The following message was sent to All Staff and All Students today by Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer.

Community safety has been a topic of conversation and area of concern for many across our province, and we know it is top of mind for many within our campus community.   

Recent events within the city have heightened awareness and concerns, which is why we are connecting with students, staff and faculty to update you on new measures we are implementing now, and our plans to keep you informed as we continue to advance this work across the College.   

We want to reaffirm that the health and safety of our community remains our top priority, and we know that there have been questions and concerns raised on this issue.   

As part of our commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment, we have some important immediate measures we have taken over the last few weeks to enhance safety on our campuses, especially in the Exchange District.

These include:   

• Increased Security Presence: We have expanded the number of security officers on duty and patrols across all Exchange District campuses, ensuring greater visibility and support throughout the day.  

• Second Mobile Patrol Unit: A new mobile unit has been introduced, allowing our security team to respond more quickly to any needs across the campus and surrounding areas. 

• Expanded Safe Ride Services: Our SafeRide program has been expanded to include an additional vehicle – providing more options for those requiring safe transportation to and from campus.

SafeRide is utilized on average 100 times a day, and this has increased 20 per cent since the new unit was added – and we hope this continues to grow. We will also be updating SafeRide signage at the Security desk to make it more clear to students and staff that this is where they should go to access this program.  

• Enhanced Patrols with Winnipeg Police Service and Cadets: We are working closely with the Winnipeg Police Service and Winnipeg Police Cadets to increase patrols and foot presence around our campuses. These partners are checking in with Security regularly and you will likely notice increased presence of these individuals who are patrolling in and around EDC.  

• Ongoing Safety Enhancements: We are actively exploring additional options and opportunities with our partners to keep our campuses secure, with ongoing input from the College community. We are working on additional measures to enhance safety on campus and more details will be shared soon. 

• Awareness campaigns: We are actively working with areas across the College to address concerns and identify opportunities for further education and engagement with students and staff on the supports and services available, and how to access them.  

It is important that our community is informed, and that they know what services and supports are available to them. We are working with academic and support areas to ensure the information is easily accessible for students who require support or whose first language is not English.  

Moving forward, we will be sharing regular monthly updates and reminders from the Safety, Health and Security Services team to help the community stay informed on the ongoing security enhancements. Updates will be shared in Staff and Student News and will also include information and added resources to help us take a proactive approach to safety in our day-to-day lives.   

Our focus is on prioritizing increased safety for students and staff first, while maintaining our role as a good neighbour and community partner.  

The safety and security of our campuses is something we continually assess and adjust based on the needs of our community. Please remember our Security team is here to assist you and ensure that all students and staff feel safe and supported on and around Campus:  

Notre Dame Campus  
Location: Room C115  
Phone: 204-632-2323   *call for support or to arrange SafeRide  

The Roblin Centre  
Location: Room P106  
Phone: 204-949-8305   *call for support or to arrange SafeRide  

Paterson GlobalFoods Institute  
Location: Room 100  
Phone: 204-631-3381   *call for support or to arrange SafeRide

Manitou a bi Bii daziigae
Location: Main Floor Security Desk
Phone: 204 949 8544 *call for support or to arrange SafeRide    

While we continue to adjust and enhance to our safety strategy, we also want to encourage the community to continue to remain vigilant, support one another, and reach out if you have any concerns. Together, we can create a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community.  

Thank you for your ongoing support and feedback, which remain essential as we move forward. Please feel free to reach out to safety@rrc.ca with any questions, concerns, or additional suggestions you may have.  

There is a winter storm impacting Southern Manitoba today and causing poor visibility and driving conditions. Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual.

RRC Polytech’s regional campuses will be operating as follows:

• Portage campus will remain open with virtual options for those who cannot travel due to poor road conditions.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg campuses will be open with classes delivered as usual.
• Winkler campus will remain open with classes delivered as usual.
• Selkirk campus is open with classes delivered as usual.
• Peguis campus is open with classes delivered as usual.
• Steinbach campus and Steinbach Language Training Centre will remain open with classes delivered as usual.
• Arborg Language Training Centre will remain open with classes delivered as usual.

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

Any updates to campus operations will be shared on www.rrc.ca/marcomm/news

RRC Polytech opens Manitoba’s first Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre – set to begin training future health leaders in January 2025.

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis – 

Healthcare education at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is entering a new chapter today with the opening of its new Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre (the Simulation Centre). This first-of-its kind training facility in Manitoba will begin training the province’s future health leaders this January.

The Simulation Centre is a groundbreaking interdisciplinary facility that will revolutionize healthcare training in Manitoba. It is the first interdisciplinary centre of its kind in Manitoba to focus on nursing, allied health professions and community services and has 16,630 square feet of state-of-the-art learning space at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus.

“The Simulation Centre will maximize education opportunities and provide immersive and collaborative training for our health and community care programs,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “As one of the largest trainers of healthcare professionals in the province, this is an exciting new frontier in how we can better train and prepare students to be confident in their careers and make an impact in our communities throughout the province.”

“Simulation is critical as it ensures students in all programs have access to immediate experiential training opportunities vital to graduation, gaining experience that helps better prepare them for the clinical environment and ultimately, being job ready on day one,” said Meier.

Using state-of-the art high-fidelity simulation equipment and live actors to create small- and large-scale activities and mock scenarios, the Simulation Centre will provide students from various health disciplines in 13 programs with real-world experiences that mirror the realities they will face in the workplace. These training opportunities will equip students to fill vital and in-demand career roles in Manitoba’s healthcare system from their first day on the job.

The Simulation Centre was made possible through ongoing support from the Province of Manitoba, who this year invested over $6 million in funding towards the development along with ongoing operating support – providing a total investment of over $12.5 million.

 “This state-of-the-art centre is an example of the high-quality training that is offered right here in Manitoba. Bringing students together from different health disciplines allows our future healthcare workers to get hands-on training that reflects the realities of their future workplaces,” said Minister of Advanced Education and Training, Renée Cable.

“Together, with our partners at RRC Polytech, we’re ensuring that the future of healthcare in Manitoba is in good hands,” said Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, Uzoma Asagwara. “Innovative learning opportunities guarantee that future generations of healthcare workers are well-equipped to offer top-quality care to Manitobans. I look forward to seeing how the centre improves students’ education and how as a result, Manitoba continues to be a top choice for folks wanting to study and work in healthcare.”

Designed with the future of healthcare professions in mind, the Simulation Centre will continue to evolve alongside emerging technological and social innovations, as well as RRC Polytech’s commitments to reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.  The Simulation Centre was designed with Indigenous teaching and practices woven throughout. Each of the debriefing rooms are named after Indigenous healing plants which are integrated through the Centre. The space also has an Elder’s Room and includes spaces for smudging and ceremonies.

The space was created to accommodate growth in these programs. It has the capacity to train up to 12,000 students each academic year, and up to six simulations can be run at a time in the various simulation spaces. The Simulation Centre is designed to replicate real hospital environments, including multi-patient rooms, and an adaptable apartment space that supports a wide range of interdisciplinary scenarios.

The facility also includes a triage station for training health unit clerks, as well as an exam room designed to mimic a healthcare practitioner’s space. Several flexible spaces, with movable walls, can be reconfigured to accommodate large group gatherings or simulations that require non-hospital settings.

Streaming and recording capabilities within the Simulation Center will allow regional campuses to observe live simulations which can also be viewed in the large lecture theater connected to the Simulation Centre. This would allow a larger audience to engage with and participate in the simulation experience.

Students will train with standardized participant actors to fill the role of patients, and the Simulation Centre enter is equipped with a diverse range of advanced mannequins, spanning from infant to older adult, to effectively simulate various stages of life.

The Simulation Centre will support new and existing students and provide opportunities for the current workforce to upgrade their skills. A dedicated simulation educator will be available to support industry partners who wish to use the center. This educator will assist in developing simulations that align with learning objectives, provide exceptional student experience, and uphold the highest standards in simulation.

For more information about the Simulation Centre, and the programs it supports, go to rrc.ca/sim.

Beginning on Monday, November 18, 2024, CBC Manitoba will be set up at the Notre Dame Campus for two weeks to explore topics and issues that matter to the RRC Polytech students and community as part of the Communities in Focus series.

CBC Manitoba journalist Jim Agapito, videographer Travis Golby and Community Connection Senior Producer Nadia Kidwai will be spending time digging into stories that matter to our community.

The goal of Communities in Focus is to tell stories that reflect the province’s many people and places. Communities in Focus often travels to different parts of Manitoba – they’ve been to Poplar River First Nation and Lac du Bonnet already this fall, and now they want to know more about the RRC Polytech community.

Where they will be:

They will be setting up shop on the Notre Dame Campus in the library hallway on the mall level.

Welcome event: They will be hosting a welcome event to introduce the team to the college community, and to allow the community to introduce itself, from 11 am-1 pm on Monday, Nov. 18. Students, staff and faculty are invited to say hello, grab a bite to eat and share a bit about our RRC Polytech community.

Office Hours: Community Connection Senior Producer Nadia Kidwai will be holding office hours Nov. 18 and 19, and Nov. 25, 26 and 28 from 11am-1pm – please swing by for a chat and to share your story.

Panel discussions: Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 11 am and Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 12 pm, we will be hosting informal but informative panel discussions where your fellow students take the lead and give us their perspectives on issues of the day.  

Look for topics and how to get involved in Staff and Student news in the days leading up.

Live shows: CBC will also be recording live from RRC Polytech: Radio Noon (Thursday, Nov. 21 from 12-1pm), and Information Radio (Thursday, Nov. 28 from 6am-8:30am).

Share your stories

The goal of the Communities in Focus initiative is to meet people, hear their stories and then share those stories. They want to tell stories that reflect and represent our province and out community is invited to share.

If you have a story idea, please get in touch by email: nadia.kidwai@cbc.ca or call 204-296-0846.

CBC Manitoba’s Communities in Focus series

CBC Manitoba has hosted several Communities in Focus events and toured many places across the province. Over the last year, CBC Manitoba has set up community news bureaus in the Interlake, Steinbach, Virden and Island Lake.

If you have questions about CBC’s Communities in Focus event at RRC Polytech, please contact collegerelations@rrc.ca

Monday is Remembrance Day, our annual reminder to reflect and honour those who have served and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace.

All campuses will be closed on Monday, November 11 and all campus flags will be lowered to half-mast in observance of this day.

Today, is Indigenous Veteran’s Day, which specifically recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of Indigenous soldiers. Today, Indigenous people are celebrated and acknowledged at all levels for their contributions to Canada’s military history, and hundreds of ceremonies and vigils are held across the country to honor and reflect on the Indigenous experience in the Canadian military.

To recognize, acknowledge, respect and remember what Indigenous veterans did for our country, the School of Indigenous Education at RRC Polytech is gifting staff & students commemorative pins. 

If you haven’t already, please read the profile on Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech. Prior to his career in education and post-secondary leadership, Jamie spent nine years serving in both the US and Canadian Armed Forces. Read more about his story here.

On Indigenous Veteran’s Day and Remembrance Day, we remember the lives lost and the enduring impacts of war, while reflecting on the importance of peace.

Lest we forget.

Two Convocation Ceremonies Taking Place on November 6, 1:30 and 7:00 p.m., at RBC Convention Centre  

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – Today, November 6, professionals entering healthcare, business, automotive, creative, and other integral Manitoba industries will be celebrated in two convocation ceremonies. Each of the nearly 1,600 students – the largest number of graduates RRC Polytech has recognized in its Fall convocations since they were first added in 2020 – will fill vital and in-demand career roles to support Manitoba’s economy. The ceremonies will take place at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the RBC Convention Centre.

“RRC Polytech strives to prepare every student for their future career in the ever-evolving industries they are set to join after graduation,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Each of the nearly 1600 graduates we are celebrating today have proved they have the skills, the knowledge, and the confidence they need to become leaders representing RRC Polytech in Manitoba’s workforce.”

Among the honourees at tonight’s ceremony is Yi Gu, RRC Polytech’s 2024 Lieutenant Governor’s Medal recipient, and a gold medalist of the Applied Accounting program. RRC Polytech awards up to four Lieutenant Governor’s Medal awards each year to graduating students who excel in academic and technical achievement, involvement in College and/or community activities, and good character.

Yi Gu is a graduate of the Applied Accounting program. He came to Manitoba in the summer of 2023 and started his studies at RRC Polytech shortly after. In class, Yi often took on the role of leader and engaged actively with instructors and fellow students and regularly took part in various school events. Yi is an active member of the community and spends his time volunteering at St. Boniface Hospital and Shanghai Association of Manitoba.

“I am honoured to be recognized for my academic achievements and involvement in the community,” said Yi Gu, Fall 2024 Lieutenant Governor Medalist. “I gained employment in my field by meeting my current employer at an event organized by the College and it is clear to me that my choice to study at RRC Polytech was right one.”

RRC Polytech has long produced graduates that make an impact on Manitoba’s workforce. The Dental Assisting program celebrated its 50^th anniversary this year and the graduates of that program stand alongside decades of alumni who were trained at RRC Polytech.

From longstanding programs to newly developed and evolving ones, RRC Polytech is proud to build upon its reputation for providing high quality, experiential education that gets grads hired, while encouraging lifelong learning in a welcoming environment for all. On average, 92 per cent of RRC Polytech graduates are employed six-18 months post-graduation.

The Fall Convocation will take place today at RBC Convention Centre, with ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.:

Wednesday, November 6th at 1:30 p.m.

• School of Business, Information Technology and Creative Arts
• School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts

Wednesday, November 6th at 7 p.m.

• School of Continuing Education
• School of Education, Arts and Sciences
• School of Health Sciences and Community Services
• School of Indigenous Education
• School of Skilled Trades and Technology

The students graduating this fall completed various degree, diploma, and certificate programs between April 29, 2024, and August 25, 2024. For a full list of graduates, award winners, and to stream the ceremonies, please visit rrc.ca/convocation.

I join the chorus of tributes to the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair from coast-to-coast-to-coast and offer my condolences to his family on behalf of our entire RRC Polytech community.  

Justice Sinclair’s traditional name, Mazina Giizhik, means the One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky. I see a parallel between his traditional name and the determined work he did to help set Canada on a better path – a vision he had that others did not yet see.  

Our campus flags will fly at half-mast in honour of Justice Sinclair until his funeral later this week.   

Post-secondary education was among the countless communities, personal and professional, that Justice Sinclair served. He taught law at the University of Manitoba, he received honorary doctorates from 17 Canadian universities, and in 2001 accepted an Honorary Diploma from RRC Polytech.  

Decades later, in 2021, as we navigated COVID-19, and we prepared to launch a strategic plan with Truth and Reconciliation as one of its cornerstones, Justice Sinclair participated in a virtual session on Reconciliation in Post-Secondary Education as part of our annual RED Forum event.  

Kind, engaging, and insightful, he generously offered his wisdom to our faculty and staff.  

Justice Sinclair used truth to challenge systems that for generations used false narratives to deny Indigenous People their culture and language, opportunity, equality, and basic humanity.   

His tireless work helped those systems – including education – see the need for fundamental change. And he welcomed us all to walk the path of Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.  

I commend our college community for embracing this journey.  

Today, we are committed to growing Indigenous representation in our classrooms, in our faculty, staff, and administration, and in our campus culture. And we are working to foster a mindset of Reconciliation our graduates can take with them into the workplace and community.  

There is work to be done, however, we are on the right path. And for this we owe Justice Sinclair a debt of gratitude.  

In heart, in words, and in deeds, he embodied goodness.   

Miigwech,  

Fred

The original Red Shirt design created by Shayre Curé.

The following message includes content that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experience. It is recommended that we all check in on ourselves and access the resources available to us to ensure we are taking good care of our mental health. Access mental health and self-care resources, here.

On behalf Jamie Wilson, VP Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development and I, we are pleased to ‘pass the pen’ to Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement and Jessica Bloomfield, Senior Strategic Advisor:

Good afternoon,

Today, October 4, is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S). The flags on RRC Polytech Campuses are lowered today as the College observes this day.

This day comes just four days after the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and calls attention to the need for justice in addition to spreading the truth and taking action in reconciliation. Many families and communities all over Turtle Island have been devastated by the loss of loved ones – families like those of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, Rebecca Contois, and Mashkode Mizhiki’ikwe.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People is a movement that illustrates the racist legacy of Canada’s justice system and the policies that lead to the circumstances in which Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people are at risk of being murdered or going missing.

In 2019, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls published the final report, Reclaiming Power and Place, and asserts 231 Calls to Justice that address issues that accumulate into dangerous situations.

Call to Justice 11.1 addresses all educators and educational institutions:

“ We call upon all elementary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions and education authorities to educate and provide awareness to the public about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people, and about the issues and root causes of violence they experience…”

Read the full Call to Justice 11.1 here.

RRC Polytech finds opportunities year-round to inform the College community about issues related to Truth and Reconciliation, including topics on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People.

During Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week, members of the College community were invited to join Gerri-Lee Pangman (McPherson) to bead red dress pins to recognize and honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People and the Day of Action. Dr. Karine Duhamel presented A Look at The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, in which she discussed the various factors that contribute to the risks that Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people face because of historical precedents and policies.

Last year, RRC Polytech and the Campus Store partnered with Métis artist Shayre Curé to create an original design for a Red Shirt for MMIWG2S, the proceeds of which go to the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award for Indigenous students.

This October 4, we encourage you to view resources available through the Library, like Felicia Solomon’s Story, and Tina Fontaine: A Murdered Girl’s Legacy from CBC Curio; and films through the National Film Board like Finding Dawn, The Red Dress, and this river.

This evening, many staff and students will participate in a Paint Night with local artist Dawn Chartrand to create a painting in honour of MMIWG2S. Please note this event is at capacity. For more information and to keep up-to-date with events hosted by the Indigenous Support Centre, subscribe to the Indigenous Blog. Staff and students can also express their learning efforts by displaying a red dress in their windows, or by exploring opportunities as part of TRC Week events.

We’d also like to acknowledge that this observance may be emotionally taxing, especially for Indigenous students and employees. Please remember that, outside of formal events in which they agree to participate, Indigenous community members may decline discussing this observance because of its emotional and cultural impact.

Thank you,

Carla Kematch,
Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement

Jessica Bloomfield,
Senior Strategic Advisor

Other Resources:

• The Government of Canada’s National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls always has free resources available, including direct access to the Final Report itself.
• Many Indigenous organizations have additional programs that support the National Inquiry and education on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People like the Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc. MMIWG2S and Violence Prevention.

RRC Polytech launches gateway to applied research, innovation, tech transfer and talent for partners in the manufacturing sector – the first of its kind in Manitoba

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis – Today, RRC Polytech’s Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics proudly introduces its new applied research and innovation hub – the Centre for Automation and Manufacturing Technology Transfer (CAMTT). Located on the Notre Dame Campus, CAMTT provides a gateway to sector-specific applied research, innovation, tech transfer and talent for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Manitoba and beyond, while training the workforce of tomorrow.

“The Centre for Automation and Manufacturing Technology Transfer (CAMTT) encourages collaboration between industry and academic partners that will drive innovative solutions in the manufacturing sector,” says Jamie Wilson, RRC Polytech’s Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development. “CAMTT is a critical foundation block of the Price Institute that was created to help bridge gaps and accelerate the adoption of Industry 4.0 in emerging areas such as automation, Artificial Intelligence, robotics and mechatronics. It’s work that will benefit Manitoba’s economy and communities for generations to come.”

CAMTT provides a distributed network of spaces, facilities and expertise through which partners can access and leverage technology, knowledge, assets and talent in a work-integrated, real-world environment where truth and reconciliation and equity-based representation is a priority.

Established on the foundational pillars of collaborative programming, automation, manufacturing, technology and transfer, CAMTT is the first of its kind in Manitoba – and features the first Chair of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics in the province.

An unparalleled combination of faculty, experts and students is eager to put their expertise and RRC Polytech’s leading-edge facilities and technology to work and collaborate with industry to:

• bridge gaps in manufacturing and mechatronics
• facilitate adoptive leverage of Industry 4.0, including automation, additive manufacturing, AI and robotics
• accelerate the transfer of technologies and solutions that we develop
• reskill and upskill existing workforce
• attract new talent

With a minimal financial contribution, partners can expect extensive collaboration aimed to help leverage resources including funding, to position projects for success by maximizing emerging technologies, state-of-the-art equipment and outside-the-box thinking to tackle specific challenges. Students will gain desirable skills and work experience by collaborating with teammates, faculty and experts to solve real-world problems.

Manufacturers-in-residence with be provided with space, Internet connectivity, and access to meeting rooms to effectively guide teams dedicated to each venture, with a shared vision as they experiment to perfect new concepts and processes.

“We are actively inviting partners and supporters to be part of our growing network of industry experts, faculty, students, staff and facilities that will work with manufacturers and for manufacturers to help de-risk and adopt innovative Industry 4.0 solutions,” says Dr. Vikram Banthia, Director of RRC Polytech’s Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics. “Partner with us to leverage our technology, innovation, expertise, assets and talent and take your project from idea to reality.”

Media is welcome to attend today’s launch event to learn more about CAMTT and take a guided tour of the facilities. Light refreshments will be served.      

Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024 
Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Skilled Trades and Technology Centre
Notre Dame Campus – RRC Polytech
2055 Notre Dame Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3H 0J9 

For more information on RRC Polytech’s Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics, visit www.rrc.ca/priceinstitute

CONTENT WARNING: The following message includes content that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experience. It is recommended that we all check in on ourselves and access the resources available to us to ensure we are taking good care of our mental health. Access mental health and self-care resources, here. 

Today, September 30th, is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which grew from the Indigenous-led grassroots movement, Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters. The flags on RRC Polytech Campuses are lowered as the College observes Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Now in its sixth year, you may have noticed ‘Community Engagement’ was added to Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week this year. This was done to reflect the importance of active participation from all members of the College community in our commitment to reconciliation. A subtheme that was present in this year’s engagement sessions was focused on Indigenous wellness – which includes wellness of the mind, body, and spirit. 

The week started in a good way with the annual Fall Equinox celebration and hundreds of people joined the Pipe Ceremony and Feast. I had the opportunity to sit with Elders – Grandmothers and Grandfathers – to have meaningful conversation around truth and reconciliation. Not only that, but I feel very humbled to have been able to witness just how many students rely on Grandparents – many students approached and sat with them, thanked them for their words and their support in the community.  

We often ask Elders to support our work here as an institution, but on an individual level, the difference that Elders make for students and staff is so incredibly rewarding and moving to see – the impacts of offering that uniquely cultural, familial connection through people makes a huge difference for members of the community that may be missing those connections at the moment.  

I would like to extend a chi-miigwech to the Elders and Knowledge Keepers we see at RRC Polytech, whether they’re part of the Elders-in-Residence program, or are part of the Knowledge Keepers Council, for their continued guidance and support. 

Throughout the week, we saw many thought-provoking engagement sessions led by internal leaders and community partners, like:  

• The Land Acknowledgement Workshop; 
• Re-Search, Storytelling, & Humanizing How We Come to Know; 
• Indigenous Birth Helpers: Restoring Birthing Practices and Knowledges with Wiiji’idiwag Ikwewag; and, 
• A series of sessions like the Matriarch Circle, Immersive Stories, and Living Libraries that focused on active participation with the community. 

At the Portage Campus, the team took part in Orange Everywhere – an initiative aimed at raising awareness in Portage la Prairie about Truth and Reconciliation. Businesses and homes were encouraged to display orange shirts in their windows or create displays.

Truth and Reconciliation is not just about providing equal opportunities to Indigenous learners – it is also educating the publics we serve as an educational institution of the true histories that have often been neglected by western textbooks and reconciling potential dissonance with facts as related by Indigenous scholars, historians and Knowledge Keepers. By offering opportunities like these around the focal point we have in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and making an effort to offer more opportunities throughout the year as well, we can truly make our community a safe and welcoming place for everyone. 

I hope that you were able to find some opportunities this week to engage, reflect, and connect in preparation for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. We’re all at different points on our journeys, and it’s important to recognize that everyone starts somewhere. Today is also an opportunity in itself to attend community events, participate in Ceremony, read or watch, sit and reflect. 

Miigwech to the entire Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement team for their continuous leadership, and the Planning Committee and volunteers, and especially those who have led Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week sessions. We recognize the emotional labour and vulnerability of sharing your story and lived experience.  

Take good care of yourself and those around you and remember to reach out for support. 

Fred