Centre for Human Rights Research

We invite Indigenous students at University of Manitoba to join us for Aki Mashkiki, a day of learning on the land with Ramona Milliea, Carla Bird and Red Sky Bird.

Scan the QR code or see our website for more information and to register: https://chrr.info/event/aki-mashkiki/

We hope to see you there!

Join us next week Thursday, June 25 at 12 pm as we host Dr. Janis Thiessen for a webinar on oral history methodology. Dr. Thiessen will provide an overview of oral history methodology that addresses a number of crucial questions, including: What is oral history? When should scholars use this methodology (and when should it be avoided)? How should an oral history be conducted? How should archived oral histories be used and interpreted?

About Dr. Thiessen:
Janis Thiessen is Professor of History at the University of Winnipeg and the author of several books that use oral history as methodology, including Snacks: A Canadian Food History and mmm...Manitoba. Their/her oral histories are archived at the University of Winnipeg Oral History Centre, the Mennonite Heritage Archives, and the Mennonite Archives of Ontario.

All are welcome to attend. To register, visit https://chrr.info/event/methods-and-mediums-oral-history-methodology/

This month's emerging researcher is Elliot Wilson. Elliot (he/him) is a proud citizen of Fisher River Cree Nation. He is a first-year Master’s student in the Environment and Geography program at the University of Manitoba. He is also a researcher with the Environmental Change and Governance Lab under the supervision of Dr. Nicole Wilson.

His research looks at Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) through a governance and colonial policy lens, with a focus on understanding the barriers and challenges that Fisher River Cree Nation faces through its Conservation Area Initiative. As part of this thesis work, he is collaborating with Fisher River Cree Nation and the Conservation Area Initiative Team to explore ways his research can support and benefit the Nation’s project. Outside of his Master’s work, he volunteers his time supporting and uplifting Indigenous youth in STEM programs through the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation.

Elliot's advice for other emerging researchers and students is "to always take care of yourself. As my parents would say, “You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself.” Doing work in this field requires the ability to stay optimistic, even when things are difficult. Because of that, I think it is important to focus on things that make you happy, whether that’s reconnecting with old hobbies, spending time with friends and family, or being out in nature. That balance can go a long way in supporting yourself and the work that you do. ."

Learn more about Elliot's work through the link in our bio.

Our utmost gratitude to the UM community for showing up and donating books for the 2026 book drive for the Manitoba Library Association’s Prison Libraries Committee and the Bar None Prison Rideshare Project. Thank you very much! 📚🫶

Check out this new blog post from the Just Waters team! 💧

In the blog post, Just Waters Indigenous Summer Intern Majestic Moerland, Centre for Earth Observation Studies student researcher Aiden Hindmarch, and Centre for Human Rights Research student researcher Ashly Persaud reflect on their experiences planning and facilitating an interactive booth exploring issues of water and justice at the Louis Riel School Division’s 2nd annual Learning With the Land: A Gathering to Celebrate and Dream.

Access the blog post now through visiting https://chrr.info/resource/just-waters-is-learning-with-the-land/

Exploring themes of health, well-being, and q***r identity, the 2024 Pride in Health catalogue celebrates 2SLGBTQIA+ drag performers and artists by highlighting the artwork that they submitted during the 2024 Pride in Health conference.

The conference was an interdisciplinary health research conference focused on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community organized by the Q***r and Trans Student Group and the Centre for Human Rights Research at the University of Manitoba.

Access the art catalogue now through https://chrr.info/resource/pride-in-health-2024-art-catalogue/

Congratulations to our graduating student research assistants and staff! 🎉

From top to bottom:
Kelly Pugh (she/her) completed her practicum for her MHR program with the Centre. She will be graduating from the Master of Human Rights program in the Faculty of Law. Congratulations, Kelly!

Kiersten Sanderson (she/they) is a research assistant with the Just Waters project. She is receiving her Juris Doctor (JD) degree this Spring. Congratulations, Kiersten!

Angela Ciceron (she/her) works in community engagement and knowledge mobilization at the Centre. She is graduating from the Master's in Economics program with a concentration in Economics and Society. Congratulations, Angela!

Amber Vandenberg (she/her/they/them) assisted with several of the Centre's projects and initiatives on reproductive and bodily justice. She is graduating from the undergraduate Honour's program in Psychology. Congratulations, Amber!

Malia Koblun-Boateng (she/her) completed her practicum placement at the Centre. She is graduating with her highschool diploma and will begin her studies at UM in the Fall. Congratulations, Malia!

Kyra Campbell (she/her) worked on several of the Centre's initiatives in reproductive and bodily justice, including assisting with the 2024 Pride in Health conference. She will be graduating from the Master of Human Rights program in the Faculty of Law. Congratulations, Kyra!

Aubrey Yuol (she/her) completed her practicum placement at the Centre. She is graduating with her highschool diploma and will begin her studies at UM in the Fall. Congratulations, Aubrey!

Olivia Thomas (she/her) completed her practicum placement for the Bachelor's in Social Work program at the Centre. She graduated from the Bachelor's of Social Work program in Fall 2025. Congratulations, Olivia!

🎓

This week's researcher of the week is Aimee Craft, a professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa.

Aimée Craft is an Anishinaabe-Métis lawyer and artist from Treaty One territory. She is the co-lead for Decolonizing Water, an Indigenous led partnership committed to protection of water and Indigenous water governance. Aimée is an active member of the Speakers Bureau of the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba. She remains the University Research Chair in nibi miinawaa aki inaakonigewin: Indigenous governance in relationship with land and water.

In 2023, Heidi Kiiwetinepinesiik Stark, Aimée Craft and Hōkūlani K. Aikau co-edited a volune titled "Indigenous Resurgence in an Age of Reconciliation" published by University of Toronto Press.

Read more about Aimee's work by visiting https://chrr.info/person/people_network/aimee-_craft/

Join us as we host Dr. Janis Thiessen for a workshop on oral history methodology. The workshop will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 12:00 to 1:30 pm on Zoom Webinars.

Dr. Thiessen will provide an overview of oral history methodology that addresses a number of crucial questions, including: What is oral history? When should scholars use this methodology (and when should it be avoided)? How should an oral history be conducted? How should archived oral histories be used and interpreted?

All are welcome to attend. Register now at https://umanitoba.zoom.us/meeting/register/SnNV-5fMRhaeRdlNd2nVGg

The Fighting for Sustainable Empowerment (FSE) Project aimed to develop and implement a pilot pedagogical model for the empowerment of newcomer students identifying as women through a University-based feminist karate program, which combines sports karate training and feminist theoretical classes. As a part of the project, women at the University of Manitoba gather to learn karate every Saturday night with Dr. Fabiana Turelli. This short film summarizes the project through a belt ceremony held in April 2026.

Watch the video now at https://youtu.be/64c8ulZBcP0