Yesterday, the federal and provincial government announced over $12 million in combined funding towards community initiatives and organizations working to end gender-based violence. RRC Polytech’s Shelter Support Worker micro-credential will receive $350,000 to continue to offer this important tuition-free program – one of 19 organizations in Manitoba to receive support.

The announcement was held at RRC Polytech’s Manitou a bi Bii daziigae where the Honourable Marci Ien, Women and Gender Equality and Youth Minister for the Government of Canada and the Honourable Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for women and gender equity announced a combined $6.2 million in federal funding with $6.35 million from Manitoba through Year Two of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

“We are honoured to be a part of this announcement and receive support for our tuition-free shelter support worker micro-credential,” said Christine Watson, vice-president academic, Red River College Polytechnic at the announcement. “This training prepares current and future shelter workers to support those in need of refuge from difficult and sometimes dangerous situations. RRC Polytech is proud to be a partner in creating a safer Manitoba for all.”

RRC Polytech’s Shelter Support Worker micro-credential program is the first of its kind in Manitoba and was designed with industry partners to address skill gaps, meet community needs and improve staffing levels and delivery service in homeless and family violence shelters across the province.

Last year, RRC Polytech celebrated its first cohort of 23 students successfully completing the program and next month will host a ceremony for an additional 19 who will complete the second cohort.

The Shelter Support Worker micro-credential was developed in partnership with RRC Polytech and Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters (MAWS) and Manitoba’s family violence and homeless shelters. The program aims to provide essential skills and knowledge for individuals involved in or aspiring to work in homeless and family and gender-based violence shelters.

The program trains existing and potential workers, provides individuals with specific knowledge and education and improves staffing levels and service delivery. It also provides individuals a chance to apply their knowledge through a practicum.

The bilateral funding agreement is part of the second year of a comprehensive 10-year National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence which aims to create a Canada free of GBV and provide support to victims, survivors and their families across the country.

Supported initiatives – like the Shelter Support Worker micro-credential – align with five pillars: supports for survivors and their families; prevention; responsive justice system; implementing Indigenous-led approaches; and social infrastructure and enabling environment.

“To work towards a future free from gender-based violence, our government is supporting community-driven actions in Manitoba,” said the Honourable Marci Ien in a joint press release. “By investing over $6.2 million in 2024-25, we are empowering Manitoban organizations to lead the way forward in preventing and addressing gender-based violence. Together with the Manitoba government, we are implementing the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence to ensure safety, support and justice for all.”

“We need to put a stop to gender-based violence in our homes and communities, and make sure survivors have the supports they need,” said the Honourable Nahanni Fontaine in a joint press release. “We are taking action to ensure there are more supports for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, working with communities to break cycles of violence, and supporting Indigenous-led and community-informed approaches to address gender-based violence across Manitoba.”

To learn more about the Shelter Support Worker micro-credential, visit rrc.ca

Partnership brings fully funded construction trades training into community to strengthen local workforce and remove barriers for Indigenous learners

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – RRC Polytech is utilizing a mobile facility in community to deliver fully funded construction trades training to Shoal Lake 40 citizens this summer in a growing partnership with Shoal Lake 40 First Nation and Niiwin Wendaanimok, a Kenora-based Indigenous training organization. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen the local workforce and help shrink labour gaps as Shoal Lake 40 navigates record growth featuring numerous new building projects including a water extension project.

It’s the first time that RRC Polytech has deployed a mobile training lab (MTL) to Shoal Lake 40.  A dozen eager learners are taking advantage of the opportunity to learn about the tools and equipment, basic measurements and safety standards that will qualify them to seek immediate work as part of a construction crew, in community or beyond.

“One of the greatest barriers that many Indigenous learners face is access to education without being displaced from their support systems,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice President of Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

“RRC Polytech’s mobile training labs and our ability to customize course material with micro-credentials ensures that students can stay close to home and connected to family and tradition throughout their academic journey as they acquire new skills to make a positive impact in their communities.”

The project is being fully funded by Niiwin Wendaanimok via the Skills Development Fund offered through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). The Niiwin Wendaanimok (Four Winds) Partnership is an Indigenous owned and operated corporation dedicated to providing construction, contracting and environmental monitoring services in Treaty 3 territory with a mandate to employ Anishinaabe workers and assets in development projects and ensure Anishinaabe laws and voices are respected.

“At Niiwin Wendaanimok, our mission is to rebuild the economies of our four partner First Nations while following Manito Aki Inakonigaawin (MAI), the Great Earth Law of the Anishinaabeg. This journey begins with providing comprehensive training programs to our people,” says George Kakeway, Chairman of the Board, Niiwin Wendaanimok.

“The RRC Polytech training program in Shoal Lake 40 exemplifies our commitment, equipping members with the skills they need to meaningfully participate in projects in the community and beyond, including the vital highway twinning project. Through these partnerships, we hope to build a sustainable future for our people, where honouring tradition and progress walk side by side.”

Shoal Lake 40 has over a dozen new home builds underway as well as a number of larger commercial builds on the horizon so there is a local need for general labourers in construction.

“Training local community members in our community is vitally important to our collective strength and pride,” says Chief Kevin Redsky, Shoal Lake 40 First Nation. “Shoal Lake 40 First Nation is catching up from 100 years of isolation since the completion of Freedom Road in 2019 and we are very happy that our local community members are gaining the skills needed from the Red River College Polytechnic Mobile Training Lab to help rebuild our Nation.” 

Students began their initial 13-week learning journey earning micro-credentials in safety standards and awareness, tool and equipment use and care, and construction-related measurement and math. They are currently being introduced to the concepts and techniques of basic plumbing and piping and recently completed a two-week course on wood framing that led to the construction of ice fishing shacks that will be shared with the community.

On Monday, they even got a chance to show off their work and share their experiences with a tour of special guests including His Worship, Scott Gillingham, Mayor of the City of Winnipeg and the Honourable Ian Bushie, Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations, who were in community for an annual meeting.

“The ice fishing shack is looking pretty good, so I’m proud of everyone’s work and how much they’ve learned,” said student, Rowen Sky, who is currently working as a framer for a company based in Richer, MB. He’s using the training as, “a good refresher that gives me more time with our young family.”

“We’ve always built things ourselves, but now we’ll know how to build them right so things around here will last longer and be safer for our kids,” added his partner and fellow student, Kendra Green.

The program gives students flexibility in their learning with entry and exit points that can lead directly to employment opportunities in their own community. Students also get a chance to become more comfortable in their new roles by touring current job sites and meeting with sub-contractors and potential employers.

“In addition to building new physical structures and stronger communities, these students are also learning to build relationships that can help them to achieve their goals and dreams while becoming positive role models within their community,” says Wilson. “We look forward to continuing to grow this partnership with Shoal Lake 40 and are committed to supporting all Indigenous communities across Manitoba.”     

RRC Polytech has previously supported youth entrepreneurs from Harvey Redsky Memorial School in launching a for-profit business that will generate revenue and bring attention to Shoal Lake 40 First Nation’s legacy from tragedy to opportunity in their generation.

RRC Polytech purchased decals designed by the student-entrepreneurs through a Future Business Leaders Project that will be placed near re-fillable bottle stations on campus. The decals provide information about Shoal Lake 40 providing clean drinking water to City of Winnipeg residents and promote our shared and sacred responsibility to protect the environment. (Learn more)

About Mobile Training Labs (MTLs):

The MTLs are 53-foot-long semi-trailers with slide-out sides that can quickly transform into 950 square feet of vocational training space bringing a classroom, any necessary equipment and professional instruction directly into rural communities.

About micro-credentials:

Micro-credentials are shareable endorsements of knowledge, skills or competencies gained through the completion of a course, a module or demonstration of understanding and are often represented by digital badges. They can also be stacked as learners build their knowledge base and this allows course content to be adapted to meet the specific needs of the students and the community.

Starting next Tuesday, youth ages 9-14 will be attending summer camps at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s Notre Dame Campus exploring photography, Indigenous culture, entrepreneurship, transportation technology, baking, and structural design.

This year, the College is offering seven camps – the most ever offered – to 160 campers, the most in RRC Polytech’s history. These hands-on camps are taught by knowledgeable instructors to introduce young people to various trades and career areas.

“Our summer camps are one way we engage youth early and give them an idea of the experiences they could have at RRC Polytech when they start thinking about a career later in their education,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “It is also a way for them and their families to get familiar with us, ask questions, and learn something they maybe didn’t know before. But most of all, the aim is to make sure these kids have a fun and interactive learning experience with a group of their peers.” 

The camps take place throughout July. Media is invited to schedule a time to attend in the timeslots listed below to capture the sessions in action.

When:

Where: RRC Polytech, Notre Dame Campus, 2055 Notre Dame Avenue

Photo opportunities: Kids engaging in trades and other activities

For a full list of camps and their dates, visit the Youth Camps page on the RRC Polytech website.

Thanks to the support of donors, some campers can attend free of charge. A $500,000 gift from the Canerector Foundation, announced earlier this year, will cover the costs of the Girls Exploring Trades and Technology Camp for the next five years, while a $40,000 gift from the Carolyn Sifton Foundation is covering up to 100 registrations for campers who may not otherwise be able to attend. The camp offerings continue to diversify and grow in response to labour market trends and thanks to the support of donors.

RRC Polytech also offers other learning opportunities for youth during the evenings and weekends throughout the year. The Gene Haas Manufacturing Boot Camp introduces grade 7 and 8 students and their parents or guardians to CNC machining, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing, plus robotics and automation. This immensely popular one-day experience recently hosted its 10^th event and surpassed the 360-participant mark in just two years.

Over 100 applications in first week of initiative aimed at increasing Indigenous enrolment

For the month of June, RRC Polytech is waiving the application fees for First Nations (Status and non-Status), Métis and Inuit learners to any RRC Polytech program. The initiative has already had a strong response with more than 100 applications submitted in the first week.

Data from Statistics Canada in 2021 shows that 49.2% of Indigenous people between the ages of 25 and 64 had completed post-secondary education, compared to 68% of non-Indigenous people.

“That 18.8% gap represents disproportionate access to education that deeply affects Indigenous people, which is entangled in a multitude of factors rooted in Canada’s colonial history. This initiative isn’t just about the application fee, but about extending an invitation to Indigenous learners. Once they become students at RRC Polytech, we can help coordinate additional financial supports and supports designed for their wellbeing and success,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech.

While this initiative is in part to recognize and celebrate National Indigenous History Month in an impactful way, waiving application fees during this period is part of RRC Polytech’s ongoing strategy to increase Indigenous enrolment and reduce barriers to education.

“We know that, both from decades of formal community research and informal, anecdotal discussions with Indigenous people, barriers to post-secondary education are wide-ranging. As an educational institution in Manitoba, we have a duty to address the disproportionate barriers that Indigenous communities face. Removing the application fee to help Indigenous learners get started on their journeys is just one way we’re looking at to provide more opportunities for Indigenous people to participate equitably,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development.

Applicants that self-declare as First Nations (Status and non-Status), Métis or Inuit will have the $116 application fee waived for any RRC Polytech program – every person is eligible for one free application to any program and any intake.

With over 150 programs to choose from, including seven Pathways and introductory programs through the School of Indigenous Education, qualified learners can find the perfect program to fit their needs and provide the credential needed to start a career. The School of Indigenous Education offers four Pathway programs – in business, engineering, health, information technology – and three college introductory certification programs – College Transition, Culinary Skills (Indigenous) and Introduction to Trades – that prepare Indigenous students for the program of their choice and ensure they gain the skills and knowledge to thrive in a college environment.

Indigenous learners also have access to the Indigenous Admissions Advisor, who provides support and guidance either in person, over the phone, or through virtual meetings. The Indigenous Admissions Advisor can help learners explore programs of interest, review requirements to qualify for admission, navigate application processes with respect to registration and required documents, and connect with other Indigenous student support team members.

Marshall Richard, Indigenous Student Recruiter at RRC Polytech, travels Manitoba as part of Choices for Indigenous Post-Secondary Education (CIPEM) with other post-secondary institutions to inform Indigenous students of programs and supports tailored for their success. Richard and his team members see first-hand the kinds of factors that may prevent Indigenous people from taking that first step to pursuing post-secondary education.

“Removing the initial $116 application fee can make a difference for a high school student, a single parent, or a career-changer who may be on the fence about applying for a program. As students at RRC Polytech, they can access essential wraparound supports dedicated to their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing to help them achieve their goals. It’s just a matter of getting their foot in the door, and this can help them with that first step towards their futures,” said Richard.

The commitment RRC Polytech has made to Truth and Reconciliation through the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan ensures we continue to pursue equitable opportunities for Indigenous people to finish their paths in post-secondary, while creating a framework to continually address and break down barriers for all students pursuing post-secondary.

Learners are invited to create an RRC Polytech account and apply through our self-serve portal on our website or visit one of our Student Service Centres, located at D101 – 2055 Notre Dame Ave. and P104 – 160 Princess St.

More information is available at rrc.ca/free.

Near-million-dollar gift will increase supports and reduce barriers for hundreds of Indigenous learners

For immediate release: June 11, 2024

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – A new gift from IG Wealth Management (IG Wealth) to Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) will reduce barriers and provide integral support to hundreds of Indigenous students at RRC Polytech.

The $900,000 gift through the IG Wealth Management Empower Your Tomorrow program will fund the creation of the IG Empower Navigation Coach and the new IG Empower Scholarship and Career Development Program at the College. The addition of this program, powered by IG Wealth, will provide integral support and allow students to learn in collaborative environments, gain leadership, confidence, academic and employment skills, including opportunities to learn and work at IG Wealth, while easing the financial burden.

“RRC Polytech continues to establish vital partnerships to support pathways to education and to reduce barriers for Indigenous learners,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Today’s support from IG Wealth will enable us to build on our success and expand that work to create strong pathways for Indigenous students to become successful graduates and leaders poised to excel in their chosen careers.”

“IG’s presence in Winnipeg spans almost a century and from day one we’ve made it a priority to be actively engaged in the local community,” said Damon Murchison, President and CEO, IG Wealth Management. “Working with RRC Polytech, we can enhance education and career path development to build financial well-being among Winnipeg’s Indigenous youth. As I look to the future, I’m energized by the impact we can make by coming together to better support students across the city.”

Manitoba is home to the highest percentage of Indigenous peoples in Canada. A significant – and growing – population of Indigenous learners in Manitoba choose RRC Polytech for their post-secondary education.

IG Wealth’s support is helping move RRC Polytech’s commitments to Truth and Reconciliation and the pursuit of equity, diversity, and inclusion forward. The program will enhance the student experience by providing tools and support to help students as they navigate their education and take important steps to start their careers.

The gift supports RRC Polytech’s In Front of What’s Ahead Comprehensive Campaign, the single largest fundraising campaign in the College’s history.

To learn more about the announcement, view IG Wealth Management’s latest news release.

As of today, Menstrual Health Day, menstrual products, including tampons and pads, will now be available at no cost in all washrooms at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) campuses as a part of the College’s commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces on campus and removing barriers to learning that students and staff may face.

Products have previously been available through the Student’s Association and Health Centres on campus however this is an additional step that will ensure more equitable access to all students and staff on all campuses. Beginning this week the products will be available in all washrooms, so all students and staff have access to them regardless of gender.

“Access to menstrual products is a barrier that students and staff on campus will no longer have to face,” said Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer, RRC Polytech. “Menstrual products are as necessary as other washroom products. Reducing barriers and easing access for our community is another important step in supporting an inclusive campus.”

While this initiative is something RRC Polytech had already been working towards, the vision of students in the 2022 Public Relations Major of the Creative Communications program further inspired this initiative as part of a class project.

“Our all-female class immediately understood the impact of free menstrual products – it’s just another thing you have to think about on top of everything else a college student has to face and manage daily,” said student lead on the project and 2022 Creative Communications graduate, and Team Lead of Chamber Engagement at Johnston Group, Georgia Dalke.

“It is important that everyone, whether they menstruate or not, understands what it means for RRC Polytech to stand behind its students with a program like this. Menstruating is not something you should hide or be ashamed of – it’s is a normal bodily function and shouldn’t impede your ability to get an education.”

Robin Ringland, another student who worked on the project, then came to RRC Polytech for her work placement in 2022 where she continued to work on this initiative. She is now a full time Communications Officer for the School of Indigenous Education. Part of the information she gathered includes that menstruating students will get approximately eight periods in an eight-month school year. In a two-year program, students will experience 16 periods while at school or 32 periods in a four-year program.

For those who require menstrual products, it can be expensive and interruptive to their class time if products are not easy to access when they need them. A recent Leger report, shows that one in four Canadian women have had to choose between purchasing menstrual products or other essentials. The same report notes that “menstrual stigma and access barriers can hinder education, employment and mental health.”

“It is important that all staff and students feel comfortable on our campuses. Access to menstrual products will help give students the peace of mind that what they need will be available where and when they need it so they can focus on their courses and not have to miss important class time,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “We hope to improve access and ease the financial burden for menstruating staff and students by having the products available in all washrooms. Having menstrual products available and visible in all washrooms is the right thing to do to ensure an equitable experience for all.”

RRC Polytech is committed to upholding fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. Menstrual health is an important part of life for many students and staff and can create a barrier that RRC Polytech aims to help alleviate.

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – A $500,000 donation from the Canerector Foundation is helping more young women and girls in Manitoba try their hand in skilled trades, while also providing support for current Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s students in their journey to a career in skilled trades and technologies.

A portion of the gift funds the Girls Exploring Trades and Technology (GETT) Camp – a summer program at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus that gives young women and girls between the ages of 12 and 14 first-hand experience with a variety of skilled trades at no cost to them or their families. This camp has been so successful that shortly after it was announced for 2024 all the spots were filled. The Canerector Foundation’s support ensures this camp will allow the program to continue and provide learning opportunities for young women in Manitoba for years to come.

“We’ve been working to increase representation in the trades by creating more opportunities for women and equity deserving groups who might not have considered a career in the trades. A big part of this is creating safe spaces for them to explore and learn,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Through the Canerector Foundation’s support of the GETT Camp, we create even more opportunities for young women to get inspired and curious about skilled trades in a safe and fun learning environment.”

The gift also funds the Canerector Foundation Scholarship in the Skilled Trades.  These support students enrolled in one of 14 diploma and certificate programs in the School of Skilled Trades and Technologies. Recipients are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to community involvement and active engagement in mentorship activities. The first round of scholarships is scheduled to be given in the fall of 2024 and supports up to 27 recipients annually.

“Skilled trades are the backbone of our economy and provide a lot of value to our communities,” said Amanda Hawkins, Director of the Canerector Foundation. “Canerector was founded and built by tradespeople and hopes to bring attention to the wide variety of careers that begin with a skilled trades education. We are happy to see RRC Polytech’s focus on strategic workforce development and are excited to be a part of it.”

The next GETT Camp runs in July 2024 and the first Canerector Foundation awards are scheduled to be given this fall.

More about the funding announcement: Canerector Foundation Supports Trades Success with Half Million Dollar Gift : RRC Polytech: Donor Community

More about the GETT Camp: Girls Exploring Trades and Technology : Red River College Polytechnic: Youth Initiatives (rrc.ca)

For immediate release: May 7, 2024

Sophie Walker, a Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) nursing student has received a $30,000 grant from the inaugural Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) and Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grant for her project, Climate Resilient Nursing.

“As a founding member of Canadian Colleges for Resilient Recovery, RRC Polytech has made a commitment to preparing students to use the skills they’ve learned and make real-world impacts,” said Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic, RRC Polytech and Co-Chair of the C2R2 Steering Committee. “As a leading post-secondary institution, we play a vital role in advancing sustainability through our academic programs and applied research. Sophie’s project is an exciting reminder of how our students can help us move toward a more sustainable future. We are also very pleased that a Winnipeg-based organization such as Wawanesa has provided such a unique investment to support students’ research to positively impact climate action.” 

Sophie’s Climate Resilient Nursing project aims to address nursing professionals’ lack of capacity to address climate change related health care system vulnerabilities and resilience. The project will increase climate awareness among nurses, help nursing students develop practical skills to become more climate conscious in their future careers and create a comprehensive resource guide for future students and instructors at RRC Polytech.

“I am very grateful to receive this grant and excited to dive deeper into the research! I have been interested in research since my first year in nursing school back in late 2019 and in the last three weeks I’ve had incredible support from my instructors and researchers at RRC Polytech in finding an idea and creating the proposal,” said Sophie. “Receiving this grant means I can help to make a difference and leave a lasting change. It will also help me gain valuable experience for my future career.”

Sophie worked with her instructors in the Nursing program and Research, Partnerships & Innovation team at RRC Polytech on the project, which was inspired by one of Sophie’s instructors, Jennifer Morin, who Sophie says is passionate about the subject and has a wealth of knowledge that helped her with the application.

Sophie is one of five Youth Innovation Grant recipients. Each grant is given to a student from a C2R2 partner institution to launch or enhance a climate adaptation or climate mitigation project. RRC Polytech is one of the founding partners of C2R2 and currently offers six micro-credential courses aimed at clean tech and social innovation.

“C2R2 is proud to support the empowerment of youth leaders in their efforts to drive impactful change that centers on climate change adaptation and mitigation,” said Adrienne Madden, Coalition Manager, C2R2. “RRC Polytech is among our esteemed partner institutions amplifying C2R2’s collective efforts, and we were excited to see such a strong project led by them for this inaugural Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grant. We are eager to see the impact that Sophie’s project will have in Winnipeg, and more broadly within the nursing community.”

Sophie’s contributions to her community don’t end here. She was also recently in the news for her generous creation of the Journey Award for nurses to support other nursing students who have faced formidable challenges in their academic journey as she did.

For more information about the awards: The Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery and Wawanesa Insurance Youth Innovation Grants announcement

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation – Today, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) and the RRC Polytech Students’ Association (RRCSA) invites students and staff to learn more about Sikh Culture at the annual Turban Pride Day event at the Notre Dame Campus.
 
The turban is an important symbol for many Sikh Canadians, signifying individual sovereignty, self-respect, courage and human equality. These are all values RRC Polytech embodies, and this annual event provides an opportunity for the community to come together and learn through experiencing being wrapped in a turban and asking questions to Sikh staff and students.
 
This event started in 2014 by business administration student (now RRC Polytech staff) Sukhjot Singh, to educate staff and students who might have questions about his turban but were too afraid to ask. The event is now led by the Red River College Polytechnic Students’ Association with support from the College. 
 
“Cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and RRC Polytech is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion within our community,” said Fred Meier, RRC Polytech President and CEO. “Events like Turban Pride Day create real learning opportunities to come together, to gain deeper understanding, and to create a more welcoming and inclusive working and learning environment for all. I look forward to participating each year and seeing the hallways full of students and staff excited to share, learn and wear a turban with pride.”

Turban Day takes place each year on April 13 as part of Sikh heritage month. In 2023, Manitoba became the first province to officially recognize Turban Day. Last year at RRC Polytech, approximately 300 turbans were tied, a number that left Prachi Chawla, RRC Polytech student and President of the Students’ Association proud. 
 
“Fred Meier came and tied a turban around his head. He made an effort to ask questions and it meant a lot,” said Chawla. “Every year that RRC Polytech hosts this event we are overwhelmed with the positive conversations, and the curiosity that has stemmed from Turban Pride Day.”

RRC Polytech prioritizes creating a safe place for people to share about their culture, and a welcoming place for others to learn.  
 
“We are hoping to build cultural awareness, and to bridge the gap between the different communities- bringing in cultural inclusivity. For us, wearing a turban is both cultural and religious, and I love answering any questions that people may have,” said Mohitpreet Kaur, Vice President of the Students’ Association at RRC Polytech. 

The annual event will take place today at the RRC Polytech Notre Dame Campus from 11:00am – 1:00pm and media is invited to attend.

When: Today, Friday, April 12, 2024 
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 
 
Where: Library Hallway at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus 

For more information:
Caleb Jutzi
Communications Intern
519.697.8062
cjutzi@rrc.ca

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – Starting today, 40 RRC Polytech grads are being highlighted in Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s Polytechnic Proud campaign. The campaign aims to represent diversity across programs, industries, and generations and includes a series of billboards and feature stories. Each featured graduate was nominated by their workplace.  

“The partnerships we have with industry are so valuable to the work we do here at RRC Polytech, and we are thrilled that so many nominated their talented employees – our proud alumni – for this campaign,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “The diversity represented in Polytechnic Proud is a testament to the quality of work that our grads are doing and the wide variety of career paths that a polytechnic education prepares them for.” 

The recent and seasoned grads featured are CEOs, directors, entrepreneurs, engineers, account managers, nurses, horticulturists, teachers, chefs, and many more from a variety of industries. The first feature story being released tomorrow as part of the campaign is Amanda Buhse of Coal and Canary Candle Company who started her business in 2014 and has since had products sold across the world and featured at The Oscars and The Grammys. 

“RRC Polytech provided me with an environment where ideas weren’t just encouraged, they were also celebrated,” says Amanda Buhse, Founder of Coal and Canary Candle Company and a 2006 graduate of RRC Polytech’s Advanced Graphic Design Program (now the Communication Design program). “My experience at RRC Polytech really was a catalyst for my success today in so many ways. It was honestly one of the best times of my life – both fun and challenging and prepared me for where I am today.”  

Over the next eight weeks, dozens of billboards will be visible in Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, and Selkirk, along with print and online versions across Manitoba. Profiles for more than half of these grads, including Amanda, will also be published on RRC Polytech’s Alumni News page and shared with the wider RRC Polytech community throughout the year – including over 80,000 RRC Polytech graduates in Manitoba and around the world.   

More about Polytechnic Proud: Polytechnic Proud Campaign : Red River College Polytechnic: Alumni Engagement (rrc.ca)