Humans, On Rights

We sit down with Haran Vijayananthan, Community Health and Wellness Director at Klinic Community Health Center. Haran shares his experience challenging the Toronto Police Service over their handling of missing persons cases and his current work making healthcare more accessible to marginalized communities right here in Winnipeg. We're talking:Why "awareness" without action falls short in creating real changeHow Haran's work led to concrete reforms in how police handle missing persons casesThe barriers that prevent people from moving from awareness to activismWhy understanding intersectionality is crucial for effective human rights workReal strategies for engaging with systems to create lasting policy changes Whether you're wondering how to move beyond social media activism or looking for examples of successful advocacy that creates systemic change, this conversation offers practical insights into making meaningful progress on human rights issues that affect our local community while connecting to larger global movements. Haran reminds us: "If you're living in 2025, unless you're a young child, you're aware of the behaviors and issues in society. What are you going to do about it?" See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stuart Murray sits down with Devon Clunis, the first Black Chief of Police in Canadian history, to discuss his new autobiography "ONE: A Story of Hope in Our Time." Devon shares his journey from a small Jamaican village without running water to becoming a transformative leader in the Winnipeg Police Service. More than just a memoir, Devon's book serves as a catalyst for meaningful conversations about unity in diversity during increasingly divided times. We're talking:Why Devon felt compelled to write this book now and its timely messageHow his personal experiences shaped his vision for community policingThe concerning finding that among 16,000 Canadians surveyed, only 6 people expressed satisfaction with the current state of the worldDevon's powerful encounters with mentors who changed his life trajectoryA surprising full-circle moment connecting Devon's family history to WinnipegHow faith and resilience guided him through his most challenging experiences as an officer Devon offers a refreshing perspective on building community in an age of isolation, emphasizing that "diversity alone is not the solution - we need to be unified in that diversity." Check out ONE: A Story of Hope in Our Time See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We sit down with Ralph Bryant – a writer, filmmaker, and mental health advocate who's making waves in Winnipeg's community. Originally from the Bronx, Ralph brings a unique perspective to mental health advocacy, particularly focusing on Black men's mental health through his documentary project "On the Verge." In this episode, Ralph shares:His personal journey through mental health challenges, including his hospitalization in 2018The alarming statistics showing Black youth suicide rates rising faster than any other population in Canada, with Black men four times more likely to die by suicide than Black womenThe "Love Notes Campaign" - a citywide initiative Ralph launched on World Mental Health Day, posting words of affirmation and support throughout WinnipegHow barriers to mental health resources disproportionately affect people of color, with wait times potentially twice as longThe power of personal storytelling as Ralph discusses his documentary "On the Verge," which incorporates real audio recordings from before and during his hospitalization Ralph's journey from trauma to advocacy shows how personal struggles can transform into community action. His Love Notes Campaign stands as a beautiful reminder that sometimes the simplest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference in someone's day. As Ralph powerfully states: "There is no more important right for us to be focused on than the right to our mental health." Connect with Ralph: Instagram: @ralph_bryant Email: ralphbryantwriter@gmail.com Get Involved:Volunteer for the Love Notes CampaignHost a screening of "On the Verge" once it's availableSupport mental health initiatives in your community See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For our milestone 100th episode, veteran journalist and Winnipeg Free Press columnist Dan Lett takes over the interviewer's chair to dig into host Stuart Murray's journey from Canadian Museum for Human Rights CEO to human rights podcast creator. Murray opens up about discovering Winnipeg's rich but often overlooked human rights community, sharing stories of local champions like Dilly Knol, who transformed how she sources food for vulnerable community members - refusing to accept "almost garbage" food for the people she serves at Andrews Street Family Centre. The conversation tackles tough questions: How well do Canadians really understand human rights issues in their own backyard? When someone asks "haven't we talked about reconciliation enough?", how do you respond? Murray and Lett explore these challenges while reflecting on the power of difficult but necessary conversations. Stuart reminisces about:The unexpected lessons from 99 conversations with Winnipeg's human rights advocatesWhy reading an actual treaty document can change perspectives on reconciliationHow Sunshine House's "Museum of Love" is reshaping harm reduction in WinnipegThe surprising Manitoba roots of basic annual income programs Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the show, this candid conversation between two veteran Winnipeg voices offers a fresh look at how local action shapes human rights progress right here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Byron Williams and Taylor Galvin sit down to discuss their unprecedented legal case, one thing becomes clear - they're fighting for something much bigger than themselves. The duo is part of a landmark effort to grant legal rights to Lake Winnipeg under Section 7 of Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms - the first case of its kind in Canada. In this episode, we explore how traditional Indigenous knowledge and Western legal frameworks are coming together to protect one of the world's largest freshwater lakes. Taylor Galvin, a proud member of the Sturgeon Clan from Broken Head Ojibway Nation, brings spiritual and cultural context to the lake's significance, while veteran public interest lawyer Byron Williams breaks down the legal strategy that could reshape environmental protection across Canada. We're covering:Why Lake Winnipeg is considered "sick" and what that means for communities that depend on itHow Manitoba Hydro's 50-year license renewal in 2026 creates a critical window for actionThe role of Indigenous women as water protectors and knowledge carriersWays that Western science and Indigenous knowledge can work together to heal the lakeThis isn't just a story about environmental protection - it's about reconciliation, indigenous rights, and reimagining our relationship with the natural world. As Williams puts it: "I don't think our clients are the radical ones here. I think our clients are asking Manitoba to do what they should have done 50 years ago." Guests:Byron Williams - Director, Public Interest Law CenterTaylor Galvin - Graduate Student, University of Manitoba & Indigenous Knowledge Carrier To learn more about this groundbreaking case, visit the Southern Chiefs' Organization website to read the full Statement of Claim. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.