The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador:

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The Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador would like to advise the public that nominations are now open for the annual Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Award. This award will recognize an individual who has made and/or continues to make a meaningful contribution to advancing and furthering human rights in the province.

The 2017 Human Rights Award winner was 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.

Last year, two people were also named Human Rights Champions. Dr. Lloydetta Quaicoe is founder and CEO of Sharing Our Cultures, an organization that encourages intercultural communications between students. Dr. Pauline Duke is an award-winning physician, educator and advocate for refugee healthcare.

The deadline for nominations is October 31 and details can be found online at www.thinkhumanrights.ca . The award will be presented at Government House in St. John’s at a special ceremony on December 6, in celebration of International Human Rights Day.

You can submit a nomination form online. However, if you would like to complete the nomination form in an alternative format, such as an interview, or have questions about the nomination process, please contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission:

By telephone at 729-2709 or 1-800-563-5808
By email at humanrights@gov.nl.ca
Or by mail to

Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
PO Box 8700
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4J6

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Learn More

For more information on the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission, please visit www.thinkhumanrights.ca .You can also follow on Twitter @nlhumanrights and by using the hashtag #nlrights.

Media contact
Carey S. Majid
Executive Director
NL Human Rights Commission
709-729-2709
careymajid@gov.nl.ca