16th Annual Human Rights Awards Ceremony
In this time of turmoil and unrest that is present globally and in our communities and daily lives, there are still those moments of light and unity that give us hope for a future that upholds peace and human rights. On September 19, 2024, the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC) commemorated the 25th anniversary of the International Day of Peace by hosting the 16th Annual Human Rights Awards Ceremony.
On a sunny Autumn day with the leaves in full splendor, we gathered to honour eight individuals who are doing incredible work in their communities across Alberta to promote human rights, dignity, justice, equity, inclusion and peace. We want to send our deepest gratitude to JHC patron, the Honourable Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani and her office for supporting planning and hosting this important event once again.
At this year’s awards ceremony, we were thrilled to celebrate the following award recipients:
Gerald L. Gall Award Recipient:
Avnish Nanda
Avnish Nanda, a passionate lawyer, has made remarkable strides in advancing human rights in Canada through legislative change. Known for his pro bono public interest cases, Avnish has advocated for marginalized communities, including opioid users, incarcerated individuals, and unhoused Edmontonians. His impactful work has led to systemic changes, such as securing support for youth aging out of foster care and challenging harmful municipal policies. Avnish's dedication to justice, both in and out of the courtroom, continues to inspire. Avnish expressed gratitude and recognized the efforts of the entire team at Nanda & Company, as well as the support and influence of his parents and brother.
“Over the past 10 years, we’ve really seen a scene change, we’ve seen more and more lawyers pick up this cause, really work together to address the systemic inequities within our province that leave so many marginal and vulnerable people behind. We’re going to need more [lawyers] to step up, to use the law to advance the rights and the interests of vulnerable, marginalized people, especially at this time. We’re on the brink of something, that I think, is unparalleled, in Alberta’s history, where measures are coming forth and being announced that target the most vulnerable, from the Trans community, to substance users, to the unhoused, to migrants, to others who are precarious in our community and a real intent to undo the advancements we’ve achieved over the past few decades and to erect barriers for any future advancement. And we’re going to need not just lawyers to step up to work with vulnerable communities, to work with community advocates and organizers, but all Albertans to champion a different vision of Alberta, where we all belong and we can all thrive.”
Human Rights Champions Recipients:
Craig Haavaldsen
As Executive Director of Rock Soup Greenhouse and Food Bank in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Craig is a tireless advocate for food security, human dignity, and social justice. His compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces have profoundly impacted his community. During the Awards, Craig remarked how the concept behind Rock Soup was the story he told his children about asking for help without asking for help, and how by coming together as a community we can contribute, work together, and in return, we can feast and thrive.
“It shouldn’t cost your dignity to feed your family…Human Rights, to me, are how I approach my parenting… that unconditional love. And if a program doesn’t lead with that unconditional love and acceptance…if Human Rights aren’t treated with that unconditional love and acceptance, then what are we doing?”
Curtis Red-Rokk Cardinal
Curtis Red-Rokk Cardinal, founder of Tee Pee Treats Indigenous Cuisine in Edmonton, Alberta, is an exemplary example of compassion and resilience. Overcoming personal adversity, Curtis has become a community leader, hosting monthly "Give Back to the Streets" events, which he spoke with passion about during the awards ceremony. This grassroots community event gives out free food, has entertainment, live music and drummers and feeds more than 300-600 people at each event. The next “Give Back to the Streets” event, planned this month, will be their 21st one.
“People have asked me what do I want to accomplish from this event [Giving Back to the Streets] and my answer is always this; to create an event that will give a sense of pride in our people and to make change happen in the community that will inspire others to give back also. My ultimate goal is to have this event at every major city across Canada to show that change can happen if you put in the effort and work and that if we work together we can all make this world a better place. Community, to me, is about individuals, organizations and agencies working together to support one another.”
Cynthia Palmaria
A steadfast advocate for migrants in Alberta, Cynthia has dedicated nearly a decade to teaching English exam preparation and supporting families in need, regardless of their status. As a leader in Migrante Alberta and AWARE, Cynthia tirelessly advocates for equal rights, healthcare access, and dignity for all. Her unwavering commitment to empowering vulnerable communities and championing systemic change is inspiration to so many. While Cynthia was unable to attend, Lyla Palmaria-Luciano accepted the award on her behalf and remarked:
“We advocate for many migrants, and many undocumented migrants who do not have a voice, and we also want to say that undocumented migrants are having a voice within Migrante Alberta…and we want to make sure that their human rights are acknowledged as well.”
Andrea Heinz and Kathy King
Kathy King and Andrea Heinz are passionate human rights advocates, turning personal tragedy into powerful action against commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Kathy, driven by the unsolved murder of her daughter, and Andrea, a survivor of the sex industry, have tirelessly worked to raise awareness and support victims. Their joint efforts, including co-authoring a book, titled: “Why Men Buy Sex, Who Really Pays?”, and advocating through CEASE, have significantly impacted the fight for justice.
“When [we] began our book in 2020, we wanted to produce a solid resources for those who believe as we do, that all citizens have the right to be free from commercial sexual exploitation… today’s award is further validation that freedom from sexual exploitation is an important human right, and for that we are proud to be recognized as human rights champions.” - Kathy King
“Courage is inspiring, and I don’t know anyone more courageous than those who are going up against this particular issue, with all its misguided supporters and financial backers. There is real danger in this work and many of us face ongoing harassment and risks to our safety. Please - do what you can to be there, not only for those who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation, but also the people and organizations who are giving so much of themselves to help those affected - the work is heavy”. - Andrea Heinz
Kathy has also created a website to share her daughter’s story, aiming to educate others on addiction, safety, and love: MissingCara.ca
Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani Award for Leadership in Pluralism and Reconciliation Recipient:
Deep Braich
Founder of Youth Helping Youth Alberta Foundation, Deep exemplifies leadership in promoting inclusivity, reconciliation, and cultural harmony. Under her guidance, the foundation has addressed vital social issues, impacting thousands of youth. Her work with various organizations, including Plan Canada and Action Dignity Youth Council, reflects her unwavering commitment to empowering marginalized groups and fostering cross-cultural connections. During the ceremony, Deep expressed the utmost gratitude to her mother for her support in who she has become today, and how she has continued to be a source of empowerment and inspiration for Deep.
At just 21 years old, Deep expressed admiration and excitement for their journey ahead.
“Standing in front of you today, it’s a really big, self-acceptance thing…this is also a very important memory that I will be adding to my collection…I’m so incredibly grateful.”
Randy Palivoda Award for Public Service Recipient:
Sarah Adomako-Ansah
Sarah is an esteemed educator and formerly the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (EDIAR) Consultant for Edmonton Catholic Schools. Sarah is a tireless advocate for human rights and inclusivity. A co-founder of the Black Teachers' Association and a leader in educational reform, Sarah has made significant strides in challenging biases and empowering equity-deserving students and staff. Currently, Sarah has left ECSD to embark on a journey that allows her to support human rights, equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism in schools across the province. She began her role as Manager, Education Outreach at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and will continue to support schools, educators and students in this important and worthwhile learning on human rights education, which is, in her words, “foundationally, the core of what I truly believe in”.
“In 2021 I began a term as the educator-in-residence with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights…and in that time, I created a program called “Pass the Mic, Let’s Talk About Racism” and in that program, it allows teachers the grace, and the tools, to discuss these really hard topics in our classrooms, and it’s amazing, two years out of that position to see that this program is in all the provinces and all of the territories in this nation and people are using it, to indeed have those difficult conversations and it’s my honour to be able to bring that education in this country.”
The 2024 Award Recipients
From left to right: Renee Vaugeois, Executive Director of the John Humphrey Centre, Avnish Nanda, Lyla Palmaria-Luciano (standing in for Cynthia Palmaria); Sarah Adomako-Ansah, Craig Haavaldsen, Her Honour, the Honourable Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani, Deep Braich, Curtis Red-Rokk Cardinal, Kathy King, Andrea Heinz, and Megan Lukasewich, JHC Board President.
Photo Credit to Hope and Billie of Rare Earth Photographic Arts Outreach Foundation
ANNOUNCEMENT: JHC RELEASES A BRAND NEW TOOLKIT!
This year’s awards was also an opportunity to announce the newly-launched Justice4Reel toolkit. Justice4Reel is a platform where powerful stories converge on film to ignite conversations, inspire change, and foster a collective commitment to justice and equality. This education tool provides teachers and educators with process plans to use films from the 2024 Justice4Reel Film Festival to spark learning and dialogue. These films featured Edmonton-based filmmakers and explored locally relevant issues, including race, genocide, poverty, disability, and gender diversity. The films transcend borders, ideologies, and backgrounds, using the art of storytelling to drive social change. Learn more about the Justice4Reel toolkit by clicking the link below.