2015 Human Rights Awards Recipients
The 2015 Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards were presented at Government House today, Dec. 10, commemorating the 65th International Human Rights Day.
Individuals and organizations are nominated annually by their peers to recognize contributions to the community in the field of human rights.
"Human rights underpin the relationships we have with each other and with the institutions that serve us," said Diana Whalen, Minister responsible for the Human Rights Commission. "Each of us can contribute to fostering awareness and respect for human rights and create a more just and inclusive Nova Scotia."
This year's youth award recipients are a group of teenage students from Highland Park Junior High's Gender/Sexuality Alliance. The alliance provides a safe space and support for their LGBTI peers and educates the larger student body, administration and staff about LGBTI issues. Among the group's initiatives are the creation of a gender-neutral washroom and helping to raise awareness of the province's Guidelines for Supporting Transgender and Gender-nonconforming Students.
Warren C. "Gus" Reed and Afua Cooper are the two recipients of this year's Dr. Burnley Allan "Rocky" Jones award for individuals.
Mr. Reed is a well-known advocate for accessibility, inclusion and the rights of people with disabilities. He is the co-founder and spokesperson for the James McGregor Stewart Society through which he writes and advocates on issues ranging from physical accessibility of public and private-sector buildings to the under representation of Nova Scotians with disabilities in the province's workforce.
Ms. Cooper is a tireless community leader, advocate, academic and author in the area of cultural diversity and inclusion. A professor at Dalhousie University, she is dedicated to fostering empowerment, engagement and leadership to share and shape the understanding and contributions of people of African descent. She is the James Robinson Johnston chair in Black Canadian Studies, the only position of its kind in Canada.
Project ARC - Action, Responsibility, Choice - is this year's recipient in the group/organization category. A vibrant and diverse theatre troupe of multitalented youth aged 12-18, they use performing arts and interactive peer education to engage children and youth on issues of human rights, respect and inclusion.
"This year's recipients represent the commitment required to address significant human rights issues that affect all of us," said Eunice Harker, chair of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. "To see youth so well represented is impressive and will hopefully inspire others to take action and create positive change."
Government House was chosen as the venue for this year's awards presentation in part due to its recent receipt of a 2015 Award of Excellence in VisitAble Housing from VisitAble Housing Canada. Improvements to the accessibility of the residence during its three-year renovation included the installation of an elevator, accessible washrooms and barrier-free paths of travel.
"I am delighted to be able to play a role in presenting these important awards" said Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant. "Today's recipients have set a fine example for all Nova Scotians to follow."
To learn more about the human rights awards and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, visit http://humanrights.gov.ns.ca.
For photos from today's awards ceremony email <jeff.overmars@novascotia.ca.>