Christian Zacharias is no stranger to carpentry — he says he’s been swinging hammers since he was three years old. With a desire to pursue a practical career in carpentry, he went on a journey that led him to Apprenticeship Manitoba, and eventually to RRC Polytech.

“Growing up, I really enjoyed working with my hands, doing and helping with projects around the house and at my cabin,” Zacharias recalls. “I didn’t want to spend years at university to get a degree, it just wasn’t for me.”

Today, he’s working as a residential finish carpenter while he attends RRC Polytech where he hopes to earn his Red Seal Certification.

Zacharias’ skills as a carpenter have not gone unnoticed. He competed and won gold at the Skills Manitoba competition and represented Manitoba at the 2022 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) in Vancouver last year.

Initially unsure of what to expect at SCNC, he received extra training after work to go over skills and concepts he hadn’t previously learned or mastered. The additional support played a crucial role in his preparations. Even though he fell short of clinching a victory at the SCNC last year, he drew from this experience and won gold in Carpentry at this year’s Skills Manitoba competition.

“It was a great confidence booster that my skills as a carpenter are improving, and now there’s some proof of that,” Zacharias says. He is eagerly anticipating SCNC in Winnipeg this week, and is thrilled to showcase his abilities on home turf.

His word of advice to anyone competing at SCNC: Look at the bigger picture and visualize the end result before starting. Creating something isn’t just memorizing material, but understanding how everything works and connects together by looking at all the details.

Zacharias says his instructors at RRC Polytech have been an invaluable source of guidance and support. He credits them for their commitment to helping him succeed, and showing him opportunities he didn’t even know were available.

As he continues to grow and excel as a carpenter, Zacharias is forever grateful for the opportunities that have come his way and the people who have supported him along his path.

The Carpentry program at RRC Polytech is a five-month course offered at the Notre Dame Campus. Although it’s not an apprenticeship program, students can transfer their credit towards apprenticeship through Apprenticeship Manitoba.

Learn more about the Carpentry program by using RRC Polytech’s Program Explorer.

More than a dozen Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) students will be representing Manitoba this week in the annual Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC), after winning big at the Skills Manitoba Competition in April.

One of them is RRC Polytech Professional Baking and Pastry student Gayeong Yun, who won gold in Baking at Skills MB.

“I am very delighted and proud of myself to be representing Team Manitoba. For me, it’s the first time I get to participate in a competition on behalf of a province or region,” said Yun.

As an international student from Korea, she arrived in Canada in August 2022 year to study at RRC Polytech.

Yun joined the preparatory team for the competition late, and as a result, she felt behind compared to her colleagues. To compensate, she often practiced after school and on her days off.

She credits her instructors for providing her with everything she needed, not only to succeed in the competition, but as a professional baker. Skills like tempering chocolate, cooking sugar, and making daily work plans were just some of the things she took from the program and showcased at last month’s competition.

“I have great respect for the chefs in my program, and I am always grateful to them,” Yun said. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the best chefs in the College.”

During the Skills Manitoba competition, Yun was given 5.5 hours to create two components for judging: a plated dessert of chocolate caramel tarts, and a chocolate showpiece. The theme for this years’ competition, The Four Seasons, had to be represented in some way for both components. Part of the judging criteria also included sanitation, safety, and equipment.

To participate in SCNC, Yun not only had to win gold but also score higher than 70 per cent.

SCNC will be held at the RBC Convention Centre on May 25 and 26. Skills Canada expects over 550 competitors participating in 45 skills.

RRC Polytech’s Professional Baking and Pastry program teaches students like Yun the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue a variety of baking and pastry careers. The program is held at the state-of-the-art facilities in the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute at the Exchange District Campus.

Learn more about the Professional Baking and Pastry program by using RRC Polytech’s Program Explorer.

Look! Up in the sky! It’s not a bird… It’s not a plane… It’s RRC Polytech! Red River College Polytechnic’s alternate moniker now proudly hovers over 50 feet high above Winnipeg’s Princess Avenue, identifying The Roblin Centre from far and wide. A new 160 square foot-plus, red and black sign, constructed of aluminum and vinyl was recently installed over the course of a few days by SRS Signs, but the behind-the-scenes process to execute the change took months of planning and delicate negotiation before the proper permits and permissions were granted.   

The College’s Facilities Management team was tasked with ensuring the new signage was mounted similar to the rooftop’s existing steel structure to maintain the building’s historic esthetic, but policy upgrades by the City of Winnipeg presented some significant challenges.   

Technical Officer, Jason Ilagan worked diligently with the City and SRS Signs to find a solution that worked for all parties resulting in the final product you see today – a sign that is not only built to current code but maintains the spectacular vintage vibe of the surrounding Exchange District.

Home to many of the College’s business and management, Information Technology and creative arts programs the Roblin Centre is an important hub of activity at the recently expanded Exchange District Campus. But the completion of its exterior transformation is more than just a physical modification to the city’s skyline, it also serves as a major milestone in securing our new identity as Manitoba’s only polytechnic.

“The new sign atop Roblin Centre will serve as a beacon in our rejuvenated downtown that as Manitoba’s polytechnic we help make things possible to stay in front of what’s ahead,” says David Petis, RRC Polytech’s Executive Director of Advancement.

“For more than 80 years, students have come to us to prepare themselves to thrive in the future, so we are constantly striving to provide leading edge, post-secondary education by working with industry and community partners to identify what Manitoba needs next. This commitment has guided our evolution from a community college to a college of applied learning and now to the polytechnic we are today.”

Polytechnics are agile and can transform learning models to ensure graduates are properly prepared to help businesses combat disruption. Through applied research projects, RRC Polytech provides our partners with the unique solutions they need in order for Manitoba to thrive. It’s been over 18 months since the unveiling of the College’s new identity and strategic plan, and the reaction to our accomplishments in this short time has been overwhelmingly positive.

The relationships staff, students and faculty have and continue to build enhance our reputation for providing trusted training to the province in a welcoming environment for all, and our connection with the public is strong.

In February 2021, Probe Research asked the people of Manitoba’s familiarity with the term polytechnic and less than one third (28 per cent) of respondents were familiar. When asked again in February 2022, after just five months of RRC Polytech’s strategic brand marketing and communication with stakeholders, that number jumped to 45 per cent. Soon we expect all Manitobans will understand as we do that polytechnics are known across Canada and around the world as institutions that are inextricably tied to the labour market to offer high quality in-depth study and practical skills training.

A strong brand is important because it helps build recognition, understanding, trust and affinity. When audiences share the values of a brand, convincing them to apply, engage, partner, forgive, advocate and give back takes less effort, because an emotional bond already exists. It’s important to always remember that who we are and the culture we are creating is just as important to the community we serve as what we do, and that work will never be complete.

The new RRC Polytech sign above the Roblin Centre provides a constant reminder of our brand and our values to everyone who lays eyes on it.

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis – Manitoba’s regulated egg farmers are inviting you to join them for FREE coffee and delicious egg sandwiches on May 17^th from 7:30 until 10:30 a.m. at the corner of King St. and Bannatyne Ave.

Got burning questions about eggs? Meet your local egg farmers and ask questions about how eggs are produced in Manitoba. Attendees can take home MEF-branded swag, including whisks, fried egg pins and cookbooks, and radio station QX104 will be onsite playing music and inviting folks to join in on the fun.

“We want to share our love of eggs with Manitobans,” said Catherine Kroeker-Klassen, Chair of MEF. “We can’t think of a better way to celebrate that love for eggs than for our farmers to come to the city, chat with folks about life on the farm and then give away delicious sandwiches made with local nutritious eggs.”

MEF is working with Chef Terry Gereta to make the sandwiches fresh onsite at Red River College Polytechnic’s Paterson Globalfoods Institute. Gereta is an instructor from RRC Polytech’s Culinary Arts program, who has sourced local ingredients for these sandwiches and is supervising students, who will benefit from the opportunity to put the skills they have learned into practice.

“As one of the most versatile and nutritious ingredients available to us, eggs are an essential ingredient for most chefs on a daily basis, so it’s important that our students not only master how to cook with them properly – but truly understand their value as well as the process and effort that is required to get them to our kitchens,” said Ryan Whibbs, Chair of Baking and Culinary Arts at RRC Polytech. “We’re thrilled to partner with Manitoba Egg Farmers for this event that provides Chef Terry’s short order students with experiential training while showcasing the fundamental role that farmers play to feed our communities and grow our economy.”

“Eggs are delicious, protein-packed and highly versatile – perfect for weekend brunches, after-gym snacks, holiday baking and a quick nutritious way to start every day,” said Catherine Kroeker-Klassen. “When you are buying eggs in Manitoba grocery stores you are supporting a local Manitoba egg farm – just like mine! Those eggs are fresh, nutritious and affordable. Thank you for supporting local egg farmers!”

We hope you can start your day with a hot egg sandwich this Wednesday from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at Old Market Square! Celebrate #LocalEggs with us!

About Manitoba Egg Farmers – We’re Egg Farmers We Love What We Do® Manitoba Egg Farmers (MEF) represents 170 regulated egg and pullet farmers in our province. MEF is an independent organization, funded entirely by egg and pullet farmers. Regulated egg farmers are the primary caregivers of their hens that produce over 76 million dozen eggs each year and feed all communities across Manitoba. Eggs are nutritious, versatile and can be eaten with any meal. For more information about egg farming in Manitoba, hen care or recipes visit eggs.mb.ca

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation – More than 100 representatives from Manitoba businesses are meeting today to learn the advantages and benefits of mentoring a student through Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech).

Hosted by RRC Polytech’s Applied Computer Education and Work Integrated Learning & Career Services department, the one-day conference Engaging in Work-Integrated Learning for the Changing Workplace aims to inform businesses about what WIL opportunities exist with the College, and what supports they can receive to promote accessibility and equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

“The College is already well known for its experiential approach to learning, and we want to ensure our industry partners understand the many benefits of providing students with Work-Integrated Learning experiences. Not only do our students gain important skills that support their future career paths, but our host employers also benefit through early access to high quality talent,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic at RRC Polytech. “Students come to RRC Polytech because they want a high-quality education that will prepare them to enter the workforce after graduation. This includes access to industry mentorship, experiential learning and co-operative work placements.”

The conference is funded through a partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER), with support from the Government of Canada. Through the partnership RRC Polytech has committed to providing 650 WIL opportunities for students in 2023.

Some new initiatives created through the partnership include the Sprint to Innovate competition, pitch workshops, and additional projects worked on through Applied Computer Education.

“We need to scale up opportunities for employers to work with equity-deserving students to create truly inclusive and meaningful work environments,” said Andrew Bieler, Director of Partnerships & Experiential Learning at BHER. “We applaud RRC Polytech in bringing together business and industry organizations to better understand how best to support students from different backgrounds in Manitoba.”

Conference sessions focus on how businesses can maximize their talent pipelines through WIL, supporting students and employees with autism, cultural competencies training, and accessibility resources. The day kicks off with a keynote from Dr. Lionel Laroche about managing cultural differences in Canadian organizations.

Katrina Zado, Director of People Development at Northfield IT is attending the conference and is looking for ways to enhance WIL opportunities across the Winnipeg-based technology company.

“Our talent is the primary driver of the value we bring to our clients and we are looking forward to contemporary perspectives on optimizing our people strategy and enhancements within the WIL program,” says Zado.  “Constant refinement helps us better support our students and team members in fostering collaboration and learning.  Northfield IT has successfully partnered with RRC Polytech for ten years and we hope to continue to be a supporter of the school for many more years to come.”

The conference runs from 8:30a.m. until 3:30p.m. at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae – 319 Elgin Avenue.

For more information and the full schedule visit RRC Polytech’s website

      

Fred Meier, President and CEO, had the pleasure of hosting Honourable Sarah Guillemard, Minster of Advanced Education and Training earlier today.

Fred was able to showcase some of the incredible things happening at RRC Polytech, including projects managed by students underway at ACE Project Space and the opportunities and connections provided to industry and students. They toured the Game Development Program where Minister Guillemard was able to meet students and see first-hand how RRC Polytech is meeting the growing demand.

They were able to discuss College priorities, including opportunities and advantages that a polytechnic brings to bridge the skills gap in Manitoba to support upskilling and reskilling, meeting the ever-changing needs of Manitobans.

The meeting included a tour of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae and highlighted the connected learning spaces, studios, classrooms and one of the largest language training centres in Manitoba.

Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery members meet with federal Parliamentarians to demonstrate how Canadian institutions are coming together to train workers for the transition to a clean economy

Red River College Polytechnic is meeting with federal Parliamentarians this week to discuss further opportunities for Canada’s colleges, Cégeps and institutions to be the driving force in providing the skills required to transition to a clean economy. The virtual meetings, led by the Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) – a coalition of 14 institutions from across Canada that work together to provide the skills required to transition to a clean economy –  build off the success of the recently launched Quick Train Canada initiative.

Quick Train Canada is a series of tuition-free micro-credential courses offered at C2R2 institutes across the country that focus on providing Canadian workers and employers with options to update skills quickly through multi-week, virtual and in-person learning designed to boost job security and participation as the economy transitions to more sustainable practices.

“RRC Polytech’s six Quick Train courses filled up within the first week of being launched, which shows there’s a demonstrated need for learners to quickly and easily bolster their portfolios with relevant skills that will contribute to a greener economy,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“RRC Polytech and C2R2 members across Canada are positioned to quickly develop thousands of training and applied research opportunities to help Canadians access new careers, support the transition to a low-carbon economy, and foster equity, diversity, and inclusion.”

Each C2R2 institution offers Quick Train courses relevant to their areas of expertise. All courses are tuition-free, and many are offered virtually so anyone in Canada can access them.

RRC Polytech’s Quick Train courses focus on Clean Tech:

• Introduction to Electric Vehicle Technology
• Electric Vehicle Communication and Computer Systems
• Building Envelope Science: Principles and Practice

and Social Innovation:

• Engagement and Relationship-Building with Indigenous Communities
• Indigenous and Canadian Government Relationships
• and The Consultation Process

The Quick Train micro-credentials RRC Polytech currently offer draw on the College’s strengths in electric vehicle technology and reconciliation with Indigenous communities. Several areas within the College worked together to build academic programming to support the courses’ development.

“The fact that these courses were selected for a Canada-wide audience proves we’re not only local leaders in these areas, but that our work deserves to be showcased on a national scale,” says Meier. “The Quick Train initiative embodies RRC Polytech’s commitment to partnership – not only through cross-country relationships formed through C2R2, but through the inter-departmental efforts that took place here at the College.”

The courses wrapped up their initial runs earlier this spring. Due to high demand – with waitlists as high as 200 people for some courses – RRC Polytech has scheduled additional courses to launch beginning this month.

RRC Polytech and other C2R2 members are currently meetingwith parliamentarians and decision-makers to discuss how the government can further utilize C2R2’s expertise to deliver and implement training and inclusive economic recovery. Existing training opportunities include:

• Rapid training and upskilling through Quick Train Canada – a national curriculum and microcredential delivery platform serving employees and employers across Canada;
• A focus on innovation, research, and advancement with respect to climate action and sustainability to support a low-carbon future; and
• Alignment with employer needs, industry partnerships, work placement opportunities and community relationships. 

The C2R2 ecosystem is agile, working with its 14 partner institutions and 14 industry partners coast to coast to coast to seek expert advice, implement best practices, and rapidly address current trends, concerns, and needs arising in Canadian communities and industries.

“C2R2 is positioned to be a leader in Canada’s evolving ecosystem and play the critical support role needed for true success as we plan for the future,” says Meier. “We are proud to be members of C2R2 and to contribute to this important work to benefit workers and industries across our country.

For more information, visit rrc.ca/quicktrain or resilientcolleges.ca.

For immediate release – May 9, 2023

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Metis – An entire cohort of Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) Pathway to Information Technology (Pathway to IT) students were gifted $50,000 worth of state-of-the-art laptops from Lenovo with the newest technology to encourage innovation and prepare learners to succeed in IT roles across Manitoba.

“This partnership with Lenovo not only provides students with laptops, but it’s also another way barriers to education are removed,” said Fred Meier, CEO and President, RRC Polytech. “This gift enhances the student experience and provides access to technology that meets the needs of the industry and allows students to be successful in achieving their educational goals throughout their time at RRC Polytech.”

Pathway programs are designed to equip Indigenous Manitobans with the support and skills needed to confidently transition into specific RRC Polytech programs. Pathway to IT, created in partnership with RBC Future Launch, prepares and empowers students to participate in RRC Polytech’s IT Operations, Information Security and Business Information Technology programs.

“Our vision is to help create a world where every person has access to the technology that allows them to achieve their goals,” said Libby Richards, Community Engagement Manager, Lenovo. “Connecting students with technology is crucial in innovation and moving society forward. This program aligns with our goals and provides students with the foundational knowledge to be successful in the rapidly growing field of IT.”

Pathway to IT requires students to have access to a computer with certain memory and speed requirements, and students who do not have access to a computer are provided with options to rent a computer from the College. At the start of the first semester, Lenovo provided all students in Pathway to IT with new Lenovo ThinkBook 15 Gen4 laptops that they will be able to keep beyond the completion of the program.

Earlier today, representatives from Lenovo were able to tour Manitou a bi Bii daziigae and meet students in Pathway to IT.

“It’s clear to see why these students selected this program,” said Warren Beleyowski, Client Executive, MB/SK Public Sector, Lenovo Canada. “Providing them with laptops was an easy decision, as these students are going to be the ones who are meeting the ever-changing needs of tomorrow.”

Pathways are exploratory and preparatory programs that provide Indigenous Manitobans with the skills and supports required to transition into selected RRC programs by increasing their academic, personal, social, and financial readiness. Pathway graduates have dedicated seats for selected programs, to remove the barrier of wait lists.

Pathway to IT is the fourth Pathway program, showcasing the success of this model and the demand for these types of programs that increase opportunities for Indigenous students in various sectors.

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The School of Indigenous Education hosts Pow Wow recognizing Indigenous graduates’ achievements; coincides with Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Metis – Today, at the Notre Dame Campus, RRC Polytech hosts its 23^rd annual Pow Wow to celebrate Indigenous students and graduates, while honouring the Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit people (MMIWG2S) or Red Dress Day.

“Creating space to celebrate Indigenous achievement is essential action for reconciliation and is the responsibility of all of us that call North America—Turtle Island—home,” said Isabel Bright, Dean of the School of Indigenous Education at RRC Polytech. “While we celebrate the achievements of all Indigenous students, it’s important to recognize that the date of our Pow Wow coincides with the Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People. Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people deserve as much respect and safety as any other people, and the disproportionate historical and modern trends in violence resulting must be recognized.”

RRC Polytech will lower the campus flags to half-mast and recognize the day with a Memorial Song dedicated to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people, their families and those impacted by the loss of loved ones.

Earlier this year, RRC Polytech leadership was invited into Indigenous communities to hear directly from members about the barriers Indigenous learners face when considering post-secondary education. Some individuals expressed fears for the safety of their daughters or granddaughters leaving community to come to Winnipeg or another urban centre, and whether they would make it home.

“Not only should we ensure all students are getting the highest-quality education we can offer, but they should feel safe while doing so – this should never be a barrier to access,” said Fred Meier, RRC President and CEO. “We will continue to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities to ensure we are taking meaningful steps to address the TRC Calls to Action, and to ensure that all women, girls and Two Spirit people are supported and safe in their educational journey.”

Each year, RRC Polytech’s Pow Wow welcomes hundreds of guests, community members, dancers, drummers, College staff, faculty and Indigenous from all programs to join in the community celebration, hosted by the School of Indigenous Education with guidance and leadership of the College’s Elders-in-Residence. Students have the opportunity to participate in ceremony and receive individual recognition with a gift.

The event will begin with a pipe ceremony followed by Grand Entry will beginning at noon, the memorial to MMIWG2S, and the honouring of Indigenous graduates. Performances will include Metis jigging and square-dancing group the Asham Stompers, Inuit Throat Singers Zeann Manernaluk and Aleatra Sammurtok, and local drum groups, dancers and vendors. For a full event agenda, please click here.

Date: Friday May 5, 2022
Where: 2055 Notre Dame Avenue, Notre Dame Campus, North Gym

Agenda:
10:00 am – Pipe Ceremony
Please note: All are welcome to observe the pipe ceremony. However, items used during the pipe ceremony, and the pipe ceremony itself, cannot be photographed or video recorded.
12:00 pm – Grand Entry 
12:45 pm – Memorial Song for MMIWG2S 2:00 pm – Graduate Awards Presentation4:30 pm – Feast

The following message was sent on behalf of Fred Meier, RRC President and CEO to All Staff and Students

Today, Indigenous students and their families will gather at Notre Dame Campus in the North Gym for our 23^rd annual Pow Wow to honour Indigenous graduates.

Creating space to celebrate Indigenous achievement is essential action for reconciliation and is the responsibility of all of us that call North America—Turtle Island—home.

While we celebrate the achievements of all Indigenous students, it’s important to recognize that the date of our Pow Wow coincides with the Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People or also known as Red Dress Day. RRC Polytech has lowered our flags to half-mast today to recognize that despite the strides we make as an educational institution, systemic and interpersonal violence against Indigenous peoples is still pervasive in our society.

Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people deserve respect and safety, and the disproportionate historical and modern trends in violence resulting must be recognized and acted upon.

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girl’s Final Report reveals, “that persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations and abuses are the root cause behind Canada’s staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people.” The Final Report delivers 231 individual Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, social service providers, industries and all Canadians.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada also calls on us as a post-secondary institution to create a more equitable and inclusive society by closing gaps in social, health and economic outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and people.

Earlier this year, members of the Senior Leadership Team and I went to Indigenous communities to hear directly from members about the barriers Indigenous learners face when considering post-secondary education. Some of the women expressed fears about the safety of their daughters or granddaughters leaving community to come to Winnipeg or another urban centre, and whether they would make it home. There are women and girls in Manitoba who, due to lack of safety, can’t access post-secondary education.

That insight really stuck with me and I was reminded of the 2006 Report on the Highway of Tears; and while the report may be dated, unfortunately its content is still relevant. The report highlights the need to address the underpinning causes that place young women on the highway and at risk. It further recommends reducing First Nation intergenerational poverty and post-secondary student temporary poverty, as this is the common contributing factor that places both groups vulnerable to predation.

Not only should we ensure all students are getting the highest-quality education we can offer, but they should feel safe while doing so. The precedent set by systemic discrimination and colonial views against Indigenous peoples instill a fear in communities about sending their children off to an unfamiliar place to receive an education. This is something we must recognize and stand against.

One of the ways we support Indigenous learners is through supporting the transition from community to our main campuses. Last fall, the Fisher River Cree Nation Education Authority signed a partnership agreement with RRC Polytech Interlake and Peguis Fisher River Campuses and the School of Indigenous Education (SIE) for the delivery of our College Transition program. 

The program began in the community and is now wrapping up in Winnipeg. As part of the student learning, RRC Polytech is providing support in learning to live in an urban centre like Winnipeg, accessing bus passes and transportation, and budgeting as students complete their final two courses at the Notre Dame Campus with SIE. We’ve recently learned that many of the students already have plans in place for further post-secondary education and training – some of whom will be coming to RRC Polytech. 

This is one positive step, and we must continue to take more.

I also want to encourage both Indigenous and non-Indigenous men, boys and supporters to join me in support of the grassroots Moose Hide Campaign, by pinning a moose hide pin to yourself as a solemn promise to stand up against gender-based violence.  Staff and students can pick up moose hide pins from either Indigenous Support Centre (F209 at NDC and P407 at EDC) to wear to show support of the campaign and as symbol of their promise to not perpetuate violence against Indigenous women, girls and children.

Congratulations to all the graduates participating in Pow Wow today: whether you are continuing on in your studies or entering the workforce, you are part of an amazing community of RRC Polytech alumni across Manitoba, which I’m sure you realize as you continue on in career and meet fellow alumni. I hope you’ve made lifelong connections and I know staff and faculty will be cheering you on.

Thank you, miigwetch, ekosi, maarsii for your time this morning. I look forward to seeing you at today’s Pow Wow.

Fred Meier,
RRC President and CEO