Alberta women receives human rights recognition

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Two Alberta women were honored on Dec. 10 at Edmonton City Hall for their contributions to the advancement of human rights in Alberta.

The ceremony, co-hosted by the City of Edmonton and the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission, honored Muriel Stanley Venne, an Edmonton Metis woman, and lawyer Margaret Shone.

"I commend both these women for their commitment to human rights," said Community Development Minister Shirley McClellan who presented the Alberta Human Rights Award to Venne.

"We value the rights of every person," said Mayor Bill Smith. "Our equal opportunities policy, the advisory board for persons with disabilities, and the Edmonton Police Services diversity relations unit" are examples of the city's commitment to the human rights, Smith said.

McClellan introduced Venne as "a long-standing advocate of social justice, a motivator and inspiration."

When the Alberta Human Rights Commission was founded 25 years ago, she was one of its members. She is also the chair of the Aboriginal Human Rights Committee, is a lifetime member of the friendship centre and a board member of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation.

Venne was a key player in establishing the Esquao Awards, and is the founder-president of the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women which produced a booklet called The Rights Path-Alberta. The booklet was designed to inform Aboriginal people about their rights and responsibilities.

In accepting the award from McClellan, Venne said her early work in the field of human rights was often difficult. She even left the Human Rights Commission when she "lost confidence" in the group's effectiveness. One particular incident, where a dead baby was returned to its family in a northern Alberta community from a coroner in Edmonton in nothing but "a plastic bag" left its mark on her heart.

"Out of my frustration, despair and anger," she added, "I determined to take action."

She is still upset that"the rights of the child are not recognized in this province." She calls on the Alberta government to proclaim those rights and show committment to them.

Venne said she looks forward to being a contributing part of creating "the culture of human rights," so often mentioned by Mary Robinson, the United Nations' High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Margaret Shone was presented the Suzanne Mah Award, which is given to someone in the legal profession. Shone received it for being a dedicated proponent of equal rights for all, especially those with mental disabilities. Shone has been an active speaker on human rights and advises government on human rights issues.