Speaking to a packed house at a UM event taking place at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights this past January, the Hon. Lloyd Axworthy bemusedly confessed to getting “a little irritated” by such declarations at dinner parties whenever conversation turned to the Trump Administration or the mind-boggling torrent of bad news.  

“When people say, ‘I just can’t watch the news anymore,’ I think, ‘Well that’s your prerogative, but if you can’t watch the news then maybe go and help create some news that’s better news,’” said Axworthy.

Disengagement and despondency in the face of the constant barrage is, for Axworthy, a misunderstanding of the political process and what it means to be a global citizen.

He was in Winnipeg as part of the J.W. Dafoe Political Studies Students’ Conference, organized annually by UM political studies students. This year’s conference focussed on the topic, “The UN at 80: Successes, Hopes, Failures and Challenges.” Marking its fortieth year, the student-run conference featured not one but two well-known Canadian political figures: Axworthy, former Minister of Foreign Affairs under the Chrétien government, and Bob Rae, a Canadian diplomat and former provincial and federal politician who currently serves as the Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN in New York.

UM students and experts on what it means to be a global citizen today.

Both gave insights about the history and possible future of the organization, and how, from the signing of its charter on June 26, 1945, the UN has helped build relationships between nation-states — but also to amplify and strengthen human security globally.

Andrea Charron in conversation with Lloyd Axworthy on stage at the J.W. Dafoe Political Studies Students’ Conference, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, January 2025. Photo: Bill Featherstone

It’s complicated

UM political studies professor Andrea Charron says that the UN is understood as having two souls: the first entails peace and security — the motivating factors following the Second World War that are the domain of the powerful UN Security Council (UNSC) and especially the 5 veto-wielding Permanent Members (P5): China, France, Russia, the UK and the US.

The second soul, and often overlooked,” she says, “are the ‘soft security’ goals that include reaffirming faith with fundamental human rights, social justice and progress, cooperation and development.”

In relation to this second purpose, it’s important to remember that though “the UN is deeply flawed, no other organization has the reach and mandate to feed, vaccinate, protect and defend the poorest in the world,” she says.

Charron is director of UM’s Centre for Defence and Security Studies and served as an advisor to the student-organizers of the conference.

Canadian Armed Forces members during the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali in 2019. Photo: Department of National Defence TM02-2019-0076-0010

She also notes that new ‘peacekeeping’ missions today are complicated, “often involving the use of force to establish the conditions for a cease fire between states and non-state actors, and with civilians are the main targets of violence, especially women and girls.” With the possibility of required force, it’s the UNSC (particularly the P5) that decides if a new mission is authorized.

Charron’s recommended reading: Adam Chapnick’s authoritative book on Canada’s role on the UN.  

Bob Rae gave a keynote at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights as part of the J.W. Dafoe Political Studies Students’ Conference, January 2025. Photo: Bill Featherstone

The UN: ‘Sounds like a good idea’

In his keynote address, Bob Rae observed that the UN experiment is one with an inherent tension, between “united” and “nations” — a tension that encompasses hopes, challenges and frustrations. Diplomacy and politics, he pointed out, have always historically included that same tension between the realists and idealists, between the obstacles and shortcomings and the hopes and possibilities.

“I’m always reminded of the joke Mahatma Gandhi told when he was asked, what did he think of Western civilization, and he said, ‘It sounds like a good idea,’” said Rae.

“And the same thing could be said of United Nations. It would be a good idea but we’re not united. But the problems that surround us are problems that require our unity and require our collective will to deal with.”

While the UN was not designed to resolve all conflict or address every injustice, its creation has resulted in gains in human rights around the world, he said.

He added, “It’s important to stress that when the UN was born [and the Charter was created], it came as a result of a process of debate and discussion.”

Now there are 193 member states from all over the globe in the UN, which started with just over 50 countries. Rae noted that it’s remarkable “just to sit and listen and learn from what it is that is said as people describe who they are and the journey that they have been on and that process of decolonization that’s taken place … and the remarkable acts of generosity and remarkable acts of reconciliation that go well beyond what we thought was possible in in 1945.”

In summation, he said, “We live with this contradiction at the heart of the UN: it’s full of these aspirations and achievements at the same times as it’s full of its inabilities to fully achieve.”

UN and Canada flags at International Issues Speaker Series in Ottawa, organized by the United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada), 2020. Photo: UNA-Canada

A global parliament in need of repair?

Fundamentally, the United Nations Charter “can be understood as a ‘global constitution’ that regulates the relationships between states,” says assistant professor of law Nathan Derejko, “and the UN General Assembly as the ‘global parliament’ where all states are equal and have both a voice and a vote.” Derejko is the Mauro Chair in Human Rights and Social Justice at UM and was a panelist at the conference.

The UN’s effectiveness — or perceived lack thereof — is dependent upon the political will of member states, he says. “All too often shortcomings and failure are placed exclusively on the UN,” he says, “when in reality it is the direct result of the actions, inaction, or inadequate actions of states.”

Second-year master’s student in political studies Lindsay Speirs was one of the conference organizers. She points out that despite its flaws, the UN remains the most capable organization to address issues between states in a fair and legal manner — even though many states find ways to evade or disregard these rules — and to aid the most vulnerable in ways that would not be otherwise possible.

She adds that while “the UNSC and the powers that the P5 member states possess may be a point of criticism, it offers a valuable forum for great power dialogue to enable structured change.” She sees hope in the unique capacity of the UN, with its flexible Charter, to evolve.

Adam Muller, a UM professor and human rights scholar who was another panelist at the conference, sees the UN as in need of repair and restoration. Muller is the director of UM’s Peace and Conflict Studies programs.

He says Canada is well-suited to take a lead role in any such work of repair, as a so-called middle power with a long record of successful transnational collaboration, a commitment to human and Indigenous rights, and respect for the rule of law.

Charron agrees and sees Ambassador Bob Rae’s position as President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) as one key to Canada’s future role at the UN.

As the US withdraws funding and interest, she says, “Canada needs to be prepared to contribute more resources and to fill important roles in UN agencies like the World Health Organization, ECOSOC, and the International Court of Justice.”

The opening of the 24th Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York, April 2025. UN Photo/Loey Felipe

Where is the UN on the rights of Indigenous Peoples?

Brenda Gunn is a UM professor of law and newly appointed Expert Member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 2026-28. She developed a handbook on understanding and implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) that is one of the main resources in Canada.

As a conference panelist, she addressed “the evolving role of Indigenous peoples in the UN and how Indigenous peoples can participate as Indigenous peoples, not as Non-Governmental Organizations, but as full governments, sitting in the rooms with a voice when our issues and rights arise,” she explains.

She notes that throughout the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries, Europeans signed many treaties with Indigenous peoples grounded in both European and Indigenous legal principles; recognizing Indigenous peoples as sufficiently autonomous to enter into treaties.

“The preamble of the UN Declaration clearly explains that recognizing the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada is critical to reset the relationship,” she says, “moving us away from a colonial relationship where Canada makes all decisions for Indigenous peoples, to a new relationship based on principles of justice, democracy, respect for human rights, non-discrimination and good faith.”

Axworthy strongly endorses the restoration of Indigenous peoples as a founding nation of Canada: to be actively involved with the justice system and education. He advocates for starting a “serious dialogue amongst Canadians” on this issue, to “correct an error of the past and build something as a positive direction for the future.”

Correcting the lie at the heart of Canada’s story, said Axworthy, will “open the doors for full participation for our Indigenous community — not only domestically but in what we do internationally.”

Bob Rae (right) next to Lloyd Axworthy and Andrea Charron at a packed house at Canadian Museum for Human Rights as part of the J.W. Dafoe Political Studies Students’ Conference, January 2025. Photo: Bill Featherstone

Bridge-building for global citizenship now

Rather than defaulting to transactional relationships and “deal-making,” suggested Axworthy, it’s important to come into politics and diplomacy “with a framework, with a set of ideals: here’s what’s right and what’s wrong — and try to make things a little more right.”

His approach is about active bridge-building over differences, and he maintained that growing up in North End Winnipeg had a lasting effect on his approach to politics and diplomacy.

“There was diversity and accommodation and people in need, living all together,” he noted, adding that the principles of public service and accommodation were reinforced by his time as a Chretien Liberal during the Quebec Referendum. Never taking unity for granted; instead working to “be able to live with difference, not perfectly, but to ‘get along,’” as he put it. He stressed the importance of seeing democracy as an opportunity to work together for the greater good.

Muller: ‘The practice of global citizenship isn’t always easy, perhaps especially in times like ours when so many of our social and political interactions seem purpose-built to divide, unsettle or silence us.’

For Derejko, the “heart and soul of global citizenship is empathy and action for all people and the planet. It means understanding that our life choices in our communities can and do affect individuals in communities across the globe.”

Empathy and openness to others’ differences are also key for Muller, and he emphasizes that global citizenship goes beyond “being” to “doing.” His approach draws on a school of thought going back to Ancient Greece that holds that “we are what we do.”

Muller admits, “The practice of global citizenship isn’t always easy, especially in times like ours when so many of our social and political interactions seem purpose-built to divide, unsettle or silence us.”

UM experts on what it means to be a global citizen today.

Becoming a global citizen requires that we challenge these obstacles and are “actively seeking connection with and understanding of others,” he contends.

“Global citizenship obliges us to think and act in a spirit of radical openness vis-à-vis other ways of being and doing in the world,” says Muller, “even, and maybe especially, when those ways seem offensive or strange.

“This kind of openness towards cultural and other differences lies at the heart of our efforts to cultivate empathy and undermine prejudice.”

Hosted by Dr. Kelley Main, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies,  the 2025 Faculty of Graduate Studies Awards Reception marked the faculty’s first in-person awards reception celebration since the fall of 2019, as an opportunity to come together and recognize the outstanding achievements of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, staff, and faculty.

Dr. Michael Benarroch, President of the University of Manitoba, presented the Faculty of Graduate Studies Outstanding Support Staff Award, recognizing excellence in administrative service to graduate students. This year’s recipient, Susan Ducharme, Graduate Programs Coordinator in Peace and Conflict Studies, was celebrated for her dedication, responsiveness, and unwavering support of both students and faculty.

The ceremony also included greetings from Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic), who presented the Outstanding Administrator Award to Dr. Melanie Janzen, Professor in the Faculty of Education. Dr. Janzen was applauded for her exemplary leadership and commitment to graduate student success.

Highlighting the value of mentorship in graduate education, the Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring Awards were presented across three academic categories.

• In Social Sciences and Humanities, Dr. Robert Hoppa, Associate Dean (Research) and Professor of Anthropology, was recognized for his sustained mentorship and dedication to scholarly growth, presented by Dr. Dawn Sutherland, Associate Dean in the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
• In Natural and Applied Sciences, Dr. Gail Davoren, Professor of Biological Sciences, received the honour for her commitment to fostering critical thinking and research excellence, presented by Dr. Steve Kirkland, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies
• In Health Sciences, the award was presented to Dr. Judith Scanlan, Associate Professor in the College of Nursing, whose mentorship has left a lasting impact on her students’ academic and professional development, presented by Dr. Greg Smith, Vice Provost, Academic Planning and Programs.

The spotlight then turned to emerging research leaders with the presentation of the Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow Awards presented by Dean, Dr. Kelley Main.

• In Health Sciences, Dr. Kathleen Kenny of the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Rady Faculty of Health Sciences was acknowledged for her innovative research and mentorship of junior researchers.
• In Natural Sciences and Engineering, Dr. Ruth Rivkin from the Department of Biological Sciences was honoured for her significant contributions, though she was unable to attend in person.

A poignant moment of the afternoon came as Dr. Steve Kirkland presented the newly established James House Memorial Awards for Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring, named in memory of Dr. James (Jim) House, a respected scholar and mentor who passed away in 2024.

• The award in Health Sciences was presented to Dr. Keith Fowke, Professor of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, for his dedication to fostering postdoctoral development.
• The award in Natural and Applied Sciences was awarded to Dr. Miyoung Suh, Professor in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences. Accepting the award on her behalf was Kristin Hildahl-Shawn, Associate Department Head.

The ceremony concluded with remarks from Dr. Kelley Main, who commended all recipients for their dedication and contributions to the university’s academic community. “This celebration reflects the deep commitment our faculty, staff, researchers, postdoctoral fellows and students have to supporting and advancing graduate education,” said Dr. Main. “Today, we honour their passion, mentorship, and the remarkable impact they have on shaping the future through scholarship and research.”

The 2025 Faculty of Graduate Studies Awards Reception was not just about handing out awards — it was a chance to come together and celebrate the incredible achievements of everyone recognized. It was a meaningful reminder of the University of Manitoba’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the strong sense of community that supports it all.

To see the awards recipients recognized at this year’s event, please visit 2025-awards-reception.pdf.

Nolan De Leon, 2024 Falling Walls Manitoba winner.

Falling Walls Lab is an international competition, created by the Falling Walls Foundation, inspired by the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.  It promotes research and innovation in all disciplines, by posing the question, “Which walls will fall next?” 

Nolan De Leon (Dr.MD, PhD) won the grand prize sponsored by InfoMagnetics Technologies. The prize includes $1000 cash along with airfare and accommodations in Berlin, Germany to compete in the global Falling Walls competition finale Nov. 7 to 9 with their presentation, Breaking the Wall of Prenatal Diagnostics.

Megan Crooks (MA Clinical Psychology) won the second-place prize of $750 sponsored by Research Manitoba, with the presentation entitled, Breaking the Wall of Phantom Pain Prevention.

Anastasia Matsko (Dr.Med/PhD) was the third-place finalist winning $500 sponsored by QDoc Virtual Healthcare with the presentation Breaking the Wall of Dental Implants.

Sajad Saraygord Afshari (PhD, P.Eng, Postdoc), won the Audience Choice award of $500 sponsored by Red River College Polytechnic for the presentation, Breaking the Wall of AI-Powered Drone Work: Revolutionizing Wildfire Prevention.

“The Falling Walls Lab is an important opportunity to showcase the world-class research happening every day in Manitoba and I would like to thank the large community who came together to bring this celebration to life,” said Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden, Associate Vice-President Partnerships Knowledge Mobilization & Innovation. “Students are the greatest drivers of change in addressing the pressing challenges faced by society and by empowering entrepreneurs and innovators across disciplines we can make these great ideas a reality.”

Congratulations to all the presenters for sharing their exciting research and being a part of this second Falling Walls Manitoba event:

• Mahdi Zakeri (Healthcare & Medical Sciences): Breaking the Wall of Bone Loss & Healing
• Abhinav Tiwari (Agriculture & Food Science): Breaking the Wall of Grain Drying
• Juanita Garcia (Healthcare & Medical Sciences): Breaking the Wall of Exercise in Spinal Injury
• Venkata Daggupati (Computing & Information Science): Breaking the Wall of Emergency Room Challenges
• Anastasia Matsko (Engineering & Technology): Breaking the Wall of Dental Implants
• Hussein Agoushi (Architecture & Urban Studies): Breaking the Wall of Community Silence
• Samantha Phrakonkham (Healthcare & Technology): Breaking the Wall of Eye Healthcare
• Sajad Saraygord Afshari (Engineering & Technology): Breaking the Wall of AI-Powered Drone Work: Revolutionizing Wildfire Prevention
• Amir Barzegar Behrooz (Healthcare & Medical Sciences): Breaking the Wall of Alzheimer’s Therapy
• Megan Crooks (Healthcare & Medical Sciences): Breaking the Wall of Phantom Pain Prevention
• Nolan De Leon (Healthcare & Medical Sciences): Breaking the Wall of Prenatal Diagnostics
• Carmine Slipski (Healthcare & Medical Sciences): Breaking the Wall of Oral Health Detection

“This is a messy, long-standing, extremely complicated conflict, with justice and injustice claims on every side of it,” he said.

“Even the international courts are challenged to adjudicate coherently when it comes to, say for example, the claim that there’s been a genocide committed in Gaza. So we shouldn’t expect the schools to have an easier time of it.”

To read the full story, please visit CBC Manitoba. 

A Vision for Collaboration and Excellence

Dr. Senehi shared her desire for continuing the collaboration and excellence of the PACS program at UM, highlighting the program’s collaborative environment as a key motivation for accepting the position. “The Faculty of Graduate Studies—with leadership from the Arthur V. Mauro Institue Institute at St. Paul’s College and in partnership with the University of Winnipeg—has created an amazing space for students and faculty who are seeking to address some of society’s most pressing questions. I look forward to working with the amazing team of faculty, students, and staff who are involved in the peace and conflict studies programs,” she stated. Over the years, more than 100 UM and adjunct faculty have participated on student advisory committees or PACS governing committees.

Building on Success and Looking Forward

Building on past successes and enhancing the programs’ global impact, Dr. Senehi said “I hope to continue to build on the previous success of PACS. For example, the 55 PACS PhD alumni who have graduated since 2011 have produced numerous books and hold positions in universities or organizations throughout the world. Their publications have more than 6,000 citations. I hope to help bring awareness to the work that is being done in PACS at UM.” With the 20th anniversary of the PACS Program approaching in January 2026, Dr. Senehi envisions this milestone as an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate, and share ideas.

Innovative Research and Teaching

PACS faculty work closely with students on research and scholarship. “Over the past few years, I was part of a project that was developed by students in one of my classes. Several PACS graduate students and I co-edited a volume on Culture, Conflict, and Peacebuilding that includes chapters by several PACS alumni and students. The volume is currently in press with Palgrave Macmillan, and we are hoping that it will be used as a teaching text,” she said. This project exemplifies the integrative and student-centered approach that she plans to continue fostering within the program.

Strengthening Community Partnerships

A key aspect of Dr. Senehi’s vision involves strengthening community partnerships and engaging with local organizations. “PACS students are dedicated to working with and learning from communities and community organizations. There is often a focus on Indigenous, cultural, and local resources for peace-building. Many PACS master’s students have done practica with numerous local organizations. It will be important to recognize, strengthen, and build on these partnerships.”

Inspiring Future Leaders in Peace and Conflict Resolution

Dr. Senehi offers valuable advice to students aspiring to work in peace and conflict resolution. “I often say that the graduate student is on a heroic quest to find something valuable through their research that will address a problem or provide new knowledge. Students hope their research will make a positive impact on society. What I have found is that through their graduate journey, students become an agents of positive change in the world through their life’s work.”

A Welcoming and Diverse Community

Highlighting the inclusive and supportive environment of the PACS program, Dr. Senehi recognizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration by stating. “Importantly, graduate students find many allies on their quest—among faculty, staff, and, importantly, student colleagues. PACS is an interdisciplinary program, and people come to their studies from a range of educational, professional, geographic, and cultural backgrounds. They share a dedication to creating a better world, characterized by human rights, social justice, and positive peace. This creates an exciting and generative milieu for learning, research, and building life-long relationships.”

Dr. Kelley Main, dean of the faculty of graduate studies where the PACS program is housed shared “We are thrilled to have Dr. Senehi assume the position as the director of peace and conflict studies. Her extensive dedication in the field brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the field of peace and conflict studies, and her knowledge and leadership will bring new insights and energy to the program, while strengthening and building on the partnerships already in place.”

As the new director steps into her role, the University of Manitoba’s PACS program is poised for a bright future, driven by a shared commitment to excellence and innovation.

Dr. Michael Benarroch, Dr. Kelley Main and Dr. Jay Doering enjoy the 75th anniversary celebration.

Dr. Kelley Main, the 11th dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies hosted the event, highlighting moments of the faculty’s successes.  From the very first convocation order of proceedings on record showing graduates of the master of arts and master of surgery programs in 1892, to the first female PhD graduate in mycology in 1931, to the creation of the Faculty of Graduate studies in January 1949, to multiple new programs implemented in 2023, Dr. Main shared that the Faculty has many things to be proud of and celebrate.

Dr. Michael Benarroch presented the FGS Outstanding Support Staff Award to Edwina Shwedyk, Graduate Program Administrator, Computer Science; and  Dr. Diane-Heibert Murphy presented the FGS Outstanding Administrator Award to Dr. Jitendra Paliwal, Associate Dean, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, and Professor, Biosystems Engineering.  

Highlights of the celebration included recent 3MT 1st place winner Keshav Narayan Alagarsamy, 3MP 1st place winner Oladipupo Olatunde (Dipo) and Distinguished Dissertation Award recipient Dr. Laura Forsythe, sharing their experiences, research and appreciation for the opportunities gained in their time at the faculty. Dr. B. Mario Pinto stated “These are our future business leaders, research leaders, community activists and government policy makers.”  

Award recipients included:

• Dr. Neeloffer Mookherjee, Professor in Immunology received the Outstanding Mentor Award in Health Sciences, presented by Dr. Todd Duhamel, the FGS Associate Dean in Health Sciences.
• Dr. Dominique Rey, Associate Professor in Fine Arts received the Outstanding Mentor in Social Sciences and Humanities, presented by Dr. Dawn Sutherland, the FGS Associate Dean for Social Sciences and Humanities.
• Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht, Professor in Kinesiology and Recreation Management received the Outstanding Mentor in National and Applied Sciences presented by Dr. Ehab El-Salakaway, FGS Associate Dean for Natural Sciences and Engineering. 

Dr. Main presented the FGS Dean’s Achievement Prize to:

• Thilini Dissanayake, PhD candidate in Food and Human Nutrition
• Cassie Dong, PhD candidate in Peace and Conflict Studies
• Christopher Yendt, PhD candidate in Education

The UMGSA presented awards to graduate students:

• Alekhya Lavu and Toby Le for the GSA Doctoral Program Award;
• Ali Zoungrana, Sophia Mbabaali and Trixie Maybituin for the GSA Master’s Program Award;
• Andrea Brown, Pauline Calinisan and Karen Livingston for the GSA Part Time Program Award.

The poster presentation displays showcased research being done by current students.

92 Graduate students proudly shared their research work with poster displays. These students were selected by their faculty to showcase their research and acknowledge their dedication and to the pursuit of academic excellence.

This event was very well attended by students, staff, alum and faculty. Dr. Main, reflecting on the milestone anniversary expressed gratitude for the support from all those who have been a part of the faculty’s journey “Our success over the past 75 years is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire UM community – faculty, students, staff and donors- who have propelled us forward. As we celebrate our history, we also look ahead with excitement, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities.”  

The recording of the 75th anniversary celebration can be found here. 

A link to the 75 fun facts of FGS  and a timeline of the early beginnings to the present can be found here. 

For more on this timely topic, read the UM Today The Magazine story with environmental design grad Judith Cheung [BEnvD/11]. She shares her journey from UM to Lofty Sky Entertainment, and her efforts to create and promote documentaries that bring human rights offences in China into focus. 

“Administrators [are] struggling to find the right kind of balance that, on the one hand, does justice to the suffering of the individuals that we see daily on television and at the same time restrains us enough so that when we express our positions on that suffering on the conflict, we do so in ways that don’t harm other people.”

Read here

While there’s no easy way to find common ground, he says he favours a “bottom-up” approach that focuses on the perspectives of ordinary people affected by violence.

“I think by partly reframing what’s going on now as a conflict in which there are civilian non-combatant victims in Gaza and in Israel who need something done on their behalf to protect them and to ensure their safety moving forward, that becomes a conversation that we can have,” he said.

Read here

The main goals of MHR program administrators is that the Tour sparks dialogue, promotes reflection, and educates participants about the dynamic nature of human rights. The Tour emphasizes how historical events have shaped Winnipeg’s present human rights climate and projects their significance into Canada’s future, intertwining past events with current activism and future aspirations for justice and inclusion.

“The Winnipeg Human Rights Tour is one of the land-based learning activities of the Master of Human Rights program at the University of Manitoba, and provides a unique opportunity for participants to explore some of the rich history and current struggles of human rights in Winnipeg,” said Dr. Nathan Derejko, who holds the Mauro Chair in Human Rights and Social Justice.

A map of Human Rights-related landmarks was created especially for the Master of Human Rights program’s tour.

This year, program administrators commissioned an intricately designed map, enriched with additional stops of interest. More than just a tool for navigation, this map narrates Winnipeg’s ever-evolving journey in human rights. With concise descriptions of significant landmarks, participants are not only informed about historical events but are also introduced to ongoing human rights initiatives and potential future developments. The map fosters a deeper connection between the participants, the city’s history, its contemporary human rights scenario, and future aspirations.

Winnipeg’s human rights history is a combination of struggles and heartening victories. While it is essential to acquaint university students with the past, it is equally important to connect these historical accounts with contemporary issues and future human rights prospects. This tour serves as a bridge, fostering awareness and inspiration, and reminding participants of sacrifices, achievements, and the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive society.

Pia, an International Student from Chile, said, “I really liked the tour because it provided insight into the city’s history, which is very important as a newcomer, and also, I enjoyed the participatory approach between the guide and the participants.”

This year’s tour took place on Saturday, September 17 and was open to all Master of Human Rights program students and alumni. While primarily designed for university students to promote academic discussion and ideas, plans are in the works to expand the tour to a broader audience. The tour is focused on downtown Winnipeg and the Forks, and takes about two to three hours to walk. This year, Javier Torres, Master of Human Rights Professional Development Coordinator led the tour.

Priscila, an International Student from Brazil, described an encounter the group had with a passerby who was also an activist, taking part that day in a protest to search the Brady Landfill. “As an international student, this tour allowed me to connect with the city and with local events related to human rights,” she said. “The highest point was talking to a representative of a local protest who claimed the search for missing Indigenous women in the region. It was an important experience to feel the city and its culture.”

A local activist stopped to speak with MHR students regarding the ongoing landfill search protest. Photo by Dr. Kjell Anderson.

Augustine Caesar, another participating student, said, “The Winnipeg Human Rights Tour has helped me to learn what happened in the past and to realize the importance of keeping track records of whatever happened. As a Human Right Student and activist, it has helped me to appreciate and recognize the past happenings, and definitely it will help me to shape the present now, the future and to hold duty bearers accountable for their actions.”

The Human Rights Tour of Winnipeg offers a rich tapestry of stories, struggles, and triumphs that can inspire a new generation to continue the work of their predecessors, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future.