The Halton District School Board is proud to host the third annual
Human Rights Symposium on Thursday, Dec. 9 and Friday, Dec. 10, 2021 to engage in vital conversations and challenge thinking. This year’s theme is Identity & Human Rights to explore how intersecting identities impact one’s access to and enjoyment of Human Rights. Trustees of the Board have declared
the week of Dec. 6-10 as “Identity & Human Rights Week” in the HDSB for schools and staff to spend time learning about the importance of identity, how it shapes world views and how individuals experience the world around them.
The Human Rights Symposium will feature
two keynote speakers and will be a virtual event for HDSB students (Grade 7-12) and staff only. Registration is not required and information on how to access the event will be shared with students and staff.
- Keynote speaker on Dec. 9 (1 - 2 p.m.): Janice Makokis is a legal scholar, lawyer, mother and Indigenous consultant. Janice assists both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to break down stereotypes and identify colonial systems of the past that are still in place today that have shaped the outcomes for First Nation communities.
- Keynote speaker on Dec. 10 (9:30 - 11 a.m.): Spencer West is an international speaker, content creator, bestselling author, world change warrior/activist and social media influencer. After losing both legs from the pelvis down at the age of five due to a genetic disease, Spencer tackled challenge after challenge, learning to navigate a world set against those with disabilities.
During “Identity & Human Rights Week” (Dec. 6-10) in the HDSB, students and staff are encouraged to share what they are learning on social media with the hashtag: #IdentityHumanRightsHDSB.
“Human Rights is the work and responsibility of all members of society,” says Rob Eatough, Superintendent of Education with responsibility for equity and human rights. “The Human Rights Symposium provides an opportunity for our HDSB community to address issues related to equality and the human condition.”
“The Halton District School Board recognizes the importance of participating in vital discussions to challenge our thinking. The Human Rights Symposium provides an opportunity for educators and students to join together to examine important issues and drive actionable change as we engage in focused learning about identity and human rights.”
The HDSB Human Rights Symposium (Dec. 9-10, 2021) aligns with
Human Rights Day on Dec. 10 which is observed annually to recognize the day on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The principles originally enshrined in the Declaration are still relevant today.
For additional information, contact:
Rob Eatough, Superintendent of Education
eatoughr@hdsb.ca
Halton District School Board
905-335-3663 | Toll-free 1-877-618-3456
