The torch of dignity is being passed from hand to hand as it makes its way from Thunderbird House to Assiniboine Park to spread the message of human rights and human dignity on Saturday.
The relay is hosted by Manitobans for Human Rights, and in conjunction with the summer Olympics in Rio, it is one of many being held around the world.
“It certainly brings to the public attention the importance of human rights and the fact that we shouldn’t take human rights for granted and that we can become complacent about human rights if we are not careful,” Senator Murray Sinclair said.
Sinclair, who will be speaking at the gathering in Assiniboine Park, said the relay and the Olympics are related because they are an opportunity for the world to come together and espouse human rights.
Sinclair chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and said it is important Canadians do not become complacent and that they understand the rights that they have.
“We tend to think that human rights are inviolable and we assume that they will never be touched but in reality there are populations of people within Canadian society whose rights are less than the rights of the rest of society whether in practice or in law,” he said. “We need to understand that they are entitled to protection too.”
With the Canadian Museum for Human Rights located in Winnipeg, Sinclair said the city is in a unique position to be at the forefront of the human rights movement.
“Winnipeg has an opportunity both as a city and as a population of people, to embrace the idea of human rights and to make this in fact a place where human rights are prominent in terms of our reputation as a city,” he said.
Sinclair said the work he does often carries “heaviness” but speaking with Canada’s youth continues to inspire him.
“When we can ensure that young people today are given not only the knowledge base that they need in order to be able to talk about these things but the tools to be able to advance the cause of human rights here in Canada and throughout the world then I believe that we are all well placed for hope,” he said.