Learning at the CMHR

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/09/2014 (4237 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There is a palpable excitement in the air right now with the recent opening of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

This museum tells the incredible stories of those who have fought and are fighting for human rights around the globe, and we expect the museum to draw 250,000 visitors a year to our city from across Canada and the world.  

One of the galleries I am most excited for is called Actions Count. This gallery features Canadians who have chosen to take action on issues in their school or community. This is a powerful message — that you can stand up for human rights no matter who you are. Another gallery, called Turning Points for Humanity, shows various video clips about the social movements that have changed the course of history — for example, the nonviolent movement made famous by one of my personal heroes, Mahatma Gandhi. In 2004, the Government of India presented a life-size statue of Gandhi to the Friends of the CMHR organization. I was fortunate to be a part of the team that unveiled the statue, along with others including Mayor Sam Katz, the late federal minister Reg Alcock, India’s High Commissioner Ms. Shashi Tripathi and the late Babs Asper. Today, this statue stands beside the museum and helps us remember someone who championed the movement to give equal rights to all Indian citizens.  
All of the museum’s exhibits are designed to appeal to children and youth, and complement curricula at elementary schools like Frontenac School and at high schools like Windsor Park Collegiate. I know many children in Radisson will visit the museum, either with their family or on a school trip.  For example, Grade 11 students studying Canadian history may enjoy learning about the history and the struggle of First Peoples in Canada through the CMHR’s art, storytelling and film. I look forward to hearing what students have to say about the museum.

The CMHR building itself used the latest building technologies and many of the building materials came from right here in Manitoba. For example, the CMHR used over 18,000 square metres of Manitoba-sourced Tyndall limestone, the same type of stone used in our legislature. Not only will this museum have created about 250 good local jobs, but the added tourism opportunities created by the museum will bring another $159 million to our economy every year.

If you have any other questions about the opportunities this museum is creating in our neighborhoods, feel free to contact my office at 204-222-0074 or email me at Bidhu.Jha@yourmanitoba.ca