MITAH-koo-ya OYA-shin OAK-ah-pee

Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape is the name for the large open space you walk into in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae. In Dakota, the name means All My Relations Helping Each Other.

Kunshi (Dakota Grandmother) Ivy Chaske joined RRC Polytech in 2023 as a Grandmother in the Elders-in-Residence program and as a member of the Knowledge Keepers Council. She proposed changing the name from the Agora to Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape, and in the spirit of reciprocity, was offered tobacco. The initial Ceremony to begin the process of transferring the name began on June 21, 2024.

Each person who took part in the Ceremony on Friday, June 20, 2025, honoured its spirit through their presence, accepted the responsibility of bearing witness, and helped ensure that Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape will continue to live within the RRC Polytech community. This year’s Ceremony was an act to close the circle on last year’s Ceremony, and we have walked with Kunshi Ivy while she observed the space and ensured the Polytech could hold the name and the space with the proper respect.

Responsibility for Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape was given to four selected leaders at the Polytech, and each was presented with a gift that represents the weight of the responsibility they now accept. With that, Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape is a proud recognition of the inclusion, reflection, and innovation that happens within these walls and the commitment we have in celebrating the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

This commitment is reflected not just in words, but in meaningful action. As an educational institution, RRC Polytech consistently creates space for inclusion, acceptance, and deep respect for traditional ways of knowing. Through work in the community, we have demonstrated that this is more than a statement – it is a lived practice that shows we are truly committed to reconciliation and respectful relationships.

All My Relations Helping Each Other is a prayer of connection. Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape reminds us that we are not separate – we are part of a vast web that includes every person, every creature, the land, the water, and even the air we breathe. The word “all” means everyone and everything, without exception – not just those who are familiar or similar to us. It’s a call to recognize that our lives are deeply interwoven. It’s a recognition of the fact that we exist because everything else exists.

This teaching reminds us to live with awareness and to recognize the ways we are the same – how we all long for love, peace, truth, and belonging. It challenges us to move beyond division because unity can’t thrive where exclusion lives. When we understand our place in the circle, we realize that each breath we take connects us to all life in the past, present, and future. Ceremonies and prayers remind us of this truth and help us live it and honour it.

Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape is not just a statement – it’s a commitment to walk in respect, compassion, and kindness, and it’s a commitment in honouring all our relations as we heal ourselves and the world.

As we head into the summer, we hope everyone is able to take some well-deserved time to rest and recharge – and we also want to share some important safety updates ahead of the Fall Term. All students and staff are encouraged to take a few moments to review the changes to campus safety and security measures to ensure you’re prepared for both the summer and the upcoming term.

Summer Campus Hours

As of Monday, June 2, summer campus hours are in effect at the Exchange District Campus (EDC) and Notre Dame Campus (NDC) as follows:

• Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday, swipe card access only at EDC and enter through Building C at NDC.
• All RRC Polytech campuses are closed for statuary holidays, July 1 (Canada Day) and August 4 (Terry Fox Day).

Accessing the Campus this Summer

Entering the Exchange District Campus:

For accessing EDC during regular weekday hours, students and staff are required to present their RRC Polytech-issued ID card upon arrival. Swipe card access only for campus entry between 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. On weekends, campus is accessible by swipe card access only from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

If you forget, or do not yet have, your RRC Polytech-issued ID, please use the buzzer for the intercom system to connect with a member of the security team.

Entering the Notre Dame Campus:

For accessing NDC during regular weekday hours, students and staff can enter through available building entrances. Contractors and visitors must check in with Security Services in Building C upon their arrival.

For campus entry between 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on weekdays, staff, students and visitors must enter through Building C, using the doors on the east side. On weekends, campus is only accessible through the Building C doors.

Looking Ahead – Changes to Entering Campus this Fall – EDC Only

RRC Polytech is evolving the process on how people enter the Exchange District Campus. We are sharing this information now in advance of the updates that will be implemented for the Fall Term, so you can have time to familiarize yourself and ensure you’re prepared.

What will remain – security personnel will still be stationed at each entrance to welcome you and provide any assistance as needed.

What is changing – beginning in the Fall Term, all students and staff will be required to scan their RRC Polytech-issued ID cards to enter campus. The process of scanning your ID card is the same as how you access RRC Polytech’s gym facilities, or a similar process to how you would scan your membership card in-store at Costco.

For students and staff who do not have an RRC Polytech-issued ID card or need to replace theirs, visit rrc.ca/ID for more information. Everyone is encouraged to get their ID card in advance of the Fall Term, to avoid any delays.

Safe Walk and Safe Ride Phones

Safe Walk and Safe Ride phones across EDC and NDC will be converted to Security Help Phones. This means that students, staff and visitors can use these phones to connect directly to RRC Polytech’s Security Services team for general security questions, concerns, or to access services such as Safe Walk and Safe Ride.

To find out where Security Help Phones are located on campus, visit the EDC Security Webpage and the NDC Security Webpage.

Safe Walk and Safe Ride Services

Safe Walk and Safe Ride services will remain in operation throughout the summer at EDC and NDC, providing students, staff and visitors with a secure ride or escorted walk between two points on campus, or to a point near RRC Polytech.

To arrange for a Safe Walk or Ride, use a Security Help phone, or call:

• EDC – 204-949-8305 
• NDC – 204-632-2323 

Thank You

We appreciate your ongoing support and feedback as we proactively work to implement safety and security measures to best support our campus community. As part of our commitment to keeping you informed about safety and security measures on campus, we will provide the next Safety Update in early August, ensuring that returning and new students and staff members are prepared for the Fall Term.

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – Today, RRC Polytech and its post-secondary partners across the country are proud to launch the website www.labs4.ca to officially introduce and establish Labs4 – a national applied research commercialization engine designed to support entrepreneurs and accelerate Canada’s innovation economy.

Labs4 brings together 38 polytechnics, colleges and universities across Canada in an aligned effort to collaborate with businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities to transform more research into real-world solutions.

Initially known as the College-University Lab to Market Network for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization, Labs4 will develop and deliver hands-on entrepreneurship training, product development support, and mentorship through eight Regional Hubs and three Indigenous Entrepreneurship Hubs that stretch from coast to coast.

“Labs4 is built for impact. This is innovation with purpose, delivered across every region and rooted in community,” says Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director of Research Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech and Chair of the Labs4 Executive Committee.

“We operate at the intersection of academia and industry to translate applied research into practical solutions. By teaching researchers and businesses how to work with each other, building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities, and scaling innovation with intentional speed and purpose, we’ll equip entrepreneurs to quickly move from insight to action to benefit all Canadians.”

Funded by NSERC, Mitacs, and its institutional partners, Labs4 is a $55 million initiative created to close Canada’s persistent gap between research and commercialization across all sectors, while reducing barriers faced by equity-seeking groups and strengthening Indigenous and regional innovation. Leveraging the state-of-the-art facilities and subject-matter expertise available at network institutions will expedite entrepreneurs and creators’ ability to take new products and processes to the market and therefore make both economic and social impacts sooner.

Three signature pillars differentiate Labs4:

• Indigenous Entrepreneurship Hubs: Incubators in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario provide culturally grounded programming, mentorship, and wraparound supports tailored to First Nations, Métis and Inuit researcher-entrepreneurs. Programming is led by Indigenous institutions and rooted in self-determined goals, ceremony, and community priorities.
• Technology Readiness Level-Up (TRL) program: A four-month placement in polytechnic/college -based applied research facilities where researcher-entrepreneurs receive $10,000 stipends to develop, test, and validate prototypes with expert mentorship.
• Market to Lab (MtL) program: A two-month simulation in which researcher-entrepreneurs lead student teams to solve real-world commercialization barriers. With mentorship from business and innovation experts, participants gain leadership experience and build go-to-market strategies.

The TRL program is already underway: applications are now open for the upcoming Fall 2025 cohort.

“We are dedicated to creating pathways for innovation and amplifying the impact of Canadian research on the global stage,” says Nasil Nam, National Director, Labs4. “Whether it’s a prototype in a lab or a venture ready to launch, we meet researcher-entrepreneurs where they are and help them move forward with confidence. Our work is practical, fast-paced, and focused on impact.”

Labs4 is poised to drive measurable national impact and support hundreds of researcher-entrepreneurs to explore the launch of new research-based ventures. The initiative supports not only new ventures and commercial products but also economic development, job creation, and inclusive growth across all sectors and regions.

To learn more about Labs4, its programs, or upcoming events, visit www.labs4.ca.

About Labs4
Labs4 is Canada’s applied research commercialization engine. Delivered through eight Regional and three Indigenous Entrepreneurship Hubs, it provides researcher-entrepreneurs with the tools, training, mentorship, and applied facilities to move innovations from lab to market. Funded by NSERC, Mitacs and over three dozen post-secondary partners, Labs4 is designed to deliver rapid, equitable, and outcome-driven commercialization across Canada’s innovation ecosystem.

Lancement de Labs4 : l’initiative canadienne de commercialisation de la recherche appliquée pour appuyer l’écosystème de l’innovation

Winnipeg, MB sur le territoire du Traité no 1 et la patrie nationale des Métis de la Rivière-Rouge : Aujourd’hui, RRC Polytech et ses partenaires postsecondaires à travers le pays sont fiers de lancer le site web www.labs4.ca qui marque le lancement et l’établissement officiel de Labs4, une initiative nationale de commercialisation de la recherche appliquée conçue pour appuyer les entrepreneurs et accélérer l’économie d’innovation du Canada.

Labs4 rassemble 38 polytechniques, collèges et universités à travers le Canada dans le but de collaborer avec les entreprises, les entrepreneurs et les collectivités pour transformer davantage de recherche en solutions concrètes. Originalement le College-University Lab to Market Network for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization, Labs4 élaborera et mettra en œuvre des formations pratiques d’entrepreneuriat, un appui au développement de produits et du mentorat dans ses huit carrefours régionaux et trois carrefours d’entreprenariat autochtones, situés partout à travers le Canada.

« Labs4 a été conçue pour avoir un impact et concrétiser l’innovation à travers toutes les régions, tout en étant solidement enracinée dans les communautés », a expliqué Jolen Galaugher, Ph.D., directrice administrative des partenariats de recherche et de l’innovation de RRC Polytech et présidente du comité de direction de Labs4. « Nous évoluons à l’intersection du milieu universitaire et de l’industrie dans le but de traduire la recherche appliquée en solutions pratiques. En enseignant aux chercheurs et aux entreprises à travailler ensemble, en bâtissant des liens plus solides avec les communautés autochtones et en augmentant la rapidité et les objectifs de l’innovation, nous outillons les entrepreneurs à passer rapidement de l’abstrait  à l’action, au profit de tous les Canadiens et Canadiennes. »    

Financée par le CRSNG, Mitacs et ses partenaires institutionnels, Labs4 est une initiative de 55 millions $ créée pour réduire l’écart persistant entre la recherche et la commercialisation à travers tous les secteurs du Canada, tout en réduisant les obstacles auxquels font face les groupes en quête d’équité et en consolidant l’innovation autochtone et régionale. La mise à profit des installations à la fine pointe et de l’expertise en la matière qui existe au sein des établissements du réseau accélérera la capacité des entrepreneurs et des créateurs à commercialiser de nouveaux produits et processus et ainsi, d’avoir un impact économique et social plus rapide.

Les trois piliers qui distinguent Labs4 :

• Carrefours d’entreprenariat autochtones : Des incubateurs d’entreprises au Saskatchewan, au Manitoba et en Ontario fournissent une programmation fondée sur la culture, du mentorat et des services de soutien adaptés aux chercheurs-entrepreneurs des Premières Nations, Métis et Inuit. La programmation est dirigée par des établissements autochtones et est ancrée dans l’auto-détermination, la cérémonie et les priorités communautaires. 
• Programme de niveau de préparation technologique (Technology Readiness Level-Up ou TRL) : Un stage de quatre mois dans une installation polytechnique ou collégiale de recherche appliquée où des chercheurs-entrepreneurs reçoivent une allocation de 10 000 $ pour développer, tester et valider des prototypes, tout en étant accompagnés par  des experts.  
• Programme du marché au labo (Market to Lab ou MtL) : Une simulation de deux mois au cours de laquelle des chercheurs-entrepreneurs dirigent des équipes d’étudiants dans le but de surmonter des obstacles à la commercialisation. Grâce au mentorat d’experts du monde des affaires et de l’innovation, les participants acquièrent une expérience de leadership et élaborent des stratégies de mise en marché.

Le programme TRL est déjà en cours ; les candidatures sont maintenant acceptées pour la prochaine cohorte de l’automne 2025.

« Nous nous engageons à créer des voies d’accès à l’innovation et à amplifier l’impact de la recherche canadienne à l’échelle mondiale », a déclaré Nasil Nam, directrice nationale, Labs4. « Qu’il s’agisse d’un prototype en laboratoire ou d’un projet prêt au lancement, nous allons à la rencontre des chercheurs-entrepreneurs et nous sommes là pour les aider à aller de l’avant en toute confiance. Notre travail est pratique, dynamique et axé sur les résultats. »

Labs4 est positionnée pour produire des retombées quantifiables à l’échelle nationale et appuyer des centaines de chercheurs-entrepreneurs dans l’exploration du lancement de nouvelles entreprises de recherche. L’initiative appuie non seulement les nouvelles entreprises et nouveaux produits commerciaux, mais aussi le développement économique, la création d’emplois et la croissance inclusive à travers tous les secteurs et régions.

Pour en apprendre davantage au sujet de Labs4, ses programmes, ou ses événements à venir, visitez www.labs4.ca.

À propos de 4Labs
Labs4 est l’initiative de commercialisation de la recherche appliquée du Canada. Par l’entremise de huit carrefours régionaux et de trois carrefours d’entreprenariat autochtones, Labs4 procure aux chercheurs-entrepreneurs les outils, la formation, le mentorat et les installations appliquées permettant le passage des innovations du laboratoire au marché. Financée par le CRSNG, Mitacs et plus de trois douzaine de partenaires postsecondaires, Labs4 est conçue pour permettre une commercialisation rapide, équitable et axée sur les résultats à travers l’écosystème canadien de l’innovation.

Food confidence is a vital life skill, especially for youth navigating the transition to adulthood. When RRC Polytech was deciding on a new community-focused pilot program at R.B. Russell High School, it only made sense for it to revolve around cooking skills.   

RRC Polytech launched the Culinary Connections program in November 2024 in partnership with the Winnipeg School Division, funded under the provincial Universally Accessible Nutrition Initiative. This multi-faceted initiative equips youth aged 14–21 with weekly hands-on culinary training, supports household food security through take-home recipe kits, and fosters meaningful pathways to post-secondary education. 

“This program ensures that youth have the opportunity to explore their passion for cooking without limitations. We provided the tools; however, the youth and their families created the magic, learning and growing together,” says Candace Rea, Chair of Community, Education, and Youth at RRC Polytech. 

Culinary Connections was intentionally embedded in neighborhoods identified as food deserts—areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food. By hosting sessions in local high school culinary labs, the program eliminated transportation barriers and brought learning directly into the community. 

Each week, students participated in interactive cooking classes led by RRC Polytech culinary instructors. They explored new ingredients, developed essential kitchen skills, and prepared nourishing meals. After each session, students received a take-home meal kit with all the ingredients needed to recreate the recipes at home—extending the learning experience to their families. 

The impact was immediate and meaningful.  

“Before coming to the program, I could only cook noodles and hotdogs. Now I’m so proud to see the finished recipes I’ve made,” said one participant.  

Another participant reflected that making muffins during the program was the first time they had ever baked. Over the course of the program, students gained confidence not only in the kitchen but also in themselves – learning to share ideas, solve problems creatively, and embrace mistakes as part of the process. 

Families embraced the program too.   

“My mom used the ingredients to make my dad and brothers’ lunches. She also used the extra cinnamon and brown sugar to bake Bannock buns—she loves baking and hasn’t been able to in a long time,” said a participant. 

The program’s roots trace back to a pilot project in July 2024, where 16 students from RRC Polytech’s After School Leaders program and their families participated in a trial run. The pilot aimed to ignite culinary passion, promote family engagement, and explore the impact of shared meals on youth mental health. Families received delivery boxes with fresh ingredients and recipes for two dinners and two desserts, including dishes like Chicken Piccata, chili, and sour cream coffee cake. 

The pilot revealed valuable insights – such as the importance of recipe accessibility. Some students had limited kitchen tools, prompting the program to adapt recipes that could be made without mixers, blenders, or multiple pots. This feedback helped shape the inclusive, accessible approach that defines Culinary Connections today. 

“As a parent with a youth with a chronic illness, it was so beautiful to watch her excitement making food for us,” one parent shared. “It is very often us taking care of her, so for her to take care of us was very moving to watch and experience.” 

The program has now expanded and is currently running for six weeks at St. John’s High School. 

For the first time in its history, RRC Polytech will be hosting ten convocation ceremonies across the province to celebrate the largest graduating class in three years, having added an additional ceremony at the RBC Convention Centre to bring the total Winnipeg ceremonies up to five from the previous four.

Nearly 3,750 students will receive their degrees, certificates or diplomas this year across the Polytech’s eight campuses. Winnipeg campuses alone have seen a ten percent increase in graduates compared to Spring 2024, with a total of 1,670 graduates having registered to attend the Winnipeg ceremonies this year.

“Convocation is a wonderful celebration – not only of our students’ hard work, but for the future of Manitoba, whose workforce is now receiving this influx of thousands of talented, job-ready individuals,” says Fred Meier, President & CEO, RRC Polytech. “Our role as a polytechnic is to provide students from across the province with the education, skills and support to become industry leaders as soon as they leave our campuses.

“Graduation numbers have been increasing year to year; a clear demonstration that our commitment to meeting the emerging needs of both students and industry is working.”

RRC Polytech has seen considerable growth in domestic applications year-over-year, with Fall 2024 applications rising 14 per cent since 2023, and Winter 2025 increasing by 29 per cent from the year before. Enrollment numbers for domestic students also jumped by four per cent in Fall 2024 from the previous year.

​

Three Lieutenant Governor’s Medals Awarded

A community advocate from Peru, a compassionate caregiver from Nigeria, and a data scientist from the Dominican Republic are the three outstanding graduates who have been selected to receive the Lieutenant Governor’s Medals this week. The medals are awarded to students who exemplify high academic and technical achievement, community and college involvement, and overall good character.

• Daniela Ruiz Fernandez, graduate of the Social Innovation and Community Development Program with a Major in Indigenous Social Enterprise.
• Deborah Modupe, graduate of the Disability and Community Support Program.
• Yanna Polonia Gutierrez, graduate of the Data Science and Machine Learning Program.

Read more about the 2025 Lieutenant Governor’s Medal Recipients here.

Maria Pacella awarded Honorary Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Management

RRC Polytech’s Honorary Diploma is awarded to an individual who demonstrates high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements, and whose involvement in the community is widely recognized. This year, RRC Polytech is honouring Maria Pacella, Executive Director of Skills Manitoba, with an Honorary Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration for her nearly two-decade-long career with Skills Manitoba, championing skilled trades education and career development across Manitoba, Canada, and beyond.

Read more about the 2025 Honorary Diploma recipient here.

“We are thrilled that three exceptional students trusted RRC Polytech with their education, and it will be an honour to present them with the Lieutenant Governor Medal Awards this year,” says Aileen Najduch, Executive Director, Student Services & Global Partnerships, RRC Polytech.

“Similarly, the significant impacts of long-time RRC Polytech partner Maria Pacella make her a highly qualified candidate for the Honorary Diploma, and I know her story of leadership within the skilled trades field – particularly her commitment to providing opportunities for students – will resonate with graduates.”

RRC Polytech’s Spring 2025 Convocation celebrations occur across the province throughout June and are live-streamed worldwide. The first of five Winnipeg convocation ceremonies takes place this evening at the RBC Convention Centre, with five more ceremonies being held for the Polytech’s Regional Campuses. Peguis-Fisher River, Selkirk and Winkler ceremonies occurred earlier this month, and Portage la Prairie and Steinbach ceremonies will follow next week.

For a full list of graduates and award winners, and to stream the ceremonies, please click on this link to our convocation webpage.

Schedule of RRC Polytech convocation ceremonies across Manitoba

Winnipeg ceremonies will take place in-person at the RBC Convention Centre, City View Hall (Hall C), 375 York Avenue, and live-streamed at rrc.ca/convocation:

• Monday, June 16 at 7:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 17 at 1:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 17 at 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 18 at 1:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 18 at 7:00 p.m.

Regional campuses:

• Interlake and Peguis – Fisher River Campus (Peguis First Nation and Fisher River Cree Nation), Thursday, June 5 at 2 p.m.
• Interlake and Peguis – Fisher River Campus (Selkirk), Wednesday, June 11 at 2 p.m., Selkirk Recreation Complex, 180 Easton Drive, Selkirk, MB
• Winkler Campus, Thursday, June 12 at 2 p.m., P.W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall, 783 Mountain Avenue, Winkler, MB
• Portage Campus, Tuesday, June 24 at 2 p.m., William Glesby Centre, 2nd Street NE, Portage la Prairie, MB
• Steinbach Campus, Thursday, June 26 at 2 p.m., Southeast Event Centre, 321 Elmdale Street, Steinbach, MB

Each year, RRC Polytech presents an Honorary Diploma to an individual who demonstrates high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements, and whose involvement in the community is widely recognized.

RRC Polytech is pleased to present the 2025 Honorary Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Management to Maria Pacella.

Maria Pacella has led Skills Manitoba as Executive Director since 2006, championing skilled trades education and career development across Manitoba, Canada, and beyond. In nearly two decades, she has built strong partnerships, developed inclusive programming, and created opportunities for students, apprentices, and underrepresented groups in the trades.

Maria works closely with educational institutions, including a long-standing partnership with RRC Polytech, host of the annual Skills Manitoba competition. Skills Manitoba’s programs span all four Manitoba colleges and include schools in both urban and rural communities, ensuring that programming reaches students throughout the province.

In both 2017 and 2023, Maria led two of the most successful National Skills competitions to date, each drawing more than 13,000 students while breaking national records for school tours from Manitoba schools. Nationally, Maria has contributed to the success of many Skills Canada competitions, including Manitoba’s hosting of the 2017 and 2023 national event in Winnipeg.

Maria has launched many important initiatives throughout the province, helping Skills Manitoba build a strong presence throughout Manitoba including northern Manitoba. Notable initiatives include the Northern Young Women’s Conferences held in Thompson, The Pas, and Flin Flon, along with innovative programs like the Extreme Sledding Challenge, the Skilled Trades & Technology Olympics, Northern Manitoba Skills Challenge, Model Wind Turbine Competition, Youth in Manufacturing and various skilled trades awareness programs within the city of Winnipeg. Skills Manitoba also hosts ten Young Women’s Conferences throughout the Province. These initiatives play a crucial role in introducing young people in Manitoba to skilled trades. In Winnipeg, Maria helped create the North End Trades Discovery Initiative, introducing middle and high school students to the trades through hands-on learning.

Partnering with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations, Maria led the development of the Indigenous Skills Showcase – an initiative that celebrates Indigenous culture through skills like woodcarving, cooking, beading, and design – empowering youth to explore trades careers in a culturally safe environment. The showcase was featured at the 2023 Skills Canada National Competition.

Maria’s leadership continues to support Skills Manitoba’s mission to build a strong, inclusive workforce through education, innovation, and community collaboration, while fostering strong industry support that has led to outstanding partnerships that grow every year.

Three Lieutenant Governor’s medals – the highest award that may be obtained upon graduation from RRC Polytech – will be awarded at Spring Convocation ceremonies this week.

The recipients of these medals are selected by a standing committee comprised of representatives from College management, students and instructors. This year, three outstanding graduates have been selected in recognition of their academic and technical achievement, involvement in College and/or community activities, and overall good character.

Daniela Ruiz Fernandez, a graduate of the Social Innovation and Community Development Program with a major in Indigenous Social Enterprise, is a passionate community advocate from Peru, dedicated to fostering well-being, inclusion, and cultural exchange through volunteerism. With a background in humanitarian clowning and yoga instruction, she has supported children’s emotional development through initiatives like PayaSOS, ConPazion, and the online program Yo Cuento. After moving to Canada in 2023 to study at RRC Polytech, Daniela co-founded the Intercultural Alliance Student Club and served as Treasurer, promoting peer support and cultural dialogue. Her volunteer work spans diverse causes — from empowering women and gender-diverse individuals at The WRENCH to mentoring newcomer youth with NEEDS. She also shares her heritage through Peruvian dance performances. Daniela’s journey reflects a deep commitment to empathy, creativity, and community building, enriching every space she joins.

Deborah Modupe, a graduate of the Disability and Community Support Program, is a compassionate caregiver and community advocate whose journey began in Nigeria, where she cared for her grandmother with dementia. This early experience sparked a deep commitment to supporting others, leading her to volunteer in homes for older adults and later work with individuals with disabilities. Her desire to gain formal training inspired Deborah to move to Canada to study Disability and Community Support at RRC Polytech. Deborah volunteers at St. Amant as a Recreational Volunteer and at New Covenant Church, where she supports children and parishioners. Her experiences have shaped her into a resilient, empathetic, and skilled community member. Deborah’s story is one of courage, growth, and unwavering dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Yanna Polonia Gutierrez, a graduate of the Data Science and Machine Learning program,  excels in her academic pursuits while balancing working full-time with a full family life. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Yanna brings resilience, discipline, and a passion for learning to everything she does. She exemplifies academic excellence and time management, while maintaining a 4.5 GPA. Yanna’s commitment to personal and professional growth extends beyond the classroom – she actively pursues industry certifications to complement her education and prepare for a dynamic career in technology. Yanna is also a committed community volunteer, contributing over 60 hours annually to the Assiniboine Conservatory Park and supporting initiatives like Harvest Manitoba, Inspire Conference, and RRC Ready. Her journey reflects a deep belief in the power of education, service, and perseverance to create lasting impact for her family and community.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Terry Gereta demonstrates knife skills at RRC Polytech on Monday. He says a sharp knife is a safe knife, as a dull knife may move while cutting.

This week the Winnipeg Free Press launched a series launching called Homemade Cooking School, featuring stories and detailed tutorials from instructors in RRC Polytech’s Culinary Arts and Professional Baking and Pastry programs. Stories and recipes were captured by Free Press reporter Eva Wasney (CreComm, 2015) and are accompanied by photos and videos from photographer Mikaela MacKenzie.

Chef Terry Gereta kicked things off with knife skills – teaching about mise en place, proper grip and knife maintenance. He provided an overview of common cuts, such as brunoise, dice, julienne and chiffonade.

A total of six sessions will be shared over the next six months, covering everything from sauces to vegetables to baked goods. The goal is to explain terminology often seen in recipes and share useful tips for achieving top notch results at home.

Read the first story featuring Chef Terry Gereta on the Winnipeg Free Press website.

Thank you to the entire RRC Polytech community for your continued support and patience as we temporarily utilized various spaces as part of our efforts to shelter wildfire evacuees on campus.

We remain on standby with the Canadian Red Cross as they continue to monitor the wildfires and needs of communities and individuals who are impacted.

At this time, we will be reopening the following spaces as of Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 6:30am:

• Parking lot Central 1
• The Cave
• Lockers

Please note that the North Gym, South Gym and the Loft remain closed at this time while we await further direction from the Canadian Red Cross and we will update you once we know more about reopening these spaces.

We also want to remind staff and students that as we remain on standby, we may be asked to reactivate these spaces again and would therefore need to restrict access temporarily for the college community. Should this occur, we will communicate these changes via Staff and Student News and email where appropriate.

We thank you again for your understanding and continued support for these important college-wide efforts.

Pictured from left to right: Stephen Lamoureux (AWMAC Manager). Joel Monsalud, Tony Lam (Silver), Logan Loewen (Bronze), Mia Epler, Angus De klerk, Di Wu, Tyler Michaud-Edmonds (Gold), Todd Birtwhistle (Cabinetmaker Apprenticeship Instructor)

Tyler Michaud-Edmonds’ journey to gold at the regional Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC) cabinetmaking competition and silver at Skills Canada Manitoba began long before he enrolled at RRC Polytech – it started in his family’s woodshop.

“I come from blue collar work,” Michaud-Edmonds shares. “My dad and grandfather are both carpenters, so I grew up in the shop. I took quickly to shop class in middle school and high school – that’s where I could apply myself and have freedom.”

After graduating high school, Michaud-Edmonds took time to work and reflect before entering RRC Polytech’s Cabinetry and Woodworking program.

“I knew I wasn’t going to thrive in (traditional) academia,” he says. “But I also didn’t want to be outside framing houses in -40 like my dad. Cabinetmaking is hands-on, engaging work and I knew it was something I would enjoy.”

Now a Level 3 apprentice working with Genuwine Cellars, Michaud-Edmonds helps design and build luxury wine and cigar humidors for high-end clients. “It’s kind of a niche market,” he explains.

“We’re a full design and build firm—whatever dream you have, we make it our daily work to bring that to life.”

Like many students, Michaud-Edmonds initially shied away from participating in competitions. However, Cabinetmaker Apprenticeship instructor Todd Birtwhistle, who has overseen the AWMAC competition for 18 years, emphasizes the value in taking the opportunity to compete.

He explained that the AWMAC competition focuses on testing students’ technical skills, while Skills Canada provides students with a venue to experiment and be creative. When students compete in both they are able to push themselves in different ways.

“All competitions are about honing skills—especially time management,” he says. “You’re working under pressure, and things may go wrong. But it’s about troubleshooting the problem at hand and moving forward.”

Birtwhistle adds, “Tyler is a very talented young man. He works for a company building multi-million dollar wine cellars. It’s a very interesting job that he finds stimulating.”

For Michaud-Edmonds, the experience has been transformative.

“It’s been really affirming,” he says. “Like everybody, I struggle with self-confidence. But it’s not even about the winning—you’re in there with people all pushing each other to do their best.”

As Birtwhistle puts it, participating in competitions creates a sense of pride in students’ work that they carry into their careers.

“We’re training them to train others. The more pride we take in our careers, the more that pride gets passed down.”

Last weekend Michaud-Edmonds’ cabinet was on display, representing Manitoba during the 2025 AWMAC National Convention in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. His craftmanship on the project landed him second place amongst entries from the nine AWMAC regional chapters across Canada.