FITNESS AND MOVEMENT

Breaking and Hip Hop Dance (NDC)

Learn about the foundational movements of Breaking, and their connection to Hip Hop culture with instructor, Mooki. Classes will be focused around learning steps, and terminology which will provide students a knowledge base to take the dance into their own hands.

“That was the BEST. So much fun and such a nice change for something to do during lunch! I have zero experience, but I must say, it was SUCH an inviting environment and not intimidating at all. I can’t wait to attend the next one.” Erica Blatz

Breaking is an extremely powerful exercise tool, and a course like this will benefit participants who are looking to find a fun, new way to stay in shape. These activities will have no particular physical requirements and are in one way or another accessible for all.

REGISTER – Nov 1, 8, 22 and 29, Notre Dame Campus: Wednesdays, 12:10pm to 12:50pm, in the South Gym. All experience levels welcome.

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NOTE: The November 8 class changed to a special event in The Cave from 12 to 1pm for Thrive Week.

T’ai Chi (NDC and Virtual)

T’ai Chi involves the use of daily gentle exercise to improve health with a focus on breathwork. Sifu Josh Schafer teaches this longevity practice that is easy to access and yet profound enough for a lifelong engagement. The universal martial arts movements serve as a focus for the development of mind, body, and spirit (Chi).

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus: Mondays, 12:10pm to 12:55pm, in the South Gym. All experience levels welcome.

NOTE: Monday, November 6 class has changed to a special event in The CAVE from 12 to 1pm for Thrive Week.

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For a virtual Tai Chi option and other online movement classes or wellness workshops, visit MindWell. All programs are free for RRC Polytech staff, students and faculty. Create or sign in to your account to get started.

Bike Share Program (NDC)

Borrow one of Campus Well-Being’s bikes to go for lunch, run an errand or cruise around the area. Our four new bikes include Moose and Bear (large), Eagle (medium) and Goose (small).  Come to the NDC North Gym customer service desk during regular gym hours, fill out a waiver and pick your bike – daytime borrowing only by students and staff.

Learn more about the Bike Share program here.

RECREATION

Monthly Board Game Nights (EDC and NDC)

Bring yourself, your friends or family for an “all welcome” board game night.

DROP-IN – Notre Dame Campus: Thursday, Nov 16, 4pm to 7pm, in The Cave, DM30.

DROP-IN – Exchange District Campus: Tuesday, Nov 21, 4pm to 7pm, in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons.

Games include: Anomia, Battleship, Boggle, Can you Name 5, Catan Family Edition, Chess and Checkers, Cranium, Taboo, Cribbage and Crib Wars, Dominoes, Forbidden Island, Hedbanz, Jenga, Last Word, Monopoly (board game) and Monoply Deal (cards), Othello, Pictionary, Pictureka, Scrabble, Sequence, Taboo, Telestrations, Trivial Pursuit, Uno, Yahtzee, and You Don’t Say.

Contact Kristi if you’d like to reserve a specific game for your group of friends, classmates or staff team.

Paint Night (Virtual)

“Art is a powerful form of medicine – with the power to heal, to find insight, stillness and growth, to de-stress and feel in balance. Making art is a safe space to be wild and free.” Kisa MacIsaac 

Join Campus Well-Being, the Students’ Association and instructor Kisa MacIsaac, for an evening of painting and creative discovery. Participants follow a step-by-step process to create a unique painted canvas.

There is no cost for this event. All students and staff are welcome to register. 

REGISTER – Virtual: Wednesday, Nov 1, 2023, 6pm to 8pm. Link will be emailed to registrants closer to the event. 

WELLNESS

Plumbing – Renters and Home Owners Maintenance Series (NDC)

Is the drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet keeping you awake at night?  Is your toilet past its prime and starting to leak or run for no reason?

If so, this next installment of the Renters and Homeowners Maintenance Series on Beginner Plumbing may be just what you need to get a good night’s sleep and save money on your water bill!

Water is our most precious resource and a leaky tap or toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water in a short period of time.  In this “taps and toilets basics” class, participants will learn the basic parts of both faucets and toilets and troubleshoot and repair common issues with both of these.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, in room J2-05, watch for some signs to help find the room.

Make Your Own Dreamcatcher (NDC)

Learn how to make a dreamcatcher with Holly Scherban from The School of Indigenous Education. All materials supplied, limited spots.

The teaching: When making your dreamcatcher, you are to be in good spirits and good thoughts. Dreamcatchers catch our bad dreams within its web, then when placed near a window, release them, never to be present in our lives again.

This way our Dreamcatchers carry good energy into our room and into our lives.

NOTE: The class will start with a smudge to remove any negative energies that may present (optional).

REGISTER – Thursday, November 30, 2023, 4:30pm to 7:30pm, Indigenous Centre, F209, Notre Dame Campus.

Intramural sports provide students & staff an opportunity to participate in a variety of recreational sport activities on campus in a safe and supportive environment.  All students and staff are welcome. Registration is not required.

FITNESS AND MOVEMENT

Classes will be taking a pause over the winter break, but watch for our weekly fitness and movement programs to resume the week of Jan 8, 2024.

T’ai Chi (NDC and Virtual)

T’ai Chi involves the use of daily gentle exercise to improve health with a focus on breathwork. Sifu Josh Schafer teaches this longevity practice that is easy to access and yet profound enough for a lifelong engagement. The universal martial arts movements serve as a focus for the development of mind, body, and spirit (Chi).

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus: Mondays till December 11, 2023, 12:10pm to 12:55pm, in the South Gym. All experience levels welcome.

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For a virtual Tai Chi option and other online movement classes or wellness workshops, visit MindWell. All programs are free for RRC Polytech staff, students and faculty. Create or sign in to your account to get started.

MENTAL WELL-BEING

Therapy Dog Visits

Animal and human interactions can offer many positive health benefits. For example, animals can help decrease our cortisol levels (a stress hormone), lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of loneliness, and help boost our mood. They are also fun to have around and offer us to chance to form unique and intimate bonds.

Watch your Student News and Staff News emails for December dates for therapy dog visits.

WELLNESS

Intramural sports provide students & staff an opportunity to participate in a variety of recreational sport activities on campus in a safe and supportive environment.  All students and staff are welcome. Registration is not required.

Break the Stigma!

National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) is an annual event that shines a spotlight on the impact of addiction in our communities. It fosters understanding, empathy and support for those affected. Raising awareness about the challenges that come with addictions is an integral part to breaking the stigma of addictions.

NAAW provides a platform to dispel myths, reduce stigma and promote a more compassionate and informed approach to addiction. It encourages open conversations about substance use and its effects on individuals, families, and communities. This week serves as a reminder that addiction is a complex health issue that requires understanding, support, and evidence-based interventions.

Understanding Addictions as a Student: Why it Manifests

It’s crucial to recognize the unique challenges that post-secondary students face and how they can contribute to the manifestation of addiction.

• Academic pressure: the demand of course work, exams, and assignments can be overwhelming. Substances may be used as a way to cope with this.
• Social pressure: peer pressure, desire to fit in, and social expectations can contribute to experimenting with substances.
• Transition: moving to a new country or city can be daunting. You may experience feelings of isolation or lack of belonging.
• Identity exploration: post-secondary is a time of transition and self-discovery for many students. This can lead to experimentation with substances to navigate the changes.
• Mental health challenges: pre-existing mental health conditions or the onset of mental health challenges during this period can contribute to substance use as a form of self-medication.

What to Look Out For

Whether you have used substances or know someone that has, here are some things to look out for that may be concerning:

1. Changes in behavior: sudden shifts in academic performance, social withdrawal, or a noticeable change in personality may indicate that a person is struggling.
2. Physical Signs: unexplained weight loss, changes in sleep patterns, or a decline in personal hygiene can be indicative of substance use.
3. Isolation: if a student begins to isolate themselves from friends and family, it may be a sign of a deeper issue that needs attention.
4. Academic decline: a significant drop in grades or missed classes could be a red flag.
5. Mood swings: rapid and extreme changes in mood, irritability, or heightened anxiety can be signs of emotional distress.

Want to Learn More?

Register for a webinar hosted by Campus Well-Being and Michael Kurek on November 22nd from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.

Get to know the Presenter

Michael Kurek – Director of Family Programming for the CMHA and the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre

Michael Kurek has attained 3 educational degrees. A Bachelor of Music from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, a Master of Divinity from Trinity College, and a Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Winnipeg.

Michael became interested in therapy while doing a practicum at Queen Street Mental Health Centre in Toronto. While completing his MMFT degree, he was Head of Counselling at the Village Clinic serving the HIV/AIDS community where he became focused on the issue of addictions. For the past three decades he has worked in four addiction treatment centres doing family programming and is currently the Director of Family Programing for the Canadian Mental Health Association, Manitoba and Winnipeg, and the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, a shared contract position funded by United Way. He is a site supervisor for the Master of Education Counselling Psychology program at the Universities of Manitoba and Lethbridge and taught at both the Universities of Manitoba and Winnipeg.

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addictions

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addictions (CCSA) offers resources and tools related to addictions. You can check them out here!

Manitoba Substance Use & Addictions Awareness Week

If you are interested in learning more about the harms and solutions related to substance use and addictions, join the webinars here!

Resource Reminders

If you or someone you know may be struggling with substance use and addictions, there are resources that you can access on campus and in the community.

1. Student Counselling Services
2. Indigenous Support Services
3. Campus Well-Being
4. Community Crisis Resources

Staff Resource Reminders

1. Homewood Health (EFAP)
2. Community Crisis Resources

You may also be interested in the following

1. Supports and Resources
2. Library Resources

College Chaos

As a post-secondary student, you may be feeling stressed during this time of the year. Balancing classes, assignments, exams, work and a social life can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to remember that stress is a natural part of the college experience. To help you stay mentally and emotionally healthy, it’s important to incorporate relaxation into your routine. Campus Well-Being invites you to attend Thrive week activities to practice relaxation!

The Importance of Relaxation

Relaxation is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity. When you’re under constant pressure, your body and mind can become exhausted which can lead to burnout, anxiety and other mental health concerns. Incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily life can have a profound impact on your overall well-being, academic performance, and personal life. Consider the following reasons of the importance of relaxation.

1. Reduces stress: relaxation can help lower stress levels, allowing you to think more clearly, stay focused, and tackle challenges with a calm mind.
2. Improves sleep: stress can disrupt sleep patterns which can lead to fatigue and decreased concentration. Relaxation techniques can promote better sleep to ensure you succeed in your academic responsibilities.
3. Enhances concentration: when you’re relaxed, your ability to concentrate and retain information improves. This can lead to more efficient studying and better academic performance.
4. Boosts resilience: regular relaxation helps build your resilience, making it easier to handle adversity and bounce back from setbacks.
5. Promotes emotional well-being: relaxation can improve your mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and contribute to a more positive outlook on life.

Relaxation Opportunities During Thrive Week

Campus Well-Bing and the Students’ Association are hosting Thrive Week to promote mental health and wellness. Check out our NDC and EDC Thrive Week schedules to participate in an activity that helps you to relax! Some options include working on a puzzle, making a bookmark or doing some coloring in the library. You’re also welcome to join a yoga class to find some calm. Whatever you choose, be kind to yourself and take some time to pause.

Remember, taking time for relaxation is not a sign of weakness but a sign of self-care, self-preservation, and strength. By practicing relaxation techniques, you will be better equipped to handle the demands of your academic and personal life while enjoying a healthier, happier college experience. So come on out and join us between November 6 and 11.

NDC Schedule

EDC Schedule

Relaxation Techniques to Practice

1. Mindfulness meditation: practicing mindfulness meditation can help you stay present and reduce anxiety. Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness. Remember, you have free access to Mindwell that you can use anytime and any day!
2. Deep breathing: when you feel overwhelmed, deep breathing can help calm your mind and body.
3. Progressive muscle relaxation: tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body can release physical tension to help you feel more relaxed.
4. Yoga and stretching: practicing yoga and stretching can improve flexibility and release physical and mental tension.
5. Engage in a hobby: doing something you enjoy is a great way to unwind and de-stress. Some ideas would include baking, art, crocheting, sports, music, etc.
6. Nature walks: spending time in the fresh air around nature can help your overall well-being and bring you back to the present moment.

Take it Easy!

Take a Break and Express Creativity

The middle of the term can be a challenging and stressful time. The pressure of due dates can take a toll on your well-being. Amidst the chaos, express your creativity during Thrive week! This can be a powerful way to relieve your stress but also enhance academic performance!

The importance of Creative Expression

1. Stress reduction: engaging in creative activities can serve as a welcome break from the intensity of midterm preparations, offering much-needed relaxation.
2. Enhanced problem-solving: creativity can help you approach your studies with a fresh perspective, leading to innovative ways of tackling challenging subjects.
3. Mood improvement: the act of creating, be it through art, music, or writing, can boost your mood. This can lead to a more positive mindset during stressful times.
4. Cognitive boost: expressing creativity can stimulate cognitive processes, helping you think more critically and creatively in your academic work.
5. Community and connection: creativity provides a platform for connection with like-minded people, offering a sense of community and support.

What Thrive Week is Offering

During Thrive Week (November 6-11) Campus Well-Being and the Students’ Association invite you to get creative. Consider creating a bookmark in the library, painting on some rocks, learning about the spiced of India or listening to singer-songwriter, Don Amero play some tunes and talk about his own journey to find creativity and well-being.

NDC Schedule

EDC Schedule

Other Creative Outlets to Consider

1. Visual arts: take breaks from studying by sketching or painting to relax your mind.
2. Music: play an instrument, create your own music, or simply listen to music.
3. Writing: incorporate creative writing into your study breaks or keep a journal to express your thoughts and emotions.
4. Crafting: try your hand at a crafting project or DIY activities to refocus your mind.
5. Cooking and baking: experiment with new recipes and flavors in the kitchen as a form of culinary creativity.
6. Photography: use your phone or a camera to capture things that inspire you to express your unique perspective on the world.

Tips to Consider When Approaching Creativity

• Schedule creative breaks: plan designated breaks for creative activities during your study session to maintain balance in your routine.
• Embrace imperfection: remember that the goal is not perfection but self-expression. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes in your creative endeavors.
• Find inspiration: seek inspiration from the things around you. Inspiration can come from unexpected sources.
• Experiment and learn: use your creative pursuits to explore new ways of thinking and learning!

Channeling your inner creativity during a stressful time is not just about creating; it’s about taking care of your well-being. Remember your creativity can serve as a powerful stress-relief tool. Being creative is a wonderful way to strike a balance between academic rigor and personal well-being, making your journey more manageable and rewarding.

Staying Creative After Thrive Week

Maintaining your mental health by connecting with your creative spirit can help you all year long. Be sure to sign up for the Campus Well-Being newsletter so that you receive invitations for future creative programs like pain nights, cooking classes and more.

At times, students may feel overwhelmed while balancing schoolwork, a job, and other responsibilities. Thrive Week is a great opportunity to focus on the importance of balance and self-care in developing positive mental health that supports success in learning and working. We invite you to take a moment to do something that gets you active!

Benefits of Being Active

Physical health and mental health go hand in hand. Taking some time out of a busy schedule to move our bodies can benefit us in many ways.

1. Reduces Stress: engaging in a physical activity can help reduce stress by releasing endorphins, which are natural mood lifters!
2. Improves Mood: regular physical activity can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can also provide a mental and emotional boost, helping us feel more positive.
3. Enhances Cognitive Function: exercise can improve cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities.
4. Improves Sleep: staying active contributes to improved sleep as it helps with emotional regulation, concentration and memory consolidation.
5. Increases Energy: staying active will boost your energy levels making it easier to stay focused and productive.

Get Up and Get Moving

Take a look at our Thrive Week Schedule to see what fits for you. Connect with friends and peers and encourage one another to get up and get moving!

EDC Thrive Calendar

NDC Thrive Calendar

Moving Beyond Thrive Week

Even after Thrive Week has passed, Campus Well-Being continues to offer regular weekly programs to help you get and stay active. From yoga and T’ai Chi to hip hop dance, coach-led fitness classes and a variety of sports, there’s something for everyone. Check out our monthly program calendar to see all the options and to register.

You might also be interested in:

• Campus Well-Being November Programs
• November Mindwell Programs
• Intramural Sports: Fall 2023

This time in the fall term can be a whirlwind of lectures, assignments, projects, exams, and deadlines. When the storm hits, it’s essential to remember that you are not alone. It’s important to stay connected with good people during this time in order to maintain your mental health and well-being.

Emotional Support

One of the key benefits of staying connected is the emotional support you can receive from friends and peers. When you’re overwhelmed with assignments or exams, having someone to talk to can be a lifeline! The people around you can offer a listening ear, words of encouragement, or even share how they’ve navigated similar experiences.

Reduced Isolation

Stress can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. You might find yourself buried in textbooks or computer screens for hours, only to emerge feeling disconnected. This can take a negative toll on your mental health, but staying connected can help with this. Try to take breaks in between to check in with friends, join a study group, or participate in Thrive events to keep you engaged!

Stay Accountable and Motivated

During this stressful part of the term, it’s easy to lose motivation and begin procrastinating. However, staying connected can serve as a powerful motivator! Shared goals with friends and peers can help you stay on track and maintain a sense of purpose. Encouragement from those around you can push you to keep going even when you feel like giving up.

What You Can Do During Thrive Week to Stay Connected

During Thrive Week (November 6-11) Campus Well-Being and the Students’ Association invite you to take healthy break from your studies to connect with the people around you. Whether you join our nature walk at Birds Hill park on Saturday, attend the Diwali festival on Friday or make time for the keynote presentation on Thursday, we hope that you end the week feeling more connected to the people and spaces around you.

NDC Thrive Week Schedule

EDC Thrive Week Schedule

Staying Connected After Thrive Week

Maintaining your mental health by connecting with others is something we encourage year round. Be sure to sign up for the Campus Well-Being newsletter so that you’re in the know about all the programs and events that can help you do this.

Given the escalating war in Palestine and Israel, you may be experiencing many unsettling feelings. Impact of global conflict can add an extra layer of stress and anxiety to an already challenging phase of life. While acknowledging global conflict, it’s important to safeguard your mental health.

Understanding the Global Landscape

In a world connected via technology and social media, staying informed about global conflicts is easy. However, being inundated with constant updates and negative news can take a toll on your mental health. To maintain a healthy balance:

1. Select your news sources carefully: choose reputable sources that provide well-rounded and unbiased information. Consume a variety of news sources. Fact-check information and verify the accuracy of news stories or social media posts.
2. Be aware of confirmation bias: when consuming media, people often choose to consume news from sources that align with their reality and existing beliefs. This can have negative effects, so it is important to foster a more balanced and informed perspective.
3. Limit your consumption: set designated times to review world events and avoid obsessive scrolling.

Engage in Constructive Conversations

One of the most powerful ways to cope with global conflict is to engage in meaningful discussions. By participating in discussions like this you can also process your emotions and gain different perspectives on the issues at hand.

1. Join clubs and organizations on your campus
2. Engage with instructors and peers
3. Join demonstrations in your community to engage in diverse conversations

Cultivate Resilience

Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity, and it’s an essential skill when navigating global conflict. Some ways to build your resilience include:

1. Practicing mindfulness: mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises can help you stay centred. Be sure to check out your free subscription to Mindwell.
2. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: take part in regular exercise, move your body, consume a balanced diet and get enough sleep to boost your physical and mental resilience.
3. Seeking counselling: if you are struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, experiencing vicarious trauma or PTSD don’t hesitate to reach out to supports.

Take Action!

Feeling powerless, anxious, or more stressed than normal during a global conflict? Consider taking action in the ways that align with your values.

1. Volunteer: join organizations that provide aid to the regions affected by the conflict.
2. Advocate for change: stay informed about protests happening near you and join one. Sign petitions or lobby for legislation related to global issues. Email your local premiers about your concerns.
3. Stay informed about conflict resolution: consider what’s stopping the conflict from resolving. Understanding the efforts for resolving the conflict can provide a sense of hope and purpose.

Set Boundaries

Balancing your academic and personal life during global conflict is important. Establish clear boundaries to protect your mental health.

1. Schedule regular breaks: make time for self-care, relaxation, or spending time with loved ones.
2. Take a break from screens: set a screen time limit and engage in other activities to destress.
3. Know when to step back: discussions about global conflict can get heated. If your involvement becomes overwhelming, take a break to recharge and reconsider where to expend your energy and emotions.

Student Resource Reminders

There are resources that you can access for your mental health and well-being. Be sure to use them if you are struggling or need to talk to someone.

1. Student Counselling Services
2. Indigenous Support Services
3. Campus Well-Being
4. Campus Mental Health Specialist
5. Community Crisis Resources

Staff Resource Reminders

1. Homewood Health (EFAP)
2. Community Crisis Resources

Supports for All

You may also be interested in our Supports and Resources page.

For students, mental health is a crucial aspect of everyday life. With this being the case, it’s important to incorporate mindful coping strategies into daily routines.

Whether you struggle with academic pressure, financial stress, social isolation and adjustment or uncertainty there will never be a “quick fix”. But the good news is that there is help available with MindBeacon digital therapy – available to Red River College students at no cost with referral.

Designed to Empower You

Designed to improve your mental health and build your resilience to life’s challenges, MindBeacon provides Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (or CBT), an evidence-based form of psychological therapy.  This form of therapy is often considered the gold standard when it comes to helping people with mild to moderate depression, insomnia, or anxiety.

What is CBT?

CBT is a psychological approach that helps people identify and change their thought patterns and behaviors. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feeling, and behaviors are interconnected. By altering thought patterns, people can improve their emotional well-being and develop more effective coping strategies. CBT is typically a time-limited and goal-oriented therapy. If you feel motivated to dedicate 12 weeks to improve your mental health, please request a referral.

Therapy at Your Convenience

You can use MindBeacon whenever and wherever you choose to using either your phone, tablet, or laptop. Don’t worry about booking appointments either, you will remain in contact with your therapist using the app via messaging!

To get started, connect with any of the following:

• Student Counselling Services
• Campus Mental Health Specialist
• International Education
• Academic Success Centre
• Student Accessibility Services

Students located at regional campuses may contact an Academic Success Coach at their campus.

This service enhancement aligns with the Healthy Minds Healthy College Strategy to improve access to mental health services, using innovation. If you have any questions, please contact Fizza Rashid, Campus Mental Health Specialist.

Join Campus Well-Being in spreading and encouraging kindness to others, to the earth, to animals and to yourself by participating in our four weeks of kindness from November 14 to December 15, 2023.

Planting Seeds of Kindness

Each week we will post kindness opportunities and ideas in Student and Staff News. Participation is entirely optional – you decide if want to accept and carry out the weekly kindness suggestions, pass, save it for another time, or modify the kindness opportunity to suit your situation.

Kindness Presentation Series – Live or Virtual

In November, we arranged four guest speakers to present on each kindness area:

Kindness to Yourself – Mental Health and Food

This presentation is all about supporting your mental and emotional health with nutrition. Food can play an important role in supporting our brain health, from our focus and cognitive function, to our mental health and mood. Food can also influence our emotions, and vice versa. Join us and learn about what we eat, and how we eat can impact our mental and emotional health.

Watch the recording.

REGISTER – In-Person or Virtual – Notre Dame Campus: Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023 – 12:00pm to 1pm, Connected Classroom in EMP, near North Gym.

Hao-Yi is a Registered Dietitian who has been practicing for several years. He has had experience working in acute care, long term care. Currently works out of the Wellness Institute in Primary Care, helping individuals manage and prevent chronic disease. He also provides nutrition coaching for athletic and sport performance. Hao-Yi’s focus is helping individuals achieve their goals using food they enjoy.

Kindness to the Earth – Giizis, The Sun

In this Kindness to the Earth presentation, Elder Paul Guimond, shares sun wisdom and the impact of the sun on our earth and daily lives. The sun gives life, light and hope, sharing it’s fire with everything around and within us.

The experience is enhanced by the surrounding natural images projected on all four walls at the same time, creating a unique 360º experience in the Immersion Room.

Watch the recording.

Register: In-Person or Virtual, Thursday, November 23, 2023, 12 to 1pm, Immersion Room, GM33, Notre Dame Campus

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Paul Guimond is part of the Turtle Clan and his spirit name is Okonace (Little Eagle Bone). He and his wife Kim have three children, 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Paul is a Sundance Bundle Carrier (Chief), Sweat Lodge Bundle Carrier (Water drum) and Dark Room Bundle Carrier. He studied Counselling Skills at the University of Manitoba. In Sagkeeng, Paul sat on Chief & Council for 20 years and served as the School Board Chairman for ten years. He is an active elder with Addictions Foundation of Manitoba and Sagkeeng Child & Family Services, offering healing, spiritual growth and personal development through ceremony, programming and establishing healthy relationships. Paul is also a certified coach in hockey, baseball and lacrosse. Paul joined the Elder-in-Residence Program at Red River College Polytechnic in 2018.

Kindness to Animals – Pollinators

Delve into the world of pollinators, discovering how pollinators came to be, what they are, and what they need to survive. Learn what you can do to help support your native pollinator communities, showing your kindness to the environment and the future of our ecosystems.

Learn how to get engaged in the conversation surrounding pollinator conservation and highlight pollinator importance to your friends and family. Small acts can make a world of a difference to these pillars of Manitoban ecosystems!

Watch the recording.

REGISTER – Virtual presentation, Tuesday, November 28, 2023, 12pm to 1pm. NOTE: Link will be emailed separately closer to the event.

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Presenter: Syd Shukla-Bergen BSc, is a Master of Science in Entomology student at the University of Manitoba, studying landscapes effects on pollinator diversity and abundance. For the past several years, she has been working on several pollinator focused projects, all highlighting pollinators roles in the environment, the need for their conservation, and highlighting the alarming decrease in pollinator abundance and diversity in Manitoba. This year she joined Red River College Polytech as an Academic Student Success Coach at the Steinbach Regional Campus.

Kindness to Others – Be Kind, Rewind

Sprinkled with humour and filled with insight, Vassan shares ways to spread kindness through our daily interactions with peers, colleagues and strangers we meet along the way. Learn some strategies to create a safe and respectful space for kindness to thrive.

Register: In-Person or Virtual, Thursday, November 30, 2023, 12 to 1pm, Immersion Room, GM33, Notre Dame Campus

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Vassan Aruljothi: Originating from Malaysia, Vassan has been in Canada for two decades. He started his journey with RRC Polytech at the Winkler campus as an instructor back in 2017.

In 2018, Vassan moved to Winnipeg to assume the position of an Event Coordinator under the College and Public Relations department.

In 2021, Vassan had the privilege to continue his dedication to RRC Polytech with the School of Trades & Technologies as a Program Liaison for a welding program. And finally, in 2022, he moved to his current role as the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Coordinator for the Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) program. Since, August 2023, Vassan has accepted a position at the Organizational Development Department as a Consultant.

During all these, Vassan has worked with almost every department on campus, building lasting relationships with each of them.

Representing a group of people and advocating for them has always been Vassan’s passion. He has been a part of multiple Boards of Governance in the past, such as President of the UW Alumni Association, Chair of the Corn and Apple Festival Committee in Morden, Forks Festival Director for Pride Winnipeg, and Secretary for the Tamil Cultural Society of Manitoba, to name a few.

Personally, Vassan is a proud downtown Winnipeg resident, who loves cooking Malaysian food, and hanging out with his wife and two cats.