Human Rights Awards Presented

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission presented two human- rights awards today at events in Halifax and Sydney commemorating March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The awards are given each year to individuals or organizations who have made outstanding achievements in the field of human rights.

"Although human-rights advancements extend beyond our province to national and international endeavours, the commission is particularly pleased to recognize local achievements in the field of human rights," said commission chair James Dewar.

Mr. Dewar presented one award in Halifax to Volition, a dance group founded by and composed of high school students from Pictou County. The group performs on social-justice issues, including drug abuse, gender equality, AIDS, spirituality, peer pressure and racism.

The presentation occurred at the Sixth Annual Harmony Brunch held at Saint Patrick’s-Alexandra School.

"The commission is pleased to present this award to Volition in recognition of their efforts in building awareness of human rights issues in the community," said Mr. Dewar.

Another award was presented in Sydney by Mayann Francis, the commission’s executive director, to Youth Speaks Up, a group of 75 students from six different schools in the Sydney area. The group meets monthly at the Delta Hotel in Sydney to listen to and debate with various speakers, including anti-child labour activist Craig Keilburger and youths who have recovered from drug abuse. The group’s motto is. “I can say no to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence, racism and peer pressure.”

Youth Speaks Up was founded and directed by Dr. Jack Yazer, who is a member of the Order of Canada and past-president of the Children’s Aid Society. The award was presented today at the Harmony Brunch at the University College of Cape Breton, where Ms. Francis gave the keynote address.

"The commission wishes to commend Dr. Yazer for his commitment to youth issues and giving youth the opportunity to discuss and debate human-rights concerns," said Ms. Francis.

The Harmony Brunch is held in Halifax and Sydney every March 21 to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. After peaceful demonstrators were killed in South Africa 41 years ago, on March 21, 1960, the United Nations declared that the day should be set aside to remember the harmful effects of racism. Canada was one of the first countries to support this campaign.

The program for the Halifax brunch included singing sensation Tiyaila Cain-Grant, saxophonist Adrien Gough and a youth panel from the YMCA Newcomers’ Community Involvement Program. Sherri Nevin of Indian Brook danced, while aboriginal drummers played. Remarks were made by Michael Baker, minister responsible for administration of the Human Rights Act, and by Mr. Dewar.

Partners Against Racism organized the Halifax brunch. Members include: the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, the Canadian Human Rights Commission, Scotiabank, the Atlantic Jewish Council, the RCMP, the Baha’i Community, Canadian Heritage, the Nova Scotia Community College, the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour, Halifax Regional Police and the Halifax-Dartmouth District Labour Council.

The Sydney brunch was organized by the Diversity Committee of the University College of Cape Breton, which includes membership from the local community, including the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.