With No "Genocide" Label Forthcoming, Canada's "Human Rights" Mausoleum Invites Aboriginal Youths to Create "Spirit Panels"

Seriously, how much is that going to cost us?

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - Oct. 29, 2013) -

Aboriginal youth from every province and territory in Canada are contributing their human rights visions to artistic "spirit panels" being created for an Indigenous Perspectives gallery in the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR).

The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) today signed a partnership agreement with the CMHR to host youth workshops with First Nations, Métis and Inuit Elders and artists in 13 communities from coast to coast to coast. The resulting artwork - intended to portray human rights concepts from the diverse perspectives of Canada`s Aboriginal youth - will adorn a unique circular theatre inside the Museum, which opens in Winnipeg in 2014 as Canada's newest national museum.

"The perspectives of Canada's Indigenous Peoples are an integral part of the human rights narrative within the Museum, expressing a strong sense of responsibility and connection to community and the environment," CMHR chief operating officer Gail Stephen said at a news conference held today with NAFC representatives at the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre of Winnipeg, where youth engaged in a workshop with Anishinaabe artist Louis Ogemah.

Stephens noted that stories related to human rights issues of Indigenous Peoples will be found throughout the Museum, in every one of its galleries.

What are some of the "human rights" issues the young "spirit panel" creators be discussing?

Kat Fiddler, president of the NAFC's Aboriginal Youth Council, said the young people bring a fresh perspective that has spurred discussion on issues ranging from right to water, community, gender and equality.

Swell.  I have a feeling, though, that it won't compensate for the mausoleum's refusal to cough up an official "genocide" designation.

Nice try, though.