Phil Fontaine receives the Equitas Prize for Human Rights Education
Phil Fontaine, Canada’s foremost aboriginal leader of his generation has become the first recipient of the Equitas Award for Human Rights Education. The award, which recognizes and celebrates exceptional contributions made in the field of human rights education, was presented to Fontaine on March 18, 2010 at a gala cocktail event in Montreal.
The award ceremony took place at Tudor Hall on the fifth floor of the Ogilvy building on Sainte-Catherine St. About 200 people filled the richly coloured room to watch Fontaine receive the award and discuss ongoing issues in human rights. The dark wood and original windows made for a distinctly warm setting for the event.
The award recognizes Fontaine’s record of achievement in raising awareness concerning the importance of human rights to the lives of all Canadians. He is known nation-wide for garnering a formal apology from the Canadian government for abuses that took place in the Indian residential schools system. He also negotiated a $5 billion settlement for victims of the abuse and his efforts helped to ensure the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. During his remarks, he reminded the audience that the Commission is important for all Canadians and that everyone has a role to play in ensuring it succeeds in educating all Canadians about our collective history.
Fontaine, 65, is a member of the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba. He was first elected chief there at age 28. In addition, he served an unparalleled three terms as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. |
