RDP receives National and International Awards of Excellence

Thousands of post-secondary leaders from around the globe gathered in Montreal, QC this week at the World Congress hosted by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP). A team from Red Deer Polytechnic was in attendance to receive three CICan Awards of Excellence in Indigenous Education (Gold), Sustainable Development (Silver), and Student Leadership (Bronze). In addition, Red Deer Polytechnic received international honours with a silver WFCP Award in Indigenous Education Excellence.

“These awards recognize the strong programs and talented people that make up RDP,” says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “The awards for Indigenous Education, sustainability and student leadership, reflect the impact RDP delivers for our communities--regionally and globally--and position us well for the future.

”Red Deer Polytechnic was named the gold recipient of the CICan Indigenous Education Excellence Award for its commitment to reconciliation, respect of Indigenous cultural traditions, and creation of supportive learning environments.RDP is among 71 post-secondary institutions that are signatories to CICan’s Indigenous Education Protocol, which affirms its responsibility to Indigenous Education.

Stuart Cullum, RDP President (second from left), Lloyd Desjarlais, Director of Indigenous Initiatives at RDP (middle), Dr. Maureen Toews, Associate Vice President of Teaching, Learning and Research at RDP (second from right) with representatives from CICan and World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics

In addition, Red Deer Polytechnic received silver for an international WFCP Award in Indigenous Education Excellence. This award recognizes actions RDP has taken to ensure visibility of Indigenous culture, Elder involvement, and advocacy of Indigenous Education and skills development.

The Polytechnic received silver for Excellence in Sustainable Development for advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)for the benefit of learners and communities. In October, Red Deer Polytechnic, in collaboration with the Students’ Association, signed the UNSDG Accord, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to inspire, to celebrate and to advance the important role that education plays in the achievement of the SDGs. The 17 goals include a focus on areas that include quality education, innovation, equality and sustainability.

Savannah Snow, outgoing RDP Students’ Association President (second from left) with representatives from CICan

Savannah Snow, outgoing Students’ Association (SA) President, was a bronze recipient of the CICan Leadership Excellence Award for Students for making exceptional contributions at Red Deer Polytechnic and in the community. In addition to representing RDP’s learners as SA President, Snow has served as Chair of Alberta’s Students’ Association Executive Council, on the Polytechnic’s Academic Council, as a member of RDP’s Board of Governors, and is an advocate for Truth and Reconciliation.

The CICan Awards of Excellence and the WFCP Awards of Excellence were presented at ceremonies on April 24and 25 in Montreal