Taking Action: Executive Leadership Program

By Erika Vas, MDP student

 

As we head into the holiday break and into 2019, I have had a chance to reflect on the past year. My learning journey has taken me many places, including Toronto, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation, Bannock Point Petroforms in Whiteshell Provincial Park, Roseau River First Nation, Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail, Peguis First Nation, New York, Norway, Finland, and Sweden. I’m thankful for all these opportunities and most of all for the people I’ve met along the way.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR)

Another highlight of 2018 was completing my domestic field placement in Winnipeg. I had the opportunity to work with the University of Winnipeg and more closely with the Canadian Museum for HumanRights (CMHR). Having worked for the Visitor Experience and Engagement team in the Boutique at the CMHR, I was glad to partner with other departments and staff and work more closely with senior management. 

During this placement, I co-created and assisted in the delivery of the first-ever Human and Indigenous Rights Executive in Residence Program in Canada designed primarily to equip government, corporate, and public leaders with a broad understanding of Indigenous and human rights leadership principles to help business executives and organizational leaders shape respectful workplace cultures.

Program workshop in session

The program was created in response to an expressed need from business and organization leaders on how to best foster inclusive and respectful workplaces. In particular, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action were fundamental in the formation of the program, especially Call to Action #92 which addresses the need for businesses to apply the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). With Canada’s acceptance of UNDRIP and its commitment to honouring and implementing the TRC’s Calls to Action, the Executive Leadership Program is practical and important to creating a better future for all Canadians.

Details of the program included:

•  a 6-day unique & immersive executive learning experience
• government, corporate, & public leaders (9 participants)   
•  shaping perspectives & applying human rights leadership principles in the workplace
•  presentations & discussions with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers & Elders, community leaders, activists, educators, & human rights scholars      
• exploration of relevant, interactive museum exhibits for in-gallery learning

This field placement allowed me to draw from my previous work experience at the University of Lethbridge and my community and volunteer involvement with organizations such as Amnesty International. Some of my responsibilities included:  

CMHR office space

• Co-creating program content, schedule, speaker line-up, venue booking, & special events such as a public keynote event & private reception;
• Liaising between the UW, CMHR, & featured speakers in coordinating all program activities;
• Creating the comprehensive participant pre-departure & welcome packages;
• Writing event descriptions (program content, public keynote event, etc.);
• Assisting cohort throughout the duration of the program;
• Daily PhotoVoice PowerPoint presentations;
• Photo documentation throughout the duration of the program;
• Final report completion; 
• Community Engagement & Relationships module  

  

Erika Vas (L) & Sarah Watkins (CMHR mentor)

The program was successful and much of that can be attributed to the knowledgeable lineup of speakers who were featured during the week. It was a privilege being able to incorporate teachings from the MDP Program, my human rights interests, and to work with the Winnipeg community to bring this program to life. It was a pleasure getting to know the participants, incorporate organizations such as Meet Me at The Bell Tower, and to help others come to understand the importance of human and Indigenous rights. This was a wonderful learning experience and wouldn’t have been possible without the friendship, support, and mentorship from those around me.