Pardeep Singh Nagra, Human Rights and Equity Advisor (HREA) for the Halton District School Board, has been presented with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Community Service award for his tireless and unwavering commitment and dedication to serving the community.
The award was presented at the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada's 10th anniversary celebration event in April in Toronto.
“I am always humbled when receiving these types of awards and accolades, as my volunteerism, community work, humanitarian work and charitable work is done through the Sikh spirit of Seva, not seeking anything in return including recognition,” he says. “I do this work as my civic duty and obligation and accountability of reconciliation. It is a responsibility of citizenship in this world for the greater good of humanity and all aspects of earth including animals and the environment.”
Nagra explains the work he does as a
human rights and equity advisor for the HDSB is important to help students and staff understand the importance of these rights and the fact that they extend beyond school walls and into society.
“Human rights are the core moral compass for humanity, species and the environment. They involve the same principles of respect, dignity and preservation. I enjoy my role in preserving, defending and advocating for human rights not just in my role as HREA at the HDSB but beyond, with the goals of building understanding, promoting respect and encouraging reflection.”
“The Halton District School Board is very proud to celebrate this incredible recognition of Pardeep’s accomplishments and commitment to human rights,” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “The work Pardeep does to champion and centre human rights in the HDSB and beyond is crucial to helping our students and staff better understand the world around them and how to make it a more inclusive, respectful and accepting place to live. Pardeep equips students and staff with the tools to shape and support equitable outcomes for all and provide an environment that is inclusive and respectful, and where the humanity of all students, staff and communities is upheld.”
Nagra says that not everyone has equal access or opportunities due to a number of factors and circumstances which creates a risk that individuals, the environment, as well as animals are treated inhumanely, discriminated against and marginalized.
“All this leads to negative outcomes and experiences,” he says. “We need to take care of each other, the environment and animals ‒ and we have already seen the consequences when there is an abuse of that relationship, leading to catastrophic outcomes.”
From a student learning perspective, Nagra says it's critical they understand the impact of human rights and equity. Human rights and equity are key elements within the ‘Equity & Inclusion’ area of focus in the
HDSB’s 2020-2024 Multi-Year Plan.
“Student success is dependent on human rights and Indigenous rights, from representation in the curriculum, to safety and well-being in school, to equitable opportunities and outcomes, human rights play a critical role in student success,” he says. “When human rights are present, students learn and experience our schools and classrooms in a more inclusive and accurate representation of each other, our country and their stories.”
