2023 Human Rights Award Ceremony
2023 Human Rights Award Winner: Courtney Clarke
Courtney Clarke (she/her) is from Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove (PHMC) and currently lives in Mount Pearl. She has been actively involved in the province’s community sector for most of her life. Whether it’s her work in violence prevention, gender parity in politics, accessibility, or economic well-being, Courtney brings an intersectional, trauma-informed approach to the work that she does.
In her early twenties, she was a Project Manager of an entrepreneurial bootcamp for veterans called Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur with Prince’s Charities Canada, through Enactus Memorial, and spent time volunteering on local arts, heritage and museum committees with her father in her hometown. When COVID-19 began and before NL had a provincial domestic abuse hotline, Courtney, while chairing Violence Prevention Avalon East (VPAE), helped the organization launch Unsafe at Home; a domestic abuse support platform supporting 100+ crisis calls from individuals isolated with abusers. They then partnered with Spirit Horse NL to provide free equestrian-based counselling to 500+ survivors, called Stable & Safe. A survivor of gender-based violence, herself, Courtney established the Jane Doe Graduate Award in Anti-Violence Research at Memorial University to support local researchers.
Chairing Equal Voice NL, Courtney helps women and gender diverse individuals get elected to all levels and parties of government. Through this role, she also sits on the NL Premier’s Roundtable for Gender Equity. In January 2022, she helped Equal Voice co-author a study on sexual harassment in Canada’s legislative Provincial & Federal Assemblies for the Justice of Canada and looks for any opportunity to advance gender parity in the system. Re-elected for a second term as a Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union (NLCU), Courtney represents the financial interests of 20,000+ members. Also passionate about accessibility, Courtney was able to fundraise over $1-million dollars towards accessibility advancements across all regions of NL, between 2019 and 2021. In January 2023, Courtney was appointed to the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
At this ceremony, Dome Lombeida and Émile Sopkowe were named Human Rights Champions
The Human Rights Commission grants this recognition to someone who has made a meaningful, lifelong contribution to human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. The recipient is generally chosen by members of the selection committee.
2022 Human Rights Award Ceremony
2022 Human Rights Award Winner: Kim & Todd Churchill
Kimberly Churchill (she/her) and Todd Churchill (he/him) currently reside in Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s with their two sons, Hunter and Carter. They both have been very vocal advocates for the past six years for the rights of Deaf children, like their own son Carter, to receive an education equitable to that of hearing children, particularly in their first language, American Sign Language (ASL). The Churchill’s have raised awareness around the lack of support in place in mainstream schools to provide Deaf children full access to quality education and full social inclusion following the closure of the Newfoundland School for the Deaf (NSD) in August 2010. As a result of the extensive media coverage of the Churchills’ advocacy, their name has become synonymous with the pursuit of equitable education for Deaf children in Newfoundland and Labrador. Kimberly and Todd have been very active advocates engaging in countless media interviews to promote awareness of these issues as well as challenging policymakers within the provincial government and school district to make necessary changes.
As a support to other parents of Deaf children, the Churchills founded the non-profit organization Children’s Language Acquisition Support System Inc. This was to support families of deaf, hard of hearing, and non-orally speaking children. The Churchills lobbying efforts have seen many positive changes such as engaging the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate to initiate a province-wide investigation on the education of Deaf and hard of hearing students in NL. In June 2020, a publication of their findings in a report “The Sounds of Silence: Perspectives on the Education System’s Response to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children” detailed how Deaf children were not receiving an equitable education compared to hearing children.
Both Todd and Kimberly Churchill are past recipients of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association-NL President’s Club Award. In addition, Todd was awarded the Caring Canadian Award by His Excellency Governor General David Johnston after being nominated by Mr. Shoemaker’s Grade 6 class at Beachy Cove Elementary for his charitable work with “Reason for the Rink”. Todd has also received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers from the Governor General’s office as well as the Senate 150 Medal for contributions to the community. Kimberly has been the recipient of many awards including the Canadian Diabetes Distinguished Dedication Award, Youth Volunteer Corps Role Model of the Year and Flare Volunteer of the Year.
At this ceremony, Khadeja Raven Anderson & Michael Duffy were named Human Rights Champions
The Human Rights Commission grants this recognition to someone who has made a meaningful, lifelong contribution to human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. The recipient is generally chosen by members of the selection committee.
2021 Human Rights Award Ceremony
2021 Human Rights Award Winner: John Mweemba
The 2021 Human Rights Award was held in person following COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions. We had numerous people watch this ceremony through virtual broadcasting. This year’s award was presented to John Isiswe Mweemba.
John Isiswe Mweemba (he/him) is a 22-year-old, fourth-year political science and law and society double major student at Memorial University. John was born in Zambia but spent his childhood living in England for 12 years before moving to Newfoundland and Labrador where he has resided ever since. John started his activist journey as a reserved and shy individual before transforming into the anti-racism advocate he is today.
John joined the political science department at MUN in 2018 which inspired him to step up in his community before taking his work to a new level. His inspiration stemmed from MUN professor Dr. Christina Doonan who built the foundation for his beginnings. For most of John’s life, he spent his time being in a marginalized BIPOC community. This led to his desire to advocate.
Anti-racism and anti-black racism have been central to John’s life however it was not until the tragic death of George Floyd in 2020 that was the catalyst for John’s action. At MUN there was no space for black students to come together so John decided to join with other black students to form the Black Student’s Association MUN (BSA MUN) in 2020/21. John was the President and founder of what is now a vibrant community at MUN as well as a safe space for black students at large.
The BSA MUN has networked via social media, met with Senator Ravalia, made viral videos about black history, and hosted events for black history month for all to learn. John and his team have paved the road for this booming institution which is recognized provincially. This work led to John being recognized for the 2021 David Kirkland Leadership Award presented at MUN.
This campaign was the start of his work as he has further expanded this year by becoming democratically elected as the MUNSU Director of Advocacy in which he represents all students at MUN. As a Director of Advocacy, he has been able to raise awareness of anti-racism in national spaces through the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS). His work this past year led to him being elected as the Chairperson of the CFS Black National Caucus. John is the first person from Atlantic Canada to occupy this role.
John dedicates a lot of his time toward initiatives that center on anti-racism and human rights. Two organizations that he works with are the Human Rights Commission (Community Justice Connect Program) plus the Black Voice Collective ANC group. From a young age, despite being shy, John has an innate desire to give back to his community. The intrinsic value of this work has been passed down through his doctor and nurse parents. John is concluding his undergraduate degree but will carry on his work through these institutions.
At this ceremony, Glenn Roil and Miriam Saunders were named Human Rights Champions
The Human Rights Commission grants this recognition to someone who has made a meaningful, lifelong contribution to human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. The recipient is generally chosen by members of the selection committee.
2020 Human Rights Award Ceremony
2020 Human Rights Award Winner: Craig Reid
The 2020 Human Rights Award was held virtually this year. This year’s award was presented to Craig Reid. It is Craig’s personal mission is to educate others as to the needs of persons with mobility disabilities and shine light on the barriers that exist in our community. He is undaunted in his commitment to hold those responsible accountable to their actions, and is equally dedicated to promoting examples of things done well. Craig has a way of getting the message out, sometimes through very public access on social media or traditional mainstream media circles, and sometimes through quiet conversations when opportunity arises. The common thread is that Craig Reid is always heard, and his message is known to be one of authenticity and resolve.
One day in asking Craig why he does what he does he said “I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t do it, there is so much to do”. Craig was struck by the realization of the degree of need for change because of his own experience and he now commits himself to educating others so that full access is demanded, expected and achieved. Craig’s drive to make change is his passion. He does it for no other reason than to make change where change needs to be made. He works alone often and with others when appropriate. As a result of his rally cry, others often find their voice. Sometimes he is a single voice and sometimes through his relentless drive, small armies rise up and echo his call. Through his work, he has become well-known to government officials, local media and advocacy groups as he campaigns tirelessly. Today Craig is the Chair of the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities Newfoundland and Labrador as well as former Chair of the Universal Design Network of Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition, he is a two-time short-list nominee for the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Award and past winner of CODNL’s Advocate of the Year Award.
Craig was born in Corner Brook, and grew up without a disability, was active in sports and had a typical life. Over 30 years ago he moved to Mount Pearl and later in life acquired his own disability. As he tried to do things he had always done, he came to realize many of the barriers that exist for persons with disabilities that were not being addressed. It made him recognize the need for equity. Today he is committed to make it his life’s work to share information so that everyone, regardless of ability has the fundamental right to access society and all it has to offer.
At this ceremony, Blair Curtis and Kathryn Morrison were also named Human Rights Champions.
The Human Rights Commission grants this recognition to someone who has made a meaningful, lifelong contribution to human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. The recipient is generally chosen by members of the selection committee.
2019 Human Rights Award Ceremony
2019 Human Rights Award Winner: Jessie Lawrence
During a ceremony at Government House in St. John’s, the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission presented the 2019 Human Rights Award to Jessie Lawrence, 2SLGBTQ+ Advocate and Youth Activist. Growing up in a small town in Newfoundland and Labrador, Jessie has seen how a community can shape youth. At 14 years old, she decided to ensure that the community shaping was to be a positive one. Jessie became the Co-Founder and Director of Camp Ohana, which is an innovative 2SLGBTQ+ focused summer camp, by youth for youth. At camp, there are no wait times for counselors, no hatred, simply education and inclusion. Jessie strives to further acceptance in schools and promote the need for effective action against the discrimination of diverse individuals. Jessie is also part of the vibrant francophone community and holds the position of Vice President of Franco Jeunes de Terre-Neuve et Labrador, leading the way for accessible resources among the francophone community and people of French expression.
At this ceremony, Bridget Foster was named a Human Rights Champion.
The Human Rights Commission grants this recognition to someone who has made a meaningful, lifelong contribution to human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. The recipient is generally chosen by members of the selection committee.
2018 Human Rights Award Ceremony
2018 Human Rights Award Winner: Kim White
The 2018 Human Rights Award winner was Kim White. Kim was born and raised in the rural community of Twillingate, but currently lives in St. John’s. At age three, she acquired a disability due to a spinal cord tumour. Experiencing life with a disability has definitely fed her desire to help create a “just world” but she also credits her parents’ passing along a strong sense of altruism and compassion. Educated at Memorial University with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education, Kim fulfilled a life-long dream to become a teacher. Fate intervened and led Kim on a career journey that was definitely engrained in justice, but was outside her original vision of being “a traditional classroom teacher”. Kim’s life’s work has been mainly in the non-profit sector focusing on adult education, employment and career services, poverty reduction, and community development. Kim is the former Executive Director of the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities. While with the Coalition, Kim’s work focused heavily on education and awareness; leading task forces, developing resources and facilitating info sessions and workshops for projects such as Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities, Inclusive Electoral Processes and Inclusive Customer Service.
Kim is also passionate about making change through volunteering. Kim’s past volunteer work has ranged from being a Sparks and Brownie Leader to holding various positions with literacy organizations/ committees (including the PGI Golf Tournaments for Literacy) to being Chair of the provincial government’s Buildings Accessibility Advisory Board. Kim currently sits on the board of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award as well as being Chair of Power Productions which is a new non-profit focused on making the performing arts more inclusive and accessible.
Kim has used every available platform – at work and in her personal life – to “teach” people how to shift the way they think about accessibility. Kim’s message is that all existing barriers we face in society have been created and they can be removed and prevented if people choose to remove and prevent them; if people choose to change their attitudes, if they choose to work together and if they truly understand that in doing so, they are choosing to make the world better for themselves and everyone.
At this ceremony, Anastasia Qupee and Joanne Thompson were named Human Rights Champions.
The Human Rights Commission grants this recognition to someone who has made a meaningful, lifelong contribution to human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. The recipient is generally chosen by members of the selection committee.
2017 Human Rights Award Ceremony
2017 Human Rights Award Winner: Susan Rose
Susan is a former teacher, current National Vice-President of EGALE Human Rights Trust, and lifelong advocate for LGBTQ2S rights, protections, and visibility in education and beyond. At a time when it was not popular or safe to do so, she pushed for changes in the school environment and curriculum. She developed workshops, helped organize gay-straight alliances, facilitated research on homophobia and transphobia in education, and was a personal support to countless families and educators. Beyond the classroom, Susan dedicated her own time and resources to improving the lives of LGBTQ2S people across the island.
At the ceremony, Dr. Lloydetta Quaicoe and Dr. Pauline Duke were named Human Rights Champions.
The Human Rights Commission grants this recognition to someone who has made a meaningful, lifelong contribution to human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. The recipient is generally chosen by members of the selection committee.
2016 Human Rights Award Ceremony
2016 Human Rights Award Winner: Mark Gruchy
Mark Gruchy, a St. John’s lawyer who is a vocal advocate for those with mental health issues and for better public services. In addition to extensive professional and community experience in promoting mental health, Mark also has lived experiences of mental illness and has frequently spoken publicly about his journey.
At this ceremony, Gemma Hickey was named a human rights champion.
The Human Rights Commission grants this recognition to someone who has made a meaningful, lifelong contribution to human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. The recipient is generally chosen by members of the selection committee.
2015 Human Rights Award Ceremony
2015 Human Rights Award Winner: Sister Margie Taylor
The inaugural NL Human Rights Award was held on December 10th, 2015 at Government House in St. John’s
The recipient was Sister Margie Taylor, a dedicated human rights advocate who has worked with female prison inmates to assist them in transitioning to permanent housing and employment. Sister Margie has also worked with newcomers, including refugees and immigrants, and has served on a number of committees, including the Newfoundland and Labrador Coalition Against Human Trafficking, and international organizations dedicated to human rights and social justice.
At this ceremony, Mr. Calvin White was named a human rights champion.
The Human Rights Commission grants this recognition to someone who has made a meaningful, lifelong contribution to human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. The recipient is generally chosen by members of the selection committee.