Potential learners who self-declare as First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Métis or Inuit are now eligible for free application to any RRC Polytech program.

“We know improving access for Indigenous learners and for students from different backgrounds requires multiple forms of support,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice-President Academic.

“Waiving the application fee and working directly with Indigenous students and the communities that support them allows us to remove a financial barrier that is faced when individuals begin to think about joining RRC Polytech as a student. This is one step in alleviating additional barriers they may face in their journey from applying to attending.”

The initiative reduces a financial barrier for Indigenous learners and follows two month-long pilot campaigns in 2024 and 2025 that drew more than 400 and 700 applications, respectively.

These results demonstrated the demand for more accessible application pathways, contributing to the decision to make the initiative permanent. Laureen Janzen, Director of Student Support Services, said many Indigenous applicants shared that the initiative helped them feel welcome at RRC Polytech.

“One person said they felt like they won the lottery,” says Janzen. “By making this a year-round initiative, Indigenous applicants can now also take their time to consider program fit, meet with some of our support services on campus and really understand the programs and the admission requirements.”

RRC Polytech recognizes that financial barriers are only one of several challenges some Indigenous learners may face when considering post-secondary. Potential learners can connect with an Indigenous Academic Advisor to help navigate the transition to post-secondary.

Current students can also access support at RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Student Support Centres, where they can participate in events, cultural teachings and ceremonies, or spend time with friends.

RRC Polytech’s Winkler Campus recently played host to a stop on the Red River Technology Vocational Area (RRTVA)’s “Amazing Race” tour, joined by Manitoba’s Minister of Advanced Education and Training, Renée Cable. The whirlwind day took the Minister and fellow delegates through a series of schools and vocational shops across southern Manitoba, showcasing the hands-on learning that shapes the region’s future workforce. 

A key highlight was the visit to the Winkler Campus, where the group met with students in the Health Care Aide program. This cohort is unique, as the majority of the students are currently in Grade 12 and participate through the RRTVA network. Representing five school divisions across the Pembina Valley, these students travel to the Winkler Campus to complete their training – an innovative model that delivers high-quality, polytechnic-level education directly to rural learners. 

“This tour provided valuable visibility to our rural campus and highlighted the importance of expanding access to advanced education in communities like ours,” said Shaun Hillman, Manager, Winkler Campus. “Providing students in Winkler with local access to training allows them to build meaningful careers while strengthening the communities they call home.” 

Read more about the tour and its stops at Pembina Valley Online. 

At RRC Polytech, we know that a polytechnic education can take you far. Right now, a handful of alumni have taken their skills all the way to Italy for the Winter Olympics, Milano Cortina 2026.

Taking a break from their busy schedules, four Creative Communications (CreComm) alumni shared some pictures and perspectives from the Games – read more about how their time at the Polytech has prepared them for a career beyond borders.

Mike McIntyre

Sports Reporter/Winnipeg Jets Beat Writer, Winnipeg Free Press

Creative Communications, class of 1995

Daniella Ponticelli

Creative Communications, class of 2012

Tanner Grywinski

Creative Communications, class of 2004

Kyle Jahns

Media Attaché, Canadian Olympic Committee; Lead, Communication & Media Relations, Curling Canada

Creative Communications, class of 2013

Due to blowing snow conditions across the province, RRC Polytech’s regional campuses will be operating as follows: 

• Winkler Campus is closed and classes will be moved online
• Portage Campus classes will be moved online
• Stevenson Southport classes will be moved online

All other Campuses – including Regional and in Winnipeg – will be open with regular operations.

For those driving both inside and outside of Winnipeg, please drive with caution and adjust to weather conditions. 

If you are unable to make it to campus safely due to road conditions, please contact your supervisor or instructor. 

RRC Polytech will continue monitoring today’s changing weather. Any updates to campus operations will be shared on rrc.ca/marcom/news 

When RRC Polytech instructor, Melissa Deroche, landed in Shenyang, China, she was greeted by her soon-to-be students at the airport. Deroche was heading to the Shenyang Institute of Engineering (Shenyang) along with co-facilitator Shanshan Wang to deliver an introductory module to the newly developed Post-Graduate Certificate in Adult Education (PGCAE).

“I immediately felt the strong partnership [between RRC Polytech and Shenyang] and connection to the cohort of 20 students,” said Deroche.

Building on almost 40 years of collaboration, RRC Polytech and Shenyang continue to share knowledge, partner on programming, host staff and student exchanges, and facilitate applied research projects.

Representing a decade-long conversation about offering a Certificate in Adult Education for instructors at Shenyang, the PGCAE program is the latest collaboration to launch between the two institutions.

The framework for the PGCAE is RRC Polytech’s Teaching for Learning in Applied Education (TFL) program, which was launched during the pandemic as a six-course-long online training. The TFL program is for educators of all experience levels, from new instructors, subject matter experts coming from industry to those with lengthy teaching careers who want to learn new practices to integrate into their classrooms.

Since launching the TFL program in 2021, RRC Polytech has been better equipped to support Shenyang’s request for training, integrating valuable feedback from its own instructors to enhance the course offerings.

The idea to develop training for instructors at Shenyang was reignited in 2022, leading to renewed conversations about a Certificate in Adult Education. The partnership was solidified during an Executive trip to Shenyang in fall 2024, and development of the PGCAE based on the TFL Program began that December.

Deroche led the development of the PGCAE program, adapting TFL content to best fulfil the needs of learners at Shenyang. For example, adjusting or removing Canadian-specific content or content such as YouTube videos that aren’t shareable in China, and building in HP5 interactive games and activities in lieu of in-person exercises.

Alongside the work to adapt content, Deroche worked with an instructional designer at the Polytech on a weekly basis to ensure accessibility and effectiveness for all learners.

To launch the PGCAE program in July 2025, Deroche and co-facilitator Shanshan Wang delivered a preliminary module in-person, as an “appetizer” to the five-course program which participants will complete asynchronously online.  

The goal of delivering the training in-person was to prime participants to develop a strong foundation for learner-centered, inclusive teaching principles and strategies.

Deroche notes that before heading to Shenyang, she wasn’t sure what to expect when delivering the preliminary module. When she and Wang met the cohort, they discovered that they brought a wealth of knowledge – more than half of the participants had over 20 years’ teaching experience – and they were eager and enthusiastic to learn.

“The experience felt like a mini teaching retreat between countries. It’s rare that as an instructor you get [the opportunity] to just talk and focus on what makes good teaching,” said Deroche. “It was truly special to carve out five days to focus on our teaching craft.”

The PGCAE brings Canadian teaching concepts and pedagogical approaches to Shenyang, allowing instructors to discover new practices and core principles to integrate into their classroom.

The experience with the first cohort at Shenyang was a resounding success, receiving positive feedback from participants, including:

“It feels good to learn and know that I am working to be a better teacher. I feel supported by the instructors.”

“This is the best teacher training course I have ever attended.”

The first cohort is now working through the PGCAE program on LEARN with Deroche providing support and guidance to participants.

The strong relationships fostered by the program instructors, Deroche and Wang, have played a pivotal role in maintaining effective communication and providing ongoing support. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in building the program’s momentum and ensuring learners receive a high-quality experience.

The PGCAE program demonstrates strong cross-institutional collaboration, which has been made possible through the support of leadership from Shenyang, the School of Education, Arts, and Sciences and the Centre for International Education and Global Partnerships at RRC Polytech.

Building on the success of the PGCAE program, a second cohort of instructors at Shenyang will begin their training in July 2026.

RRC Polytech is striding into the future with an interactive session on AI, automation, and leadership – and what they mean for Manitoba’s tech workforce.

Join us on February 25 at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae for Designing Manitoba’s Tech Workforce: Industry Insights, a dynamic, interactive event focused on where technology is headed and how we can get there together. This opportunity brings together industry professionals, educators, and innovators to spotlight the best and brightest shaping Manitoba’s tech landscape as part of MbTech Week, driven by Tech Manitoba.

“Tech Manitoba encourages anyone with a stake in Manitoba’s digitally-enabled workforce to attend this session. It’s an opportunity to share your perspective on existing skills gaps and will help shape practical, targeted training solutions that are needed by industry,” says Kelly Fournel, CEO, Tech Manitoba.

If you’re looking to build new skills, strengthen your organization’s workforce capacity, or stay ahead of emerging tech trends, this event offers practical insights and fresh perspectives you can put to work right away.

Stephanie Remniak, chair, Information Technology and Professional Studies, says that RRC Polytech is eager to empower individuals and organizations to stay ahead of the constantly-evolving curve.

“Whether through upgrading skills in our programs, courses and microcredentials or partnerships to design custom training, we help build the talent and expertise needed to close skills gaps, strengthen teams, and drive real innovation,” says Remniak.

At the centre of the event is an interactive, facilitated discussion where participants will share insights on current skills gaps in Manitoba’s tech sector. Attendees will also explore how RRC Polytech, Manitoba’s only polytechnic, responds with targeted, rapid training solutions that meet industry needs in real time.

The session will feature Marie Hacault, Youth and Talent Initiatives, Industry Engagement, Community Connector at Tech Manitoba, who will share industry perspectives and help spark conversation around workforce development and innovation.

Join an engaging design‑thinking experience that begins with a brief, light LEGO/AI activity to spark creativity, then quickly shifts into the core of the session with deep, question‑driven exploration. Participants will collaborate in groups, use technology to engage with thought‑provoking questions, and take part in facilitated discussions that fuel innovative thinking and lead to practical, high‑impact solutions.

The event will be held in the Roundhouse Auditorium at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae with plenty of time to network with peers, industry leaders, and education partners.

Come ready to share, build, and help design the future of Manitoba’s tech workforce.

Read more or sign up for the event here

RRC Polytech’s first-ever customized delivery of the Human Resources (HR) Management Certificate program in Nunavut has wrapped up with a celebration in Winnipeg, marking a major milestone for workforce development in the territory.

Students and their families gathered at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae in Winnipeg to celebrate the completion of the 13-month course along with representatives of the Government of Nunavut (GN) and the Province of Manitoba on January 23.

During remarks at the celebration, Elaine Uppahuak, Associate Deputy Minister, Inuit Employment and Public Service Development, noted how students completed the program with shared purpose in respect and care – which are the foundations of Inuit leadership.

“You are the vision of the Nunavut Agreement not just in numbers, but in leadership and decision-making,” said Uppahuak.

Theresa Adamache, student delegate for the cohort, extended thanks to her fellow students, to instructors, to educational assistants and technical support, to the GN departments, and to students’ families. She described how each group contributed to the success of the cohort – whether it was the instructors for their commitment, the departments for their flexibility, or their families for their constant support, everyone that had gathered for the celebration was part of the students’ journey.

“Our diverse life and work experiences enriched our discussions and helped us connect course concepts to real-life situations. Your dedication has opened new doors of opportunity, adding valuable knowledge and experience to your portfolios,” Adamache noted in her remarks to classmates.

The Corporate Solutions team launched the program in 2024 in partnership with GN, the first of its kind to bring critical HR training directly to Inuit learners in Iqaluit. GN provided full tuition and employer support for 25 GN employees across multiple departments.

The program was designed to reflect the realities of work and education in the north. The customized approach included an adapted timeline, accelerated delivery through intensive five-day sessions, and curriculum shaped by current trends in HR and the historical and cultural context of Nunavut and northern workplaces.

With students across three different time zones, commuting challenges, unpredictable internet connection, and environmental factors like blizzards, the program needed to be flexible. Deadlines shifted to accommodate internet outages, classes moved online when freezing temperatures forced closures, and instructors worked with students directly to ensure that they could meet the learning outcomes despite disruptions. 

Students came from all backgrounds. Some were new to post-secondary education, while others travelled south to go to school in the past. Ages ranged between 19 and 75, with students coming from all stages in life – including a grandmother.

Laura Nowdluk, who’s graduating with the certificate, says that the program was a great way to broaden her knowledge of the systems she works with in her day-to-day job as a Human Resources Coordinator in the Department of Justice for GN. She graduated from the program with honours, making her eligible to waive the national knowledge exam for the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Designation.

“I wanted to widen my knowledge of human resources because it’s much different than what I thought it’d be,” said Nowdluk, who studied computer science and biotechnology in Kingston after high school before returning home.

Nowdluk says while that getting back into the work rhythm in Nunavut following the celebration in Winnipeg, she’s looking forward to applying for her CPHR Designation. She says that with the experience she gained in the program, she made a lot of valuable connections along the way.

“A lot of my fellow classmates are really nice. I really enjoyed being in an Inuit cohort – I got closer to people that are similar to me in some ways,” said Nowdluk.

Georgette Rochon, Business Development Manager, Corporate Solutions, says that the program’s success reinforced the importance of responsive, learner-informed design. The delivery team continued to adjust the day-to-day schedule, refine the timing of the program, and shape content based on student feedback and emerging workplace needs.

“All the students graduating from the program achieved the 70 per cent GPA they need to write the national CPHR exam,” said Rochon. “The success we’ve seen and the feedback we’ve gotten from GN has encouraged us to expand the program for the second intake.”

The current cohort, started in Fall 2025, had increased to 45 seats to welcome both Inuit and non-Inuit GN employees who would benefit from the same training.

One of those current students, Tejpal Panesar, Job Evaluation Consultant, Department of Human Resources, says he wants to refresh his knowledge in human resources, particularly in communications. Panesar attended the publication design and management program in college from 2001 to 2004, so he’s looking forward to bringing updated learning into his work.

After moving to Nunavut from Montreal in 2012, Panesar built his career through a series of roles that reflect the unique opportunities available in the north. Between advancing to a permanent manager role in food services for the correctional facility in Iqaluit and transitioning to a new role as an HR assistant at the department of Economic Development and Transportation, Panesar decided to take a pay cut at the time to move into HR. From there, he had advanced into an acting manager role within five months, then he was recruited by GN’s Job Evaluation department in 2021, where he currently works.

“Working in Nunavut has been a very different experience from anywhere else I’ve worked. The close‑knit nature of the communities, the cultural richness, and the way relationships shape day‑to‑day work all make it unique. One of the biggest adjustments for me has been learning to work across long distances and adapting to situations where resources or timelines don’t always line up the way you expect. At the same time, the collaborative spirit here and the strong sense of community support have been incredibly rewarding and have really shaped how I approach my work,” said Panesar.

Now that he’s settled in Nunavut with his wife and two adopted children, Panesar says the upcoming program will help him approach his role with greater efficiency and expertise.

This customized training solution responds to the needs of the people that drive the workforce and the realities of living and working in the north. As the program continues to expand, the success of the first cohort and expansion of the second represent not only a pathway to professional certification, but a long-term investment in community capacity, leadership, and education for Nunavut.

Development of a dozen Indigenous-led businesses supported by the Polytech’s Entrepreneurship Acceleration and Incubation Initiative 

For immediate release:

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory – the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis –

Today, at a culturally grounded ceremony in the Roundhouse Auditorium at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, RRC Polytech is celebrating its first cohort of students to complete the four-month entrepreneurship program at its new Indigenous Business Accelerator and Incubator known as Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah (Mittohnee).

“Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah is empowering Indigenous People and communities with the training, tools and support they need to create, own and operate successful businesses – ventures that will multiply opportunities, create jobs, and transform the economic landscape in Manitoba,” said Jamie Wilson, VP, Indigenous Strategy, Research, and Business Development at RRC Polytech.      

At today’s completion ceremony, surrounded by their family and supporters, mentors, and staff, Mittohnee’s twelve determined Indigenous entrepreneurs are demonstrating their new skills and confidence by sharing their business ideas and explaining how the program’s training and experiences have prepared them to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities. 

“Our first Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah cohort has shown extraordinary courage, creativity, and commitment. Each entrepreneur has built something meaningful, and these businesses will continue to shape the future of Indigenous entrepreneurship in Manitoba and beyond,” said Amy Jackson, Director of Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah at RRC Polytech. “It has been an honour for our team to walk alongside them, support their growth, and witness their ideas come to life.”

Created for and by Indigenous entrepreneurs, Mittohnee is rooted in cultural values, community connection, and practical skillbuilding. Its programming provides mentorship, workshops, coaching, and access to networks that help entrepreneurs move their business ideas from concept to action.

The entrepreneurs have spent 16 weeks working in collaboration with their peers, Indigenous business leaders and mentors, and Mittohnee staff to develop, refine, pitch, and launch their business ideas. Hailing from communities across the province, their business plans span a wide variety of areas and interests – from digital technology and the arts; to project management and human resources; to the advancement of educational, culinary, spiritual and social innovations. Many of the projects share a common theme of empowering others to succeed by improving access and removing barriers.

“Being part of Mittohnee has been an amazing experience,” said Shyla Niemi. “I’m surrounded by like-minded people who share similar values, but everyone is pursuing very different ideas and approaches. That variety made the space inspiring.”

Shyla Niemi is the founder of Giigido Mikinaak, a brand that makes physical and digital learning tools that help bring Indigenous languages into everyday life by meeting people where they’re at. Giigido Mikinaak, which translates to “Turtle Talk” or “Talking Turtle,” is a nod to her Turtle Clan roots and reflects her deep commitment to Indigenous language revitalization and cultural connection. She’s just launched an online crowdfunding campaign marketing her unique card game called Ataage Agindaasonan – a fun way for anyone to learn Ojibwe/Anishinaabemowin.

“It feels surreal to see this project come to life, but seeing people respond with the same excitement I feel has been really rewarding, and surprisingly emotional,” said Niemi. “Mittohnee gave me feedback, perspective, and helped me realize my ideas were worth pursuing. The program encouraged me to take initiative and follow through, which helped me grow a lot of confidence as an entrepreneur.”

Some of the other new products and services developed by the cohort include:

• an Indigenous-focused newswire service
• a gaming platform using and encouraging traditional languages
• a barbecue sauce infused with medicinal sweetgrass
• practical, accessible HR services for business owners that can also help individuals overcome employment challenges
• supports for local cafes and restaurants to transition from single-use takeout products to reusable cups and containers

The participants now have the choice to move forward on their own or continue to scale and evolve their businesses using Mittohnee’s accelerator supports. They can also access additional strategies, techniques, and knowledge shared through the RRC Polytech-led Labs4 College-University Research Network, and its eight Regional and three Indigenous Hubs located across the country.

“Today’s entrepreneurs will quickly become tomorrow’s mentors, so we’re excited to ramp up our business accelerator programming to help anyone interested in taking their project to the next level,” said Jackson. “By encouraging, supporting, and funding new and established Indigenous entrepreneurs, as well as band-operated business looking to pivot, scale up, or explore new partnerships, Mittohnee is strengthening communities and creating pathways for innovation and economic sovereignty.”

Funded by the Province of Manitoba, Prairies Economic Development Canada, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) along with generous donors including TD Bank Group and Canada Life, Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah is now recruiting interested participants for its next entrepreneurship program cohort, scheduled for the fall.

“The success of Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah’s first cohort shows what is possible when Indigenous entrepreneurs are met with the right support and community – turning resilience into confidence, ideas into action, and learning into lasting opportunity,” said The Honourable Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training for the Province of Manitoba. “Education is most powerful when we provide opportunities for mentorship and invest in learning that builds opportunity, strength, and success for future generations.”

Media is welcome to attend the Mittohnee Completion Celebration.

When: Friday, January 30^th 11a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, RRC Polytech’s Exchange District Campus

Who: (Invited Speakers)

• The Honourable Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training
• Jamie Wilson, VP Indigenous Strategy, Research, and Business Development, RRC Polytech
• Amy Jackson, Director, Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah, RRC Polytech
• Individual Entrepreneurs

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – Today, RRC Polytech and the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) Local 73 celebrate the signing of an agreement that puts change into action to decolonize and enhance equity and inclusion within RRC Polytech’s Collective Agreement.

This collaboration — the first of its kind — represents a new and transformative approach to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action within labour relations and the collective bargaining process. What sets it apart is the intentional approach rooted in Indigenous knowledge and ways of being, guided by a Knowledge Keeper, and supported by both RRC Polytech and MGEU.

“The signing reflects the collaborative work of RRC Polytech and MGEU to live our shared values, advancing Truth and Reconciliation organizationally and within Manitoba,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “This process stands out across Canada, setting a precedent for other post-secondary institutions by aligning with Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement (TRCE) and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA), honouring Indigenous Knowledge Protocols, and fostering leadership, mentorship, and systemic change at the Polytech.”

To review RRC Polytech’s Collective Agreement, a joint Truth and Reconciliation Working Group (TRC Working Group) was established through an expression of interest, comprised of eight staff and faculty, representing both parties.

Guided by Kookum Barbara Bruce’s teachings, ceremony, and wisdom, the TRC Working Group ensured the process moved forward in a good way, grounded in Indigenous Knowledge Protocols. Using priority-setting and Design Thinking — a non-linear, iterative process that reflects true Indigenous engagement — the Working Group developed recommendations under key themes for the Collective Agreement.

“It was my honour to be asked to bring ceremonial ways to the discussion and deliberation of components of the collective agreement. I think it had a profound effect on the outcome of these discussions. The success of the collective agreement is credited to the people involved who accepted and invested in the process, allowing spirit to guide the discussions,” says Kookum Barbara Bruce.

The key themes of inclusive language, family, leaves, and sickness and health align with Principles of Truth and Reconciliation, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Twenty-one recommended actions from these themes were put forward to RRC Polytech’s Labour Management Committee.

“This new agreement represents a meaningful step toward reconciliation and is an example of how we can use the opportunities presented through collective bargaining to make the lives of workers and their communities better,” says Kyle Ross, President of the MGEU. “We are proud of what has been achieved through our collaboration with Red River College Polytechnic, guided by the leadership and knowledge of Kookum Barbara Bruce and are excited to see how these changes help members feel more respected, supported and included.”  

Nearly all actions were implemented in RRC Polytech’s 2025-2028 Collective Agreement — a level of adoption rarely seen in collective bargaining and a testament to the leadership of the TRC Working Group and supporters from both RRC Polytech and MGEU. These additions to the Collective Agreement encourage and support the recruitment and retention of Indigenous employees.

Not only does this collective achievement advance Truth and Reconciliation within labour relations and the collective bargaining process at the Polytech, but it also reaffirms both parties’ commitment to continue this work collaboratively, ensuring future reviews and recommendations reflect shared values rooted in Truth and Reconciliation and EDIA.

RRC Polytech and MGEU have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to recommit to reviewing the Collective Agreement through the next collective bargaining process.

Truth and Reconciliation is a journey. Together, RRC Polytech and MGEU have created a model that demonstrates what is possible when values guide action — resulting in tangible outcomes that will shape future Collective Agreements and hopefully inspire similar efforts across other organizations.

For more information about the actions implemented within RRC Polytech’s 2025-2028 Collective Agreement to advance Truth and Reconciliation and to learn about other initiatives, visit rrc.ca/trc.

RRC Polytech flags are lowered on Tuesday, January 27 in observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Holocaust Remembrance Day — also known as Holocaust Memorial Day — is observed each year on January 27, marking the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1945.

In 2005, the United Nations designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day to honour the victims of the Holocaust, including six million Jews and millions of others. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed and offers an opportunity to reflect, remember, and pay tribute to those whose lives were taken.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is hosting several events to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day – please click here for more information.