Women's rights, particularly gender discrimination and violence, are explored. The Ecole Polytechnique massacre of December 1989, in which fourteen women were murdered, had a huge effect on the country.
The Roseland Theatre in Nova Scotia became the focal point of a human rights complaint back in the 40s. There was no law in the province for racial equality, and so private businesses could practice segregation if they wanted. In 1946, Viola Desmond, who owned a beauty parlour in Halifax, was in town and attended a movie- getting arrested for sitting in the whites only section. These days her portrait is on the Canadian ten dollar bill.
Disability rights and accomodation have evolved over time. From everyday AODA needs to those who shine on the international stage, Canadians have responded and adapted. Paralympic hockey sticks are seen here, along with a glove that has a story in and of itself. It is a glove that was used by Rick Hansen, who showed the world what a man in a wheelchair can really do.
Hansen went around the world on his wheelchair to raise money for spinal injury research, leaving a big impact on the world as a whole.
Disability adaptation includes a model for a full scale playground equipment seen here.
Human rights applies as well to around the world.
Lotta Hitschmanova was a refugee who came to Canada, where she founded the Canadian chapter of the Unitarian Service Branch and dedicated her life to working with refugees affected by war.
This is one of her uniforms.
Canadians also got involved in the fight against apartheid over successive governments- with the government of Brian Mulroney becoming even more assertive to convince the world to bring economic sanctions upon South Africa as a tool. Whatever else he was as a prime minister, it's something about him that I respect. It meant disagreeing with his allies, Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, both of whom wanted to go slower.
Nelson Mandela was made an honorary citizen of the country right here at the Museum. With Canadians so vocal in the fight to end apartheid, he had a warm relationship with the country as a result.
Great series 👏
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Delete...a fabulous display!
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteThe battle for human rights continues!
ReplyDeleteIt does.
DeleteHuman rights are always an issue ~ great post ~ thanks
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome.
DeleteA good post, William.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteImprovements in racial relations was great but there's much more that has to be done.
ReplyDeleteThere is.
DeleteI lived through the Civil Rights era of the 1950s and 1960s. I see a swing back toward prejudice and devaluing people for a wide variety of reasons. How wrong can this be?
ReplyDeleteIt is a troubling era.
DeleteGreat blog. The Netherlands has often been at the forefront of human rights and inclusivity. Now that a right-wing wind is blowing through our country, all that is under pressure.
ReplyDeleteThe right wing leader here a year ago looked headed towards being in government. He blew that, and to the point where his own riding threw him out. He parachuted himself into a safe riding by-election, because he knows no one in the private sector will hire him.
DeleteHuman rights is a constant battle around the world.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely.
DeleteHuman rights continue to be in danger. An excellent exhibit.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Delete