA+ people as a whole, or within more specific identity groups. This helps ensure data-informed decisions are made when advocating for positive change or advocating against changes that will negatively impact the needs of gender and sexually-diverse people. Statistics are a powerful lens through which we can view the Queer experience and community.

Queer statistics are often in short supply.  “…Canada made history by becoming the first country in the world to provide census data on transgender and non-binary people! This type of data is so important not only because it allows all Canadians to see themselves in national statistics, but also because it helps to fill a long-standing information gap on gender diversity.”

Featured Guides:

>> Health Indicators & Health-based Statistics (See “Looking for Specific Populations”)

>> Statistics Canada See (“Looking for Specific Populations”)

You’re Invited! Join RRC Polytech in the Pride Parade

The Pride Parade is coming up on Sunday, June 4, 2023!

Everyone in the College community is invited and encouraged to bring friends, family, and pets downtown for a few hours to celebrate inclusivity and share the love, as we show off our support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

On behalf of Library and Academic Services, we wish everyone a safe and happy Pride! We remain dedicated to providing a respectful atmosphere that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable to our students, staff, and external partners. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths and our goal is to provide a barrier-free environment for individuals to succeed in their academic, employment, and research goals.

Written by Ebony Novakowski, Copyright Officer; edited by Linda Fox, Program Support and Promotion

[i] “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans & Queer identified People and Mental Health”, Canadian Mental Health Association, https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/lesbian-gay-bisexual-trans-queer-identified-people-and-mental-health/

[ii] “Representation is an essential part of treating everyone with dignity and equality (SDG 10)”, Colleges and Institutes Canada, last modified May 16th 2022, Perspectives, May 16 (collegesinstitutes.ca)

A Book Tasting in Honour of Indigenous Heritage Month

You are invited to drop in, sample, and “take out” (sign out) a book with your staff or student ID at the upcoming book tasting in the Library. Our menu will feature a selection of works by Indigenous authors in honour of Indigenous Heritage Month.

When and where?

Exchange District Campus Library

Monday, June 12
11:30am-1:30pm

Notre Dame Campus Library

Monday, June 19
11:30am-1:30pm

Photo Gallery

Exchange District Campus Library – June 12, 2023

Notre Dame Campus Library – June 19, 2023

Sneak Preview: A Book Sampling by Category

The menu will feature five genres of books, such as the sampling you see below. Click on the book covers for more information about each title.

Memoir and Biography

Red River girl : the life and death of Tina Fontaine
Jolly, Joanna, author.
2019

My privilege, my responsibility : a memoir
North, Sheila, author.
2021

Nothing will be different : a memoir
McGowan-Ross, Tara, 1992- author.
2021

Children and Youth

The trail of Nenaboozhoo and other creation stories
Bomgiizhik, 1975- author, illustrator. ; Belcourt, Christi, illustrator, editor.
2020

I sang you down from the stars
Spillett-Sumner, Tasha, 1988- author. ; Goade, Michaela, illustrator.
2021

Fry bread : a Native American family story
Maillard, Kevin Noble, author. ; Martinez-Neal, Juana, illustrator.

Culinary Arts

A feast for all seasons : traditional native people’s cuisine
George, Andrew, Jr., 1963- author. ; Gairns, Robert, author.
2010

Cooking with the Wolfman : Indigenous fusion
Wolfman, David, author.
2017

Tawaẃ : progressive Indigenous cuisine
Chartrand, Shane, author.
2019

Ebooks

Reclaiming Tom Longboat : indigenous self-determination in Canadian sport
Forsyth, Janice, author.
2020

Blue Bear Woman
Bordeleau, Virginia Pesemapeo
2019

Bones
Pennock, Tyler
2020

A two-spirit journey : the autobiography of a lesbian Ojibwa-Cree elder
Chacaby, Ma-Nee, author. ; Plummer, Mary Louisa, author.
2016

Literature

Kisiskâciwan : Indigenous voices from where the river flows swiftly
Archibald-Barber, Jesse Rae, 1972- editor.
2018

Five little Indians
Good, Michelle, author.
2020

Tainna = The unseen ones : short stories
Dunning, Norma, author.
2021

Daughters of the deer
Daniel, Danielle, author.
2022

Non-Fiction

Braiding sweetgrass : Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Kimmerer, Robin Wall, author.
2013

Indian in the cabinet : speaking truth to power
Wilson-Raybould, Jody, 1971-, author.
2021

Returning to ceremony : spirituality in Manitoba Métis communities
Fiola, Chantal, 1982- author.
2021

Black Water : family, legacy and blood memory
Robertson, David, 1977-, author.
2020

Hope to see you there! If you have any questions or feedback for the Library, come and visit us in person or send us a message through our Ask Us Chat — we’d love to hear from you.

Written by Linda Fox – Library Technician, Program Support and Promotion