Winnipeg & Area Human Rights Committee Meeting Minutes (October 14, 2021)

Winnipeg & Area Human Rights Committee
Virtual Meeting Minutes
Thursday October 14, 2021 @ 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Attendees: Jennifer Chieh Ho, Khalid Ahmad, Taye Zegeye-Gebrehiwot, Mansi Janjue (phone), Gus Mardli and Tina Matias-Bouchard (PSAC Rep)

Regrets: Nicholas Catalano and Sonia Lamonie

  1. Call to order at 6:11pm by Chair Jennifer Chieh Ho
  2. Land Acknowledgment by Jen
  3. The PSAC Statement on Harassment was read by Gus with Tina Matias Bouchard being the Harassment Coordinator
  4. Round introductions
  5. Adoption of Agenda: M/S Taye Zegeye-Gebrehiwot / Khalid Ahmad.  All in favour
  6. September Minutes M/S Gus/Jen. All in favour.   Accepted 
  7. Activity Report:
    – Jen reported on her participation in a Ceremony at the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation on September 30.   Survivors of few residential schools were present at the ceremony.   Sharing circle was shared and a presentation by about 8 men & 8 women from the Asian Heritage organization was shared
    – Jen motioned to accept her report.  Seconded by Gus.  All in favour
  8. Treasurer’s Report: Khalid reported printing out the monthly bank statements.  The Committees account balance is sitting at $257.76.  No expenses occurred since the last meeting.

Signatories of the outgoing Executive Members shall be removed and replaced by the new Co-Chair along with Treasurer and Chair

9. Election: Jen handed the chair to Tina.  Tina explained the process to elect a co-chair and a secretary.
– Jen nominated Nicholas Catalano for the Co-Chair position, Gus seconded the nomination. Jen read Nicolas intention to let his name stand for the position.  Jen also read a short intro of Nicolas Catalano.  There was no other nomination and Nicolas was acclaimed a Co-Chair  
– Jen nominated Sonia Lamonie for the Secretary position, Khalid seconded the nomination.  Jen read a short note written by Sonia.   There was no other nomination and Sonia was acclaimed a Secretary   

10. Old Business:
CLIFF:  Jen provided a link to this Labour Festival  www.labourfilms.ca/the-2021-films/

Action: Jen suggested 4 screening dates, one per week.  The dates are going to be November 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd; 2021

11. New Business

– Khalid suggested to check out an event on Women’s Rights to their body to celebrate December 10th  National Human Rights Day.
– Jen suggested arranging a tour of the Human Rights Museum mentioning that it is Nicolas’ workplace as well
– December 3rd is Persons with Disabilities Day.  Jen recommends to meet on December 8th (6:30 – 8:00 PM) to observe Human Rights celebrations.  
– Committee members discussed possibilities of guest speakers, PSAC members delivering a panel-like information session including questions and answers.
– Taye Zegeye-Gebrehiwot thought since our time is limited to an hour and a half, it would be really hard to have many speakers and to benefit from their provided information if not given plenty of time for questions and answers

Action: The committee will continue discussing this activity via emails and probably decide by a circulated poll utilizing Doodle
– Jen announced that Siloam Mission is offering volunteer training.  First virtual training then in person probably.  Khalid and Gus indicated their interest in participating

12. Round Table:
– Tina promoted the Young Workers’ event that is organized by PSAC https://prairies.psac.com/events/winnipeg-young-workers-event/ keep your eyes open and pass the information on.

13. Next meeting: Will send a doodle poll around

Meeting adjourned by Chair at 8:09 PM