Today, students, staff and alumni from Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) are showing off their talents and skills at the College’s first annual fall market and showcase. Fifty vendors from the College community will be selling everything from French macarons to holiday décor to Indigenous artwork – and much more – at RRC Polytech’s Exchange District Campus.

The Fall Market and Showcase will also feature information booths from some of RRC Polytech’s program areas, inviting visitors to learn more about what a polytechnic education has to offer.

Interactive workshops invite guests to make their own puzzles, design and draw wood ornaments, create candles, and even participate in an outdoor pumpkin carving contest taking place in the Elgin Ave. Plaza.

The event is free to attend, and all are welcome. Learn more here.

What: RRC Polytech’s Fall Market and Showcase

Where: RRC Polytech Exchange District Campus – The Roblin Centre (160 Princess St.) and Manitou a bi Bii daziigae (319 Elgin Ave.)

When: Wednesday, October 11, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

• Market: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Vendors are set up throughout the Roblin Centre and Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, workshops take place in the Roundhouse (second floor, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae)
• Program area showcase: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

As a College community, we express our immense grief and sadness for the evolving conflict in Israel and Gaza and offer our deepest sympathies and support to everyone affected.    

We join the international community in condemning the acts of terrorism against Israel, the targeting of civilians, antisemitism and all forms of hate and discrimination. We support a call for de-escalating the violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.  

RRC Polytech is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone on our campuses. As in any conflict, members of our community will hold strong views, and we urge our community to engage in respectful dialogue. We ask everyone to take care of themselves and one another during these trying times.  

We are fortunate to have a diverse community of students and employees, and our thoughts are with each impacted individual.  

We are monitoring the situation as it evolves, and we encourage all affected students and community members to access available supports and services. Our Student Support Services and Employee Family Assistance Program are available free of charge for students, staff, and faculty.

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, October 4, is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S). We wear red to observe this day, to raise awareness about the violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people and encourage people to learn more about how we can support the 231 Calls to Justice of the National Inquiry’s Final Report.

This report, Reclaiming Power and Place, was published on June 3, 2019, after an extensive truth-gathering and research period. The two-volume report with a cumulative 1080 pages details testimony from 1,484 family members and Survivors, 83 experts, Knowledge Keepers and officials, and 819 artists and asserts 231 Calls to Justice.

Truth and Reconciliation is the responsibility of all of us that call North America—Turtle Island—home. We are past promising to do better: now is the time for us, for everyone, to act.

Acting on Truth and Reconciliation is especially important for us as an educational institution with Campuses across the province – and in Winnipeg. The families of women, girls and Two Spirit people who have been murdered or have gone missing grieve every day the loss of their loved ones.

Morgan Harris. Marcedes Myran. Rebecca Contois. Mashkode Mizhiki’ikwe. These women and their families cannot be forgotten.

The history and ongoing violence and discrimination of Indigenous Peoples on this land, this Indigenous land, and around the world, is a disgrace. Truth in Truth and Reconciliation, in part, is recognizing this fact.

We cannot do work in Truth and Reconciliation without understanding first the damage that Indigenous Peoples, communities and nations have endured. We must confront the past and the present, so those that come after us do not forget why our work is important—for future Indigenous Peoples to heal and for future Canadians to understand.

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

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.

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.

This 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. The bursary, valued at $1,000, aims to alleviate some financial stress for Indigenous students. The shirts are produced and ordered through Red Rebel Armour, owned and operated by RRC Polytech alumnus Sean Rayland-Boubar.

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, our Indigenous community may decline discussing this observance because of its emotional and cultural impact.

Fred Meier, President and CEO

Jamie Wilson, VP Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development

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.

Tomorrow, September 30, is 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 today as the College observes Orange Shirt Day and will remain lowered this weekend in observance.

Wearing an orange shirt to recognize Residential School Survivors and remember those who never made it home originates from Phyllis Webstad’s story. Phyllis attended Mission School and on her first day, the brand-new orange shirt from her grandmother was taken from her, never to be worn again.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation brings to light everything that was taken from Indigenous Peoples through the horrific history of the Canadian Residential School System – culture and traditions, family, language, and sovereignty. And as Ininew artist, Leticia Spence, who created RRC Polytech’s 2023 orange shirt design highlights, it is also a time to foster hope for a better future.

“In difficult times, hope is the one thing we can grasp onto – not only to survive, but to drive us to fight for a world in which we no longer have to cry out for justice, and to reinforce that we deserve to exist.”

It is the responsibility of all Canadians to build a more equitable and inclusive society that closes the gaps in social, health and economic outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and people. That includes RRC Polytech as an organization, teams within the College and everyone as individuals. This year’s theme, “Colonialism impacts everyone,” demonstrates shared experiences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in different contexts and how together we can move forward in a way that’s equitable for everyone.

Through our shared responsibility to fostering Truth and Reconciliation we must continue to listen, grow, and open ourselves up to different ways of thinking and learning, discover areas where we can improve, and show our commitment to walk together on the journey. Inevitably along the way as an organization and as individuals we will all make missteps, but how we learn from past mistakes is critical along the journey of Truth and Reconciliation.

One story that I’d like to share is about the 2022 RRC Polytech Orange Shirt, designed by local Indigenous artist, Peatr Thomas. Peatr was commissioned to create the design, but the production of the t-shirts was not outsourced to an Indigenous-owned company. Employees and media reached out to us to address this oversight. Learning from this misstep ensured this year’s Orange Shirts were produced by Red Rebel Armour, an Indigenous streetwear outlet owned and operated by RRC Polytech grad Sean Rayland-Boubar.  Like last year, proceeds from t-shirt sales will support the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award when applications open in January 2024.

As teams, individuals and as an organization we continue to come together to foster deeper understanding and growth. RRC Polytech’s annual Truth and Reconciliation Week speaks volumes to the progress we have made – from two people leading Truth and Reconciliation Week to this year, almost 90 people volunteering their time. As you’ll notice, this year the programming has expanded to student-, staff- and community-led sessions taking place over two weeks.

Miigwech to Carla Kematch, the Planning Committee and volunteers, and especially those who are leading Truth and Reconciliation Week sessions. We recognize the emotional labour and vulnerability of sharing your story and lived experience. And in turn, we must also be vulnerable, remaining steadfast in our commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation, despite the fear of potentially doing or saying something wrong. Inaction and staying complacent will not allow us to move forward on our shared journey. 

I encourage all students and staff to continue to engage with the opportunities available to you next week and beyond. You can find more information about upcoming Truth and Reconciliation Week sessions here.

Please note that RRC Polytech campuses are closed on Monday, October 2, in lieu of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which falls on a Saturday. It is not just another day off. Tomorrow – and every day – is a time to recognize Survivors and the generations who continue to be impacted by the Residential School System. We must continue to look inward at our own biases and knowledge to evolve and grow our understanding of history, current issues that impact Indigenous peoples and reconciliation efforts.

My hope is that you create some intentional time tomorrow to listen to and learn from Indigenous voices. Our Library team has curated self-guided resources and there are many community events happening across the province. For example, Wa-Say Healing Centre is hosting a walk and Pow Wow in downtown Winnipeg.

Take good care of yourself and those around you,

Fred Meier
RRC Polytech President and CEO

There’s a new sign in town!

RRC Polytech’s Portage Campus is now home to a new community welcome sign that was created by artist, Annie Beach at the request of the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC), and features Indigenous languages while recognizing Treaty One land.

The Portage Campus was approached by the PCRC to partner on the project which now features the colourful new signage on the campus building as you drive down 5th Street SE.

Portage Campus Manager, Guy Moffat, was interviewed by local newspaper, PortageOnline, and shared more about the partnership and sign as part of RRC Polytech’s commitment to truth and reconciliation, and pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.

“First of all, to partner with Portage Community Revitalization Corporation is something we do regularly. And having a great big welcome sign on the building was a great opportunity,” said Campus Manager, Guy Moffat in a recent interview. “We work hard to make sure that we are [collaborating] with First Nations communities and Indigenous people to [ensure] that the programming that we’re offering is meeting the needs of the community.”

The artist, Annie Beach, was born and based in Winnipeg, is Cree/Saulteaux/Ukrainian, with relations from Peguis First Nation. Beach is a visual artist, muralist and instructor, with a BFA (Honours) from the University of Manitoba School of Art. She has created numerous public art murals in Winnipeg’s downtown, murals celebrating the Seven Sacred Teachings for the North End Women’s Centre, as well as work for the CN Railway, Portage Community Revitalization Corporation, and an art installation at the Remai Modern in Saskatoon.

On her Instagram page, Beach posted photos of her artwork and described being asked to create the piece and her inspiration for the sign:

“A new welcome sign adorns the exterior of RRC Polytech Portage la Prairie Campus,” said Beach. “When I was asked to create this welcome sign, I wanted to encapsulate the history of various communities collaborating and trading in the early days of the city’s establishment. I chose to depict the grand prairie sunset sky with two voyageurs crossing the landscape towards three tipis. I wanted to create the intermingling of family lines to create the city that we call home. The three phrases of hello and welcome are translated in Anishinaabemowin, Michif, and Dakota. Miigwetch to the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation for inviting me to work on this project.”

On Saturday, September 23 the community was invited to the Portage Campus for a grand unveiling of the sign. Artist, Annie Beach was in attendance and local Elder Darryl Taylor led the ceremony with an honour song to signify the importance of the sign. The sign unveiling was part of the Pimachiowin Aki Land Based Experience event as part of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation or Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters on September 30.

The event was well attended with over 150 participants in attendance to have their first glance at the new welcome sign, and provided opportunities to learn about trapping and fishing, taste preserved traditional foods, learn about canoeing and animal calls, and listen to stories and playing games.

Read the story PortageOnline wrote here.

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on the original lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota, and Dene, and national homeland of the Red River Métis – Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is hosting its fifth annual Truth and Reconciliation Week to mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, on September 30.

This year, Truth and Reconciliation Week begins today, September 25, with the Fall Equinox Celebration at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, and will span over two weeks filled with student, staff and community-led sessions to educate the College community about the many different facets and responsibilities of Truth and Reconciliation.

“When RRC Polytech held its first Truth and Reconciliation Week five years ago, two people were leading the charge. Today, Truth and Reconciliation Week has expanded to two weeks of opportunities supported by almost 90 volunteers across all campuses for the College community to come together to learn from and engage with Indigenous People,” said Jamie Wilson, RRC Polytech’s Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Business Development and Research.

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

RRC Polytech’s second strategic commitment is to commit to Truth and Reconciliation, and pursue equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. Truth and Reconciliation is not just 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.

Truth and Reconciliation is a year-round commitment for RRC Polytech, but the focal point of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation allows employees and students to immerse themselves in Indigenous teachings, storytelling and experiences. Opportunities to cultivate understandings of the true history and current issues impacting Indigenous people, and reconciliation efforts by society as a whole contribute to a stronger, more unified community that benefits all members.

“Truth and Reconciliation is a small phrase that encompasses many larger and intricate meanings,” said Carla Kematch, Director of Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement. “It’s also an ongoing process of learning and integrating new information, disentangling ourselves from misinformation and unlearning what we think we know, and opening ourselves to truths that might surprise or challenge us. This work is part of a lifelong journey that we encourage staff and students to commit to today, tomorrow and everyday into the future as we work towards building a better, brighter future for all.”

Truth and Reconciliation Week activities and events will include topics around Residential Schools and the experiences of Survivors, Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People, and colonization and the effects of colonialism on a global scale. It will also explore topics centred on Indigenous values and ways, like the power of a thoughtful and collaborative land acknowledgement, engaging with Elders and learning traditional Teachings, and integrating Indigenous perspectives into research to obtain stronger, more holistic data. Staff and students across the College have come together to organize a wide range of sessions, some including special guests to offer their expertise.

To learn more about Truth and Reconciliation Week sessions, see the full event schedule at rrc.ca/indigenous/news

RRC Polytech is reminding you that all of our campuses are 100 per cent smoke-free. That means smoking any form of tobacco and/or cannabis, vaping and use of e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (commonly known as chewing tobacco) is not permitted anywhere on our campuses across the province.

RRC Polytech adopted this strict policy in 2020 when designated smoking areas at our campuses were permanently closed and signs were posted to clearly identify that smoking and vaping is prohibited.  Staff and students who choose to smoke and vape while at the College must do so off of the property. Smoking in private vehicles but on College property also remains prohibited.

Since we have returned to campus this Fall, adherence to this policy has regressed. We want to ensure that any new students and staff are fully aware of the policy and that we appreciate everyone’s support and cooperation in respecting all on-campus rules and regulations.

As one of Manitoba’s largest institutes of applied learning, and the largest trainer of healthcare professionals in the province, not only is it important to provide a safe and healthy working and learning environment for our staff and students, but it is equally important to play a leadership role by setting the example and putting an end to smoking and vaping everywhere on-campus.

Read the policy

If you would like more information about the College’s decision to go smoke-free, please contact Safety Health Services at safety@rrc.ca.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Karen Kabel, Associate Dean of Creative Arts & Applied Computer Education (ACE) at RRC Polytech has the encryption key to success when it comes to cybersecurity and was recently recognized as one of Canada’s top women in the field by IT World Canada.

Kabel joins twenty leading experts who were recently honoured at the IT World Canada Top Women in Cybersecurity celebration, Surpassing Expectations. The event hosted a group of women who excel in the various cybersecurity disciplines for organizations such as Microsoft, IBM Deloitte, Scotiabank, the Government of Canada, National Microbiology Lab, and RRC Polytech.

“When I entered the cybersecurity industry, I was one of the first women, so it’s incredible to join twenty of the best in this field from across Canada for this prestigious recognition,” said Kabel. “I’ve always had a passion for encouraging and mentoring women to become interested and certified, and one of the other recipients was someone I helped receive their certification, so it made this experience even more special.”

IT World Canada is an organization committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in the IT sector. The Top Women in Cybersecurity event was created by IT World Canada (ITWC) in association with the Women in Security & Resilience Alliance (WISECRA) and the Canadian Women in Security Forum to recognize women who have advanced the Canadian security industry.

IT World Canada hopes that by recognizing Canada’s top women in cybersecurity it will not only highlight the diverse talents within Canada but also serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring young women. Something IT World Canada and Karen Kabel have in common.

As the Associate Dean of Creative Arts and ACE at RRC Polytech, Kabel has dedicated her career to the cybersecurity field and today, helps inspire the next generation of learners. With a career spanning Canada and Europe, Karen has provided essential security services to multiple companies. She believes that learning about cybersecurity education can start as early as kindergarten and continue throughout a lifetime, and she volunteers her time to train and mentor individuals in the field.

“There is a shortage of women in this industry, so I have always strived to encourage others to consider this path and done whatever I can to support their training along the way – whether it was hosting study groups with pizza or mentoring through the certification process,” said Kabel.

Kabel came to RRC Polytech as an Information Security program instructor in 2018 and became the Chair of Applied Computer Education in 2020, where she helped expand the IT program portfolio to include several new programs. In partnership with the School of Indigenous Education, Kabel helped co-create a new Indigenous IT Pathway program and led the development of three new diploma programs including Data Science and Machine Learning, IT Operations and Application Development & Delivery. She was named Associate Dean of Creative Arts and ACE in January 2023.

As a woman in cybersecurity, Karen advocates for more female representation, highlighting their multitasking abilities and stress-handling skills.

“People have always asked me how I can stay so calm and work under stress – which is key if you work in this industry. I always credit my job of being a mom and raising four children into adulthood, said Kabel. “As a parent you are always prioritizing, problem solving, and trying to remain calm under pressure, and these are strategies that I’ve tried to bring from my home life into the working environment.” 

There are currently 25,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions in Canada and the gap is widening. Kabel says RRC Polytech is encouraging more women to enter the field through a training and work-integrated learning pilot with the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) and Microsoft.

The pilot will recruit 20 students who are women or who identify as women in RRC Polytech’s Information Technology programs to acquire foundational Microsoft Cybersecurity training and certification, mentorship, and experiential work-integrated learning – all at no cost to the student.

To learn more about the ICTC and Microsoft Cybersecurity Training Pilot, or to register, click here.

The following message was sent to all staff and students from Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer

This week marks the beginning of another exciting semester ahead and it’s wonderful to see the halls begin to fill with staff, faculty and eager learners back on our campuses across the province.

As we prepare for the term, we want to remind the College community that your health and safety remains our top priority. While the threat of COVID-19 remains low in our community, as we approach Influenza season, it’s important to remain diligent and do our part to stop the spread of all communicable diseases.

As a reminder, RRC Polytech continues to take the following preventative precautions to keep you safe while on-campus:

• RRC Polytech staff and students must stay home when sick, even if symptoms are mild.
• Sanitizer stations remain available throughout our campuses. Regular handwashing and sanitizing, especially after using high touch areas, helps to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• While there is no change in our mask policy, we support the use of masks on-campus.
• All staff and students, who are able, are encouraged to receive their COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots, as well as the flu shot once available. RRC Polytech allows staff up to three hours of medical leave to receive their vaccines or booster shots, or to accompany a family member to receive their vaccines and boosters.
  • RRC Polytech will share more details on COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine clinics on-campus this fall as this information becomes available.

As we approach cold and flu season, we must all do our part to stop the spread of illness. Collectively, we all achieve more when we are healthy.

Thank you for your commitment in helping keep RRC Polytech campuses safe places to study and work. We will continue to provide health updates as needed. If you have any questions, please contact safety@rrc.ca.

Thank you,

Melanie Gudmundson
Chief Human Resource Officer

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis – With great energy and enthusiasm, students are returning to Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) campuses across Manitoba beginning today for the start of the fall term, where they will be getting acquainted and celebrating at both College and RRC Polytech Students’ Association led welcoming events scheduled throughout the week.

“The first few days of fall semester always bring a special blend of excitement and anticipation to our campuses. We are excited to welcome new students and returning students as they embark on their own unique academic journeys filled with new discoveries, relationships, and opportunities,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic at RRC Polytech. “Back-to-school activities are more than just social events; they introduce RRC Polytech’s culture of caring, foster a sense of belonging and help to create an inclusive community to ensure our students have the support and confidence to reach their true potential.”

In an ongoing tradition, members of the College’s Senior Leadership Team will greet students this morning as they arrive at the main entrances of the Notre Dame Campus (NDC) and the Exchange District Campus (EDC). Information booths will be in place throughout the week for students to learn about educational resources and volunteer opportunities, provide additional supports and help guide them around campus.

The RRC Polytech Students’ Association (RRCSA) is hosting Back-to-School Block Parties Monday at NDC and Tuesday at EDC where students, staff, and faculty are invited to enjoy fun activities, music, food, shopping and more.

“The primary goal of the RRC Polytech Students’ Association is to make student life better, and welcoming students back on campus for another exciting year of learning, friendships, and self-discovery is the perfect way for us to introduce ourselves to the incoming student body,” said Jemma Ignacio RRCSA Student Life Director. “These welcoming events are an opportunity to get to become familiar with the campus and better understand the supports and services the RRCSA can offer students along their academic journey.”

The first week of fall classes will wrap up on Friday evening with a spectacular Outdoor Color Party at NDC – a vibrant dance party and exhilarating celebration hosted by the RRCSA and inspired by the joyous festival of Holi. It is open to all staff, students, faculty and their friends and family who are encouraged to dress in white attire to fully embrace the explosion of eco-friendly color powders that symbolize the triumph of good over evil.

Events will return a week later as RRC Polytech celebrates Welcoming Week, an Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada annual campaign to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that help everyone feel welcome and that they belong in their local community, no matter where they come from. The Centre for Newcomer Integration supported by BMO, located on the second floor of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae on the Exchange District Campus will host various Welcoming Week activities from September 8th – 17^th.

Media are invited and welcome to attend any and all of the Welcome Back to RRC Polytech Activities.

SLT Welcomes Students

Notre Dame Campus

Monday, August 28

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Bus Loop Entrance

West Parking Lot Entrance

Exchange District Campus

Monday, August 28

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Roblin Centre

Manitou a bi Bii daziigae

Back-to-School Block Parties

Notre Dame Campus

Monday, August 28

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

D-E-F Courtyard

Exchange District Campus

Tuesday, August 29

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Elgin Plaza

Outdoor Color Party

Notre Dame Campus

Friday, September 1

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Bus Loop Field (Dalton Cres.)