Humans, On Rights

• Carly Gray and Ron Thiessen: Land Stewardship and Environmental Education

  We sit down with Ron Thiessen, Executive Director of CPAWS Manitoba, and Carly Gray, Environmental Education Manager, to discuss conservation initiatives in our province and the importance of connecting with nature.We're talking about:The ambitious goal of protecting 30% of Manitoba's land by 2030 (currently at 11%)The Seal River Watershed Indigenous Protected Area initiative in northern ManitobaEfforts to establish Assiniboine Forest as a National Urban ParkThe powerful connection between reconciliation and environmental educationWays that Indigenous knowledge and Western science complement each other in conservationBoth guests share inspiring insights about our responsibility to the natural world. As Carly explains, environmental education is about helping people recognize their inherent connection to nature and fostering a sense of responsibility toward it. Ron highlights the importance of balancing conservation with sustainable development, noting that CPAWS isn't against development but seeks to protect crucial ecosystems.Whether you're curious about local conservation initiatives or looking for ways to connect with Manitoba's natural spaces, this conversation offers practical insights into how we can protect our environment while fostering community engagement.To find out more about CPAWs and the work they are doing, visit https://cpawsmb.orgFind out about:Protecting Assiniboine Forest as a National Urban ParkThe Seal River Watershed Indigenous Protected Area initiativeOutdoor education programming and resourcesAnd lots more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  --------  

  43:39
• Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman: Developing Anti-Racist Cultural Competence

  We welcome back Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman to discuss his new book, "Developing Anti-Racist Cultural Competence." In this episode, he breaks down how traditional approaches to cultural competence often centre whiteness and view other cultures through a colonial lens. Instead, he offers a transformative framework that begins with self-reflection about our own biases.We're talking:Why traditional cultural competence models can perpetuate racism by viewing other cultures as exotic or "other"How anti-racist cultural competence starts with examining our own biases and recognizing our role in the same "fishbowl"The concept of "politicized identities" and how human rights issues are often mislabeled as political issuesWhy the "celebrate everything" initiative could help redefine community and shift cultural perceptionsHow cognitive flexibility and building social connections contribute to psychological resilienceDr. Abdulrehman reminds us that this work isn't just for white people – it's for everyone. He challenges the common excuse "I'm not racist, but..." by explaining how claiming to be "colorblind" actually erases and ignores the real harm experienced by racialized people.Whether you're a leader looking to implement meaningful change in your organization or an individual seeking to better understand anti-racism, this conversation offers practical insights on moving from awareness to action right here in Winnipeg.Find out more:Read "Developing Anti-Racist Cultural Competence"Test your own bias with Bias Outside the BoxLearn more about the "Celebrate Everything" initiativeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  --------  

  43:45
• Haran Vijayananthan: Awareness vs. Activism

  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 changesWhether 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.

  --------  

  47:13
• Devon Clunis: "ONE: A Story of Hope in Our Time"

  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 officerDevon 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 TimeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  --------  

  40:15
• Ralph Bryant: Mental Health Advocacy

  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 hospitalizationRalph'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_bryantEmail: [email protected] Involved:Volunteer for the Love Notes CampaignHost a screening of "On the Verge" once it's availableSupport mental health initiatives in your communitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  --------  

  40:02

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About Humans, On Rights