May is Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, a time to explore and celebrate Jewish culture, faith, and history, and to honour the enduring contributions of Jewish communities to Canada’s social, political, and economic life.
The month also holds special significance for Jewish communities worldwide, as it often aligns with Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, which marks the spring harvest and commemorates the giving of the Torah.
Learn more about Jewish culture and history, and celebrate Jewish Heritage Month with the following resources:
National Film Board of Canada:
At RRC Polytech, Asian Heritage Month is not just something we look back on. It is something we live and shape every day. Our community reflects a rich diversity of experiences. This includes Asian immigrants, international students, Canadian-born Asians, and people of mixed heritage. These experiences remind us that heritage is not fixed. It changes and grows with us.
Story shared by Angela Chow, RRC Polytech
I am proud to be Asian.
I was born and raised in the Philippines and come from both Filipino and Taiwanese heritage. While I spent most of my life in the Philippines, I also had the opportunity to travel across Asia, including Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Each place has its own culture, traditions, and stories to tell.






In 2023, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life: to move to Canada and pursue further studies at RRC Polytech. The travel took over 15 hours, not including layovers, but it marked the start of a new chapter in my life.
I felt excited, but I also had worries brought by the uncertainties. I remember asking myself: Did I make the right decision? Will I feel like I belong? How will I adjust to this new life?
Winnipeg felt so different from what I was used to, especially the weather! Coming from around 30°C days to below-zero winters was a big shock. But I was surprised by how quickly I found pieces of home here. I found Asian stores and restaurants. I heard familiar languages. I met people who speak Tagalog. My classmates and co-workers come from both Asian and non-Asian backgrounds, and learning and growing alongside them has been an important part of my journey.
Today, I find myself at RRC Polytech, grateful for the welcoming and inclusive environment that has helped me adjust and grow. Over the past two years, I’ve come to realize that I have found a second home that exists alongside the home I carry with me.
My experience is just one of many. Like me, many international students and immigrants from across Asia have journeys of leaving home and building new lives. These are stories filled with both challenges and growth. While each journey is different, we all carry something deeply meaningful with us from where we come from.
Culture often lives in the quiet, familiar details of everyday moments.
It can be the comfort of a home-cooked meal. It can be switching languages when speaking with family. It can be celebrating holidays in new ways while keeping their meaning.
These moments may seem small, but they matter. They reflect the values, memories, and traditions we bring with us and continue to care for.
When asked what they carry with them, members of the RRC Polytech community shared reflections like:
“Growing up in Kerala, India, Onam was always one of the happiest times of the year for me. It meant being around family, making pookalam (flower designs), wearing traditional clothes, sharing meals, and just enjoying that feeling of togetherness. Even here in Canada, I try to celebrate it with friends and the Malayali community, which makes it feel a little closer to home. It’s a reminder of where I come from and helps me hold on to that sense of belonging, even while living in Winnipeg.”
“There are many things I continue to carry with me since moving to Canada in 2005. Among them is the way we regularly hold family gatherings that extend beyond blood relationships. The people I met from my very first days here are still the same people I celebrate with during events and parties. I am also caring for my 79-year-old mother, who moved to Canada about ten years ago. Caring for elderly parents is a value deeply rooted in our culture, and it is something I intend to pass on to my children and future generations. We place a high value on believing in God and honoring Him as Catholics, and we help others in need – whether the support is financial or simply being present for them.”
“A value I carry from my Vietnamese heritage is the deep responsibility to support the people around me. In my culture, helping others is more than a kind gesture. It is a way of showing respect and staying connected as a community. Here in Canada, I continue this tradition by volunteering and offering support to newcomers and peers. This value keeps me grounded and reminds me of the community that shaped who I am.”
“One thing I carry with me from my Punjabi heritage is the language itself. Punjabi is warm, expressive, and full of feeling in a way no other language really matches for me. It’s how I stay connected to family back home, how I laugh with friends here, and even how I think to myself or pray in quiet moments.
There’s something really grounding about a language that holds your childhood memories, your first expressions of love, and your sense of who you are all at once. I try to keep it alive by speaking it whenever I can, listening to Punjabi music when I miss home, and appreciating that even in Winnipeg, it stays with me, a reminder of where I come from.”
“One thing I carry with me from my Filipino heritage is karaoke, especially during birthdays and Christmas. Growing up, karaoke was always part of our celebrations. It did not matter how you sang, as long as everyone was having fun. Even here in Canada, I still enjoy doing karaoke with friends because it reminds me of home and brings people together. It’s a simple way I keep that fun, welcoming Filipino spirit alive.”
“Being born and raised in Abu Dhabi in an Indian family, I grew up influenced by both Indian traditions at home and the diverse Middle Eastern culture around me. This blend of culture shaped my identity and taught me to be adaptable, open-minded, and comfortable in multicultural spaces from a young age. Moving to Canada, that experience has helped me settle in more easily and connect with people from different backgrounds while still staying rooted in where I come from.”
“One thing I carry with me from my Chinese heritage is the celebration of the Lunar New Year. It represents family reunion, hope, and new beginnings. Growing up, it meant cleaning the house, preparing special dishes, giving red envelopes, and staying up late with family. Even though I am in Canada now, I still try to keep parts of this tradition alive, whether by cooking traditional food or calling family overseas. Sometimes I also celebrate with friends here, sharing meals and stories. For me, Lunar New Year is a reminder that even across distance, family and tradition continue to stay present in my life.”
“I come from a Christian family in Kerala, India, where Holy Week is a deeply meaningful and sacred time for us. During this week, we prepare traditional foods like Pesaha appam, Inri appam (a traditional unleavened bread) and a special sweet milk dish – recipes passed down through generations and rooted in the remembrance of Jesus Last Supper. In my family, this meal is traditionally served by the elder male members and shared together as a symbol of unity, faith, and love. What makes it even more special is that we don’t keep it within our home – we share it with friends and neighbours as part of the celebration. Even in Canada, I continue this tradition every year, cooking and sharing it with my family and friends, keeping my heritage alive across borders.”
“I carry ‘bayanihan’ with me into every space I enter. This is a Filipino value rooted in shared burdens, quiet generosity, and the kind of unity that asks nothing in return. It’s how I was raised. In a family shaped by public service, showing up for others wasn’t a choice; it was instinct. I learned early how to read a room, to ease tension, to reach across divides and build something whole out of what felt disconnected.
When I came to Canada, I felt the weight of the distance between people, the silos, the quiet separation. It didn’t sit right with me. So, I chose to step forward, again and again, into spaces where connection felt missing. I placed myself where I could listen, hold space, and bring people together, not loudly, but intentionally. Because I believe community isn’t something we find; it’s something we create. And wherever I go, I try to leave that light behind.”
“Celebrating Tet is a cornerstone of my Chinese-Vietnamese heritage that I am passionate about passing down to my children. Beyond the festive decorations, traditional meals, and the beauty of our cultural clothing, it is a time for us to honour our ancestors and reflect on the values of gratitude and family unity. I love seeing my children’s excitement over receiving red envelopes (filled with money!), as exposing my them to these customs helps them build a strong sense of identity and pride in their background. It ensures that our cultural history remains a living, joyful part of their lives in Canada. It is important to me that they carry these lessons of respect and celebration into their own lives as they grow.”
“Something meaningful that I carry with me as a Filipino living in Canada is the joy and spirit of Filipino gatherings, especially during birthdays and holidays. In our Filipino culture, celebrations are never just about the occasion, they’re about bringing people together, sharing food, laughter and creating a warm welcoming space for everyone. Even being far from the Philippines, I keep this tradition alive by hosting gatherings with family and friends, preparing familiar dishes, and making sure that no one leaves without feeling included and cared for. Whether it’s a simple get together or a bigger holiday like Christmas, I try to recreate that same lively and heartfelt atmosphere I grew up with and I make sure that my kids will experience the same joy. It’s my way of holding on to my roots and passing on the joy of Filipino culture, even while building a life here in Canada. These celebrations remind me of the importance of connection and gratitude and one of many ways to teach my kids.”
“One tradition I carry with me from Sri Lanka is the celebration of Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which marks a time of renewal, gratitude, and togetherness. Growing up, this celebration meant preparing traditional foods, wearing new clothes, and spending time with family and neighbors. Even in Canada, I try to honour the New Year by cooking traditional dishes and taking a moment to reflect and reset. Celebrating this tradition helps me stay connected to both my culture and the values of harmony and community.”
Together, these experiences show that heritage is not only something we inherit or define by distance or borders, but something we carry, live and share every day. At RRC Polytech, these stories come together to form a diverse community. There is no single way to define Asian identity, and that is what makes diversity meaningful.
Throughout Asian Heritage Month, events and initiatives create opportunities to bring people together, to connect, learn, and celebrate Asian cultures and heritage across communities.
From film festivals and exhibitions to performances and community gatherings, these moments create space for stories to be shared, identities to be seen, and connections to grow.
As we celebrate this month, these gatherings remind us that heritage is not only something we carry within us, but something we also share with others.
]]>This year, Yom HaShoah starts on the evening of April 13 and continues to the evening of April 14.
On April 14, the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg will hold the Annual Public Holocaust Commemoration from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm. All are welcome to attend. Register for the commemoration event here.
RRC Polytech will lower its flags in observance of Yom HaShoah.
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Every year on the second Wednesday in April – this year on April 8, 2026 – we recognize the International Day of Pink. On this day, people wear pink to stand against bullying, discrimination, and hate. Wearing pink is a visible commitment to equality, acceptance, and kindness. It is a simple but powerful way to support a more inclusive and respectful world.
This year’s theme is ECHO. It focuses on the voices of people who have spoken up, stood strong, and created change. The theme reminds us not only to stand up, but also to listen. It calls on us to hear the voices of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities who have shared their stories, expressed themselves openly, and helped reshape society.
At RRC Polytech, we stand as allies in support of this day and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. International Day of Pink is a time to recognize their courage and the impact they continue to have. Their actions create change that carries forward, helping to challenge harmful ideas and support others.
On this day, we are encouraged to choose love over hate. While progress has been made, it will not last without ongoing effort. We all have a role to play. This includes learning from the past, educating others, speaking up, and taking real action to support equity and inclusion.
To learn more about this year’s theme, watch Day of Pink 2026: ECHO/Journée rose 2026: ÉCHO and visit the International Day of Pink website for resources.
]]>The celebration of Easter follows the end of Lent, a period of fasting, prayer and purification. Easter’s message of unity and generosity offers a meaningful reminder to support those in need. By embracing compassion and inclusion, we help strengthen the ties that bring us together.
Orthodox Holy Week 2026 runs from Palm Sunday, April 5, through Holy Saturday, April 11, culminating in Holy Pascha (Easter) on Sunday, April 12.
Wishing everyone who celebrates a happy Easter!
]]>This sacred holiday is celebrated with Seder feasts of traditional and symbolic foods, like matzah (an unleavened bread) and bitter herbs, the re-telling of the Exodus story and prayer. This holiday holds profound significance and a reminder of resilience and hope. It is a time to reflect on the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.
At RRC Polytech, diversity is one of our greatest strengths. The Polytech is home to thousands of employees and students from all different backgrounds – including those from the Jewish community.
Chag Pesach Sameach (Happy Passover) to all staff, faculty and students who celebrate this holiday! May this celebration hold joyous times for you and your families.
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Photo: United Nations
April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), designated by the United Nations in 2007. This day focuses on promoting the rights, inclusion, and well-being of autistic people. It also raises public understanding of autism and emphasizes the importance of equal participation in society.
This year’s theme, “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value”, highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the dignity and worth of autistic individuals. It calls on all of us to support equal opportunities in every area of life and to recognize the unconditional value of every autistic person.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain develops. It influences how a person processes information, communicates, and interacts with others. It can also affect behaviour and sensory experiences.
Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning it presents differently in each person. It is often described as a form of neurodiversity. This means autistic people may think, learn, and experience the world in unique ways – no two individuals are the same.
Over time, this annual observance has grown from a focus on awareness to a broader movement toward acceptance, understanding, and inclusion. Some organizations now refer to April 2 as World Autism Acceptance Day.
Awareness is about recognizing autism. Acceptance goes further – it requires action. This includes creating inclusive environments, removing barriers, and supporting autistic people so they can fully participate in all areas of life. When we focus on acceptance, we help ensure people feel valued, respected, and supported in the community.
At RRC Polytech, we are committed to creating an environment where all ways of thinking and learning are respected.
We continue to make progress in accessibility through technology, infrastructure, and support services. At the same time, we recognize there is more work to do. We remain committed to identifying and removing barriers so everyone has equitable opportunities to succeed.
This WAAD, we encourage our community to learn more, challenge assumptions, and help build a Polytechnic where every person can thrive.
The 2026 WAAD global event is organized by the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), a global, neurominority-founded and led organization, with support from the United Nations Department of Global Communications.
Event details:
This virtual event features speakers from around the world, including advocates, educators, artists, and youth leaders. Topics include:
Register here to watch the Global WAAD Event
First established in 2004, Celebrate Diversity Month encourages us to explore and honour the many ways we differ through race, ethnicity, culture, traditions, gender, sexual orientation, language, lived experiences, and more. It also reminds us of what connects us: our shared humanity. By engaging with diverse perspectives and ways of life, we expand our understanding of the world and strengthen our ability to build inclusive communities.
At RRC Polytech, diversity is one of our greatest strengths. The richness of lived experiences, identities, cultures, and talents across our community enhances how we learn, work, and grow together. This diversity is not incidental; it is foundational to who we are. It strengthens our learning environments, supports better decision-making, enriches workplace culture, and helps us better reflect the communities we serve.
What better way to recognize Celebrate Diversity Month than by sharing an inspiring example from our own community?
On March 11, 2026, the library hallway of the Notre Dame Campus (NDC) came alive with colour, sound, and connection. Laughter echoed through the space as students and staff gathered to experience the student-led Cultural Inclusion Event: Sharing Our Heritage, part of Inclusion Week 2026.
Led by students from the Global Access: English for Academic & Professional Purposes (EAPP) program, with guidance from their instructors, the event invited the Polytech community to:
From the moment preparations began, the energy was unmistakable. Students carefully arranged vibrant booths filled with handmade posters, games, and cultural elements. Each display reflected pride, creativity, and inspiration to share a piece of home.
Students represented countries including China, Vietnam, Brazil, Thailand, Colombia, South Korea, India, and Japan, transforming the hallway into a global cultural journey.
Walking through the event felt like traveling the world in a single afternoon. Each booth offered something unique, with personal stories, traditions, and interactive experiences that invited curiosity and connection.
Some highlights included:


















This event was more than a showcase. It was a reflection of what inclusion looks like in action.
Every interaction offered something deeper than information. It created moments of connection, curiosity, and mutual respect.
Through student leadership, creativity, and collaboration, the Cultural Inclusion Event demonstrated how diversity can bring people together in meaningful ways. It created space not only to learn about different cultures, but to celebrate them.
A heartfelt thank you to the EAPP students, and the Global Access staff and instructors who made this event possible. Your initiative is a powerful reminder that diversity is not just something we talk about, it’s something we live.
While events like this are worth celebrating, diversity and inclusion are not limited to a single day or month. They are reflected in the choices we make and the ways we engage with one another every day.
Here are a few ways you can continue the celebration:
Celebrate Diversity Month reminds us that our differences are not barriers. They are strengths. And when we take the time to share, listen, and learn from one another, we create a community where everyone belongs.
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Observed each year on March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination reminds us that racial discrimination and injustice continue to affect people around the world.
The day commemorates a tragic event in 1960 in Sharpeville, South Africa, when police opened fire and killed 69 people during a peaceful protest against apartheid’s “pass laws.”
Since then, governments, international organizations, and communities have worked together through stronger laws, education, and open dialogue to address racism and move toward a world free from racial discrimination and intolerance.
The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 21, 1965. It defines racial discrimination as:
“Any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.”
Racial discrimination can appear in many parts of daily life, including in the workplace, education, and through systemic barriers.
Although significant progress has been made in addressing racism, much work remains. Racism continues to affect communities around the world, which is why ongoing awareness and action are so important.
This day reminds us of our shared responsibility to support equality and human rights.
For members of the RRC Polytech community, and as part of the broader Manitoba and Canadian communities, this day is also a call to action. Each of us can play a role in challenging racism and discrimination. By strengthening our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA), we help ensure that everyone feels respected, safe, and able to succeed.
On this day, we encourage members of the Polytechnic community to take action against racism in all its forms. Here are some ways you can contribute:
We all have a role to play in eliminating racism and discrimination. By working together, we can build safer and more inclusive workplaces and learning spaces.
Thank you for your commitment to this important work.
]]>Every year on March 31, communities around the world come together to recognize Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV), which is a day dedicated to celebrating the lives, contributions, and resilience of transgender, two-spirit, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people.
Unlike Trans Day of Remembrance, which honours those lost to anti-trans violence, TDOV is a celebration. It is an opportunity to uplift voices, highlight achievements, and acknowledge the ongoing work toward equity and inclusion.
At RRC Polytech, we believe that visibility is a vital part of creating a safe, welcoming, and affirming learning environment for everyone. Today, and every day, we celebrate our trans community members: students, staff, faculty, and alumni.
Visibility can mean different things. For some, it’s an act of empowerment, and for others, it may not feel safe or comfortable. Both experiences are valid.
Trans Day of Visibility reminds us that:
The Polytech continues to work toward ensuring that every student can fully participate in their education with dignity and respect. This includes:
These commitments are ongoing, and RRC Polytech continues to listen, learn, and adapt based on feedback from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
We see you. We value you. We celebrate you today and every day.
Your presence strengthens our college. Your authenticity is important; Your stories, talents, and perspectives enrich our community in countless ways.
Thank you for being part of our campus and for everything you bring to it.
Creating a more inclusive environment is a shared responsibility. Here are a few ways each of us can contribute:
Stop by our on-campus TDOV tables on March 31st to celebrate Trans excellence, show your support, or learn more—all are welcome! There are going to be:
Tuesday March 31st 12:00-1:00 P.M.
Library Hallway C Building
Tuesday March 31st 12:00-1:00 P.M.
Roblin Centre Atrium (left side of the Security Services office)
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