Visiting Lectureship in Human Rights
Autumn Peltier, chief water commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation, has been an Indigenous Rights & Water activist since age 12 when she confronted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the government record on water protection. A year later she addressed the United Nations General Assembly bringing her advocacy for the right to clean drinking water to an international forum.
In 2019, she spoke at the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit in New York and continues to travel the international stage speaking about Indigenous rights, inclusion, representation and collaboration all while inspiring the next generation.
Amongst many accolades, she's received the Sovereign Medal of Exceptional Volunteerism from the Governor-General of Canada and the Global Environmental Leader from Prince Albert of Monaco the 2nd Foundation.
Autumn Peltier has been a featured speaker at The World Economic Forum, sharing the stage with Greta Thunberg. Shortlisted for the International Children's Peace Prize 3 times she was the 2022 prize runner-up, an acknowledgement of her global leadership.
In 2022, the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa installed an Autumn Peltier showcase display highlighting her ribbon skirts worn at the United Nations and highlighting her work and contributions as part of Canada’s history.
She has been featured in Maclean's Top 50 Canadian Power List and Elle Magazine’s Top 100 Woman Changemakers.
Autumn Peltier remains a passionate water justice advocate continually pushing for equality and collaboration for her people all while being a role model for female indigenous youth, and youth globally.
Change Makers: Youth Leadership in Creating a Better World
An Evening with Autumn Peltier
Tuesday, September 29 | 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Horowitz Theatre, Students’ Union Building (SUB), North Campus
Free admission
This event is presented in collaboration with the Indigenous Students’ Union Association and the U of A Students’ Union and is supported by the University of Alberta Visiting Lectureship in Human Rights.
PROGRAM
Welcome- Carrie Smith, Vice Provost, Access, Community and Belonging
- Florence Glanfield, Vice Provost Indigenous Programming and Research
Opening Prayer - Elder Betty Letendre
Introduction - Isabella Seneviratne, President, Indigenous Students’ Union
Remarks - Autumn Peltier
Fireside Question and Answer - Moderator Naomi Jacko
Conclusion - Carrie Smith
Closing Prayer - Elder Betty Letendre
Event Description
Young people possess the vision, passion and determination needed to solve today’s most critical human rights and environmental challenges.
Join us for an evening with Autumn Peltier, Chief Water Commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation and internationally acclaimed Indigenous Rights and Water activist. Autumn is an advocate for Indigenous communities and has spoken at the United Nations General Assembly and the World Economic Forum. Her journey shows how youth leadership can drive global change.
This inspiring talk will explore how students and young leaders can step forward, use their voices and play an essential role in shaping a better world. Coinciding with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, this event frames reconciliation as an ongoing journey driven by youth leadership, stewardship and shared commitment to a better future.
The talk by Autumn Peltier will be followed by a Q&A and a stew and bannock reception.
An Overview of VLHR
The University of Alberta Visiting Lectureship in Human Rights is envisioned as one of the preeminent annual events held at the University. Individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions in the field of human rights and human rights protection are invited to deliver a major public lecture in Edmonton. During their visit, they also participate in other significant events at the U of A, the City of Edmonton and the Province of Alberta.
The first Lectureship, held in the fall of 1998, coincided with the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights proclamation.
The University of Alberta Visiting Lectureship in Human Rights aims to:
- Offer the people of the Province of Alberta a significant and educational way of annually celebrating the commitments we undertook as signatories of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights.
- Support and nurture Albertans' continuing interest and illustrious involvement with human rights at home and abroad.
- Demonstrate the University of Alberta's commitment to helping students and Albertans understand complex human rights issues. This is especially important as the University and its graduates pursue economic, social and political alliances with peoples around the world. In creating these linkages, it is important that we are aware of and sensitive to situations involving the exploitation of others.
- Serve as an annual reminder to the people of Alberta of the need to protect human rights within our own province.
- Continue the University of Alberta's tradition of providing a safe environment to discuss controversial and difficult subjects and by doing so, provide students, faculty and staff with the opportunity to learn, question and participate in events shaping the world in which we live.
The University of Alberta invites you to nominate individuals or organizations who would make outstanding lecturers.
We gratefully acknowledge the hard work of the donors and volunteers who help make the Lectureship a success.
Visiting Lectureship in Human Rights Internship Award
U of A students interested in work experience in human rights issues can spend up to six months interning with a Canadian or international human rights organization or at another organization that pursues human rights initiatives.
The VHLR award allowed me to go abroad to Berlin, Germany, for a three-month internship with an organization called Global Innovation Gathering (GIG), which supports locally driven, cutting-edge solutions to tackle complex developmental challenges and champion social justice. A passion of mine is empowering people, meaning giving them the resources and strength to achieve their dreams and make things possible. The VHLR award allowed me to transform my aspirations into tangible actions; I can confidently say that my internship has been a transformative experience.
– Ann, Undergraduate Student - Faculty of Arts, Political Science