Edmontonians took home prestigious awards for their work in human rights and equity on Thursday, but they say the work is never over. The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights Awards has recognized local leaders and people advancing equity and justice across Alberta for the last 18 years. Edmonton’s recipients this year include Saniya Ghalehdar and Métis scholar Benjamin James Kuchar. Ghalehdar received the Human Rights Champion award for her work in gender equity. She sat on the City of Edmonton’s Women’s Advisory Committee and headed a project dedicated to the stories of women around the city. She said the award meant visibility and potential partnership. “It means everything to be able to have a chance to push our work forward a little bit more, and for folks to get on board and get behind us, and to help push us forward … We’re here to serve,” she said at the ceremony on Thursday. Kuchar received the Honourable Salma Lakhani Award for Leadership in Pluralism and Reconciliation, which is granted to a person under the age of 30 who has shown leadership in co-existence advancements. Kuchar told CTV News Edmonton Thursday was a chance to be in the same room with others who have a similar mission. “For me, this recognition isn’t a checkmark that the work is complete; it’s a reminder that the work is important, why we keep doing it, and to keep showing up,” he said. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Connor Hogg
