The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights organized its annual Human Rights Award at the Government House in Edmonton, on October 5, 2022.
Sissy Thiessen Kootenayoo opened the show with a beautiful indigenous presentation, followed by an interesting speech from Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta saying that she doesn’t live at the Government House, and explained why.
Three Human Rights Champion Awards were presented to Dicky Dickamba, Ganiyat Sadiq, and Deborah Dobbins, with one Gerald L. Gall Award presented to Patricia (Pat) Paradis.
Food and housing are fundamental human rights as exemplified in his works. Dicky Dickamba through his organization called Canadians Volunteers United in Action (CANAVUA) provides free food to Edmontonians every Friday and is currently in the process of launching a Mobile Farmers Market, as well as, the first Black led affordable housing project in Edmonton.
“….food and housing are human rights…this is our country, let’s live in this country equally….,” Dicky Dickamba shared with the audience after receiving his award.
Ganiyat Sadiq is the co-founder and co-president of the Black Inclusion Association fighting systemic racism faced by Blacks in Calgary.
“….thank you for giving Muslims the voice….,” Ganiyat Sadiq thanked the organizers of the event when she took to the stage.
Another long term human rights advocate was Deborah Dobbins, President and CEO of the Shiloh Centre for Multicultural Roots, advocating for the rights of Blacks in Alberta, showcasing African American history.
“……all newcomers of African and Caribbean descent needs to know about their contributions and share with others….I thank the organizers for sharing our works and I challenge the public and the government to do the same….,” Deborah Dobbins shared with the audience present.
The Gerald L. Gall Award went to Patricia (Pat) Paradis, who has advocated tirelessly for human rights of disadvantaged groups and recently retired as the Executive Director of the University of Alberta’s Centre for Constitutional Studies.
Pat called for education on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
“…..Canadians say, we’re not like the US, we did not have slavery, actually we did….,” Pat Paradis shared during her keynote.
The event ended with a reception with some networking, bites, and upbeat music from the band, Sticks and Stones.
