Human Rights Awards

The Human Rights Awards are presented annually by the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights to recognize outstanding contributions to human rights of people in Alberta.

This year, in celebration of the International Day of Peace, the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights and Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani will celebrate the 16th Annual Human Rights Awards on September 19, 2024 at Government House.

”It is critical to recognize those that make those efforts every day to strengthen our social fabric. Often thankless work, these heroes are ones that amplify and mobilize community in important ways and we need them more than ever. Without them, our communities would not be the same and many would be left behind.” Renée Vaugeois, Executive Director, John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights

Types of Awards:

• Human Rights Champion:  Recognizes those working to make their community a better place; a place where all are included, valued, participate and belong.

• Gerald L. Gall Award: For outstanding contribution to and demonstrated excellence in the protection and promotion of human rights in Canada through legislative change.

• Randy Palivoda Award for Public Service: For outstanding contribution and demonstrated excellence in the protection and promotion of human rights in their role as a public servant.

• The Honourable Salma Lakhani Award for Leadership in Pluralism and Reconciliation: An award granted to a young person (under the age of 30) who has shown leadership and a steadfast commitment to advancing meaningful reconciliation and peaceful co-existence of the diverse cultures in Canada. The award is a celebration of achievement and excellence to promote diversity, harmony, collaboration and connection. Winners exemplify and model values of inclusion, cross-cultural connection and equity.

These awards are for individuals of all ages, businesses or organizations that are making a positive contribution to the lives and well-being of people in our community. These recipients are those that are actively promoting, fulfilling, protecting or educating on human rights and making the community a place where all belong, are included and participate.

2024 Human Rights Awards

Human Rights Champions

Craig Haavaldsen, Executive Director of Rock Soup Greenhouse and Food Bank in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, is a beacon of hope and change in his community. Craig has championed Indigenous and LGBTQ participation, recognizing their disproportionate barriers; and supported cultural enrichment, uplifting Cree culture and Indigenous stories. Craig’s unwavering commitment extends beyond food security. He engages in extensive outreach for houseless populations, fostering partnerships with like-minded organizations to provide harm reduction supplies, Narcan, and food. His tireless dedication has been instrumental in managing encampments, where his leadership, empathy, and understanding created safe spaces for all. Craig’s involvement in various committees and the human rights coalition underscores his innovative spirit and dedication to creating systemic change.

Curtis Red-Rokk Cardinal, owner and founder of Tee Pee Treats Indigenous Cuisine in Edmonton, Alberta, is a beacon of compassion and leadership in his community. Overcoming numerous adversities, Curtis has transformed his experiences into a driving force for positive change, particularly for those living on the streets of Edmonton. A mentor and role model, Curtis has guided many young men off the streets, offering them hope and a path to a better future. His involvement with Nekem, a non-profit organization aiding Indigenous people on the streets, and his work with various inner-city projects highlight his relentless passion for helping others. Curtis's journey from overcoming addiction and homelessness to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur and community leader is inspirational. His story, marked by resilience and a heart of gold, continues to inspire and uplift countless individuals.

Andrea Heinz’s advocacy stems from her time within the dangerous world of commercial sexual exploitation. Turning to the sex industry out of desperation at age 22, Andrea experienced the inherent trauma and abuse firsthand for seven years. Now a mother of three and a student of Governance, Law, and Management, she writes and speaks extensively to dispel myths about the sex industry. As the Executive Producer of the awarded docuseries "Labeled," Andrea continues to highlight the realities of sexual exploitation and remains an active advocate through her work with CEASE. Together, Kathy King and Andrea Heinz have co-authored the book "When Men Buy Sex: Who Really Pays?". Their joint efforts have made significant strides in addressing the root causes of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, and advancing women’s and human rights.

Cynthia Palmaria is a dedicated advocate and a pillar of support for migrants in Alberta. For nearly a decade, she has tirelessly taught English exam preparation to migrants seeking permanent residency. As a leader of Migrante Alberta, Cynthia is a vocal advocate for equal rights, emphasizing the importance of dignity and respect for all, regardless of immigration status. She’s played a crucial role in campaigns such as “Healthcare for All” and “Status for All”, advocating for systemic changes to support migrant workers. Her leadership extends to Alberta Workers Association for Research and Education (AWARE), an organization she helped establish, which supports individuals from all cultural backgrounds facing discrimination due to their immigration status. Cynthia's efforts are not limited to organizational leadership; she is deeply involved in grassroots activities. From organizing rallies and leading educational discussions to providing childcare and supporting women facing violence, Cynthia's dedication and impact is profound and far-reaching.

Kathy King is an exemplary human rights advocate driven by deeply traumatic life events, which she has transformed into powerful advocacy and public awareness events to champion the rights of those affected by commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Kathy King's journey began in the 1990s when her teenage daughter fell victim to drug use, mental illness, and ultimately, commercial sexual exploitation. Her daughter’s tragic murder remains unsolved, and Kathy has channeled her grief into tireless advocacy for vulnerable individuals. A retired clinical social worker, Kathy has volunteered with the Centre to Empower All Survivors of Exploitation and Trafficking (CEASE) and created a website to share her daughter’s story, aiming to educate others on addiction, safety, and love. Together, Kathy King and Andrea Heinz have co-authored the book "When Men Buy Sex: Who Really Pays?". Their joint efforts have made significant strides in addressing the root causes of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.

The Honourable Salma Lakhani Award for Leadership in Pluralism and Reconciliation

Deep Braich is a dedicated human rights advocate whose work has greatly impacted her community and beyond. As a Program Facilitator for Plan Canada's Power Within project, she empowers young girls by promoting body positivity, across Alberta. Deep is also a national youth ambassador for Raising the Roof Canada, a national charity committed to tackling homelessness through innovative, long-term solutions. At the Confluence/Fort Calgary, she fosters respect for Indigenous cultures by educating children about history and reconciliation. In her role at Between Friends, Deep has guided disabled youth as a Senior Leader for Youth Adventurers and previously ensured inclusive programming as a Inclusion Services Team Lead. She also supported underprivileged children at Kamp Kiwanis. Deep has also served as Vice President of Marketing for the UNICEF on Campus Club at the University of Calgary. As the founder and director of Youth Helping Youth Alberta Foundation, Deep has led initiatives addressing social issues, including distributing hygiene kits and organizing mental health workshops.

Randy Palivoda Award for Public Service

Sarah Adomako-Ansah is an esteemed educator, consultant, and activist, distinguishing herself as a leading advocate for human rights and inclusivity. A Black woman of Ghanaian descent raised in Edmonton, Sarah has made significant contributions to her community and beyond. Sarah's journey in education began with Edmonton Catholic Schools (ECSD), where she taught elementary and co-founded the Black Teachers’ Association (BTA) in Edmonton. Through the BTA, Sarah has presented at teachers’ conventions, collaborated with community organizations to enhance schools’ access to representative literature, and used social media to amplify the voices of Black and racialized educators. While on secondment at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, she developed the "Pass the Mic, Let’s Talk About Racism" teacher resource, influencing educational practices nationwide. Sarah recently took the role of Manager, Education Outreach at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, which will further her journey to support human rights, equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism in schools across the province.

Gerald L. Gall Award

Avnish Nanda is a dedicated lawyer and educator whose career has been marked by significant contributions to social justice through the legal system. His relentless pursuit of justice has seen him take numerous public interest cases pro bono, often reaching as high as the Supreme Court of Canada. Avnish's work encompasses a broad spectrum of human rights issues, including advocating for opioid users' access to harm reduction care, protecting safe injection sites, and defending the rights of incarcerated individuals held in administrative segregation. He’s also championed the rights of Albertans aging out of foster care, low income families, and sexual assault survivors. Most recently, Avnish has been at the forefront for the rights of unhoused Edmontonians, challenging the City of Edmonton's encampment removal policies. His efforts have sparked public discourse and driven meaningful changes in municipal policies, showcasing his ability to influence systemic change beyond the courtroom.

2023 Award RECIPIENTS

Human Rights Champions: Vee Duncan, Mark Brave Rock, Sunpreet (Sunny) Singh Johal, Rehma Khan, Marco Luciano

The Honourable Salma Lakhani Award for Leadership in Pluralism and Reconciliation: Adebayo Katiiti

Gerald L. Gall Award: Temitope Oriola