Hosted at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) on September 10, 2024 The Right to be Known was an unforgettable gathering that brought together a rich mix of artists, lawyers, educators, journalists, and academics. We were thrilled to be able to take part.
At the heart of this powerful experience was a collaborative and participatory art project led by Dr. Bruno de Oliveira Jayme from the University of Manitoba. Hundreds of participants contributed to a large mosaic—an artistic expression of collective resilience. People from all over the world, of all ages and walks of life, worked side by side, sharing conversations over delicious food and live music, fostering a deep sense of connection, community, and belonging.
This special event included a video created by Tony Eetak in memory of his late brother, John Muryunik Alikut. It was a heartfelt addition to the evening, emphasizing the deeply personal and collective significance of the gathering.
At its core, The Right to be Known is about the need for survivors of human rights abuses to be seen, heard, and acknowledged. While justice often takes the form of legal or economic reparations, this growing movement focuses on the essential act of sharing stories and reclaiming identity, both individually and collectively.
At our table, inspiring creators from the USA, Nunavut, Manitoba, Brazil, and many other parts of the world shared in this transformative experience. We were all drawn together by a shared commitment to this important cause.
This concept is gaining traction globally, with advocates addressing issues such as wrongful convictions, apartheid, the ongoing legacy of residential schools in Canada, and the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

This remarkable event was part of a larger series held over the past year in places like Chicago, South Africa, and Winnipeg, each gathering deepening the global conversation on human dignity. We left with a renewed sense of purpose, enriched by the perspectives shared and the many new friendships formed.

Special thanks to Dr. Bruno de Oliveira Jayme and the incredibly talented students from the University of Manitoba, whose love, creativity, and joy made this event possible. Winnipeg artists Tony Eetak and Shelley Grahame were among the many artists, academics, journalists, and creators who attended and contributed to this inspiring event.
This opportunity was incredibly valuable, especially for youth who have been excluded from opportunities like formal education. Participating offered a unique chance to learn approaches that foster individual and collective resilience and support lifelong learning through participatory art.
Thanks to Maeva Gauthier from the UNESCO Chair in Community Based Research and Social Responsibility ini Higher Education and Tony Eetak for connecting us with this incredible experience.
The beautiful mosaic created during the event stands as a testament to the hundreds of inspiring voices who came together to create, share, and grow as a community.
