Okay, you might say,
but why Winnipeg?
Why Winnipeg?
Winnipeg is a unique hub of human rights activism and education.
In recent years, our city has seen a surge in public awareness and interest in human rights issues. Winnipeg stands out as a unique hotspot for human rights
Spaces for Learning
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The University of Manitoba houses the Centre for Human Rights Research.
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The University of Manitoba also hosts the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, which incorporates the archives of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
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The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the first national museum located outside of our country’s capital, offers extraordinary exhibits and programs to learn about human rights and engage in critical discussions.
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The University of Winnipeg offers the only Bachelor’s degree in Human Rights in western Canada, and the University of Manitoba’s graduate degree in human rights is the first of its kind in Canada.
Indigenous Presence
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Winnipeg has the largest urban Indigenous population of any city in Canada. In 2021, Indigenous people comprised 12.4% of Winnipeg's population and 18.1% of Manitoba’s population (Canada’s national average is 5.0%*).
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The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada was headquartered in Winnipeg.
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The University of Manitoba hosts the new National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, which incorporates the archives of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
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Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) is headquartered in Winnipeg, and its national news is broadcast from Winnipeg.
*Statistics Canada 2021 Census
Social Consciousness
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Winnipeg was the first city in North America to sign onto the UN Safe Cities Initiative.
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The University of Winnipeg was the first university in the world to sign onto this initiative.
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Winnipeg is designated as a Fair Trade city.
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Our province was the first jurisdiction in Canada where women gained the right to vote
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We were the first city in North America to have an openly gay mayor.
Local Activism
Winnipeg is home to a diverse array of local organizations and civil society groups dedicated to making a difference. With over 330 organizations working tirelessly, our community is vibrant and passionate about human rights.
About the HUB
We believe in the power of human rights to transform our city.
All it takes is people like you. That's why we developed this site to help you connect with the heart of human rights in Winnipeg. Our platform is designed to help you navigate the rich tapestry of events, causes, and inspiring individuals who are driving positive change in our community.
The HUB was created to increase awareness about human rights issues in Winnipeg and spark local community engagement. There are hundreds of organizations working in Winnipeg’s human rights sector, and we want to help them spread the word about their events, campaigns, and opportunities.
Join us in creating a thriving hub where your voice can be heard, where you can engage in impactful initiatives, and where together, we can shape a more inclusive and just future. Discover the stories that matter, find your place in the movement, and make a meaningful difference at Winnipeg's Human Rights HUB.
The HUB Team
Stuart Murray
President and CEO
Stuart Murray’s resume includes the fields of entertainment, business, health, sports, public service, community service and human rights. Murray is currently working as the Founder and CEO of The City of Human Rights Education Inc. and the CEO of the Hub. In addition to being a former political party leader, chair of the 1999 World Junior Hockey Championship, chair of Travel Manitoba and co-chair of the Manitoba150 Committee, he was appointed as the first president and CEO of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in 2009 serving in this role until the museum’s opening 2014. Murray sits on the Mayor's Human Rights Committee of Council. He is an Honorary Colonel of the Royal Canadian Air Force 17 Wing Winnipeg. Murray was road manager for the rock group Blood, Sweat & Tears in the late 70’s as well as the media Director for the Canadian Opera Company from 1982 to 1984. From 1984 to 1988 Murray worked for the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney after which time he moved to Winnipeg and became President & CEO of Domo Gasoline Company. Murray was awarded the Order of Manitoba in 2020, the Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee medal in 2002, the Queen Elizabeth ll Platinum Jubilee medal in 2022 and the Order of the Buffalo Hunt in 2000.
Nadia Thompson
Board Member
Nadia is currently the chairperson of Black History Manitoba and is dedicated to the promotion of Black Culture and History throughout Winnipeg. Nadia continues to work with multiple organizations to promote diversity to build a better community. Frequently interviewed by both local and national media, Nadia continues to promote the vast amount of information available about black history and black culture.
Dr. Lloyd Axworthy
Board Member
Lloyd is the chair of the World refugee and Migration Council. Lloyd has served twenty seven years in elected office as a member of the Manitoba Legislature and as a member of the Canadian Parliament, holding several Cabinet posts, notably Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is known for his work in advancing the Treaty on anti-personnel land mines, the International Criminal Court, and the protocol on Child Soldiers. From 2004 to 2014, Dr. Axworthy was the President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Winnipeg. Lloyd is a Companion of the Order of Canada.
Christie McLeod
Board Member
Christie concluded her articles in 2021 to become a member of Miller Thomson’s Commercial Litigation Group, and focuses on environmental, Aboriginal, administrative and other litigation matters. Christie completed the joint JD/Masters in Environmental Studies program at Osgoode Hall law School. Christie has worked with Human Rights Watch and with West Coast Environmental Law as a summer student and legal researcher. Christie McLeod is the Founder of the Human Rights Hub Winnipeg.
Clayton F. Sandy
Board Member
Clayton is a member of the Sioux Valley Dakota first Nation in Manitoba and has always lived and followed the Traditional Dakota Way of Life the best he could. Clayton worked with the Federal Department of Corrections as well as in various departments within the Manitoba Civil Service and has sat on many provincial and federal Boards. He retired from the Manitoba government in 2016 after 39 years of service. He feels strongly his biggest contribution was bridging the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people throughout that period time. He initiated a provincial Indigenous role model committee that brought Indigenous mentors and role models to every community to provide youth with inspiring life experienced stories to help these youth ” Follow Their Dreams for Their Future “. With many others he opened up many doors to Employment Equity and Affirmative Action programs in the Provincial and Federal governments and the corporate community for many of Indigenous people that lead to life long careers. Clayton played many key roles with the Truth and Reconciliation experience, as well was instrumental for the creation of Circles for Reconciliation, which grew from the 94 Calls to Action. His grandparents, parents and siblings are all Residential School Survivors. Clayton is a Sixties Scoop Survivor. He has been a powwow dancer for around 40 years and still hits the powwow trail every summer. Clayton has become a “Hockey Grandpa” to 3 of his grandkids that love the sport. He has 2 grandkids that live in the USA with their working parents.
Volunteers like you!
The Human Rights HUB is made possible in part thanks to our wonderful team of volunteers. If you’re interested in volunteering with the Hub, send us an email at stuartmurray@thecohre.ca