Every day it seems as if the world surrounding us is facing a bleaker outlook with each passing hour depending on what news story you choose to follow up on and a dizzying array of conflict going on throughout the globe. Despite this, it is equally important to take a moment to deeply reflect on how far we have come as a society and the progress that has been made over the turn of the past quarter century with respect to the promotion of human rights.  

Located roughly 150 miles north of Grand Forks, the Canadian Human Rights Museum makes for the perfect weekend daytrip to get out of town and inform yourself on some of the most important events in human history with respects to the progression of human rights. The inherent, inalienable, and universal rights belonging to every person simply by being human, regardless of nationality, sex, religion, or status. Adding a degree of weight to former human rights activist in South Africa during the apartheid, Nelson Mandela’s statement that “to deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity”.   

Following a visit that I had the opportunity to take part in through my participation in the University of North Dakota’s Global Ambassador Programs recent trip to Winnipeg, the Human Rights Museum was comprised of sobering exhibits unlike any others I have seen before. Beginning with a complex history of all the injustices that humans have inflicted on others and highlighting the stories of historical figures in both Canada and the world.  

It was difficult to digest at first as most of the atrocities are largely comprised against marginalized groups that are not covered in school history classes. Ranging from the Holodomor, a planned-out genocide through famine that was methodically planned by the Soviet Union to suppress a rising sense of resistance within the successful Ukrainian province, to the more well-known atrocities committed during the Holocaust. It was eye opening to have the opportunity to interact with historical artifacts on display and read the associated stories with each of them. 

Despite the somber and dark nature of the lower levels of the museum, part of what made the experience worthwhile was the distinct feeling of inspiration you felt as you worked your way up each level and exhibit. As they transitioned towards exhibits that championed the progress that has been made in recent memory to champion the rights of individuals throughout the world, and the current progress that is continuing to be made.  With the final part of the tour consisting of a panoramic 360-degree view of the entire city of Winnipeg from the top of the spire at the very top of the museum.     

Alongside with the Human Rights Museum, there are number of great dining options and public areas surrounding the museum within the Forks neighborhood in Winnipeg making it a worthwhile trip that I believe every student at UND should take the time to visit.

Daniel Silva is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at daniel.a.[email protected].