Speakers Bureau

Presentations

Speakers’ Bureau presentations address a variety of human rights issues. The topics and content of the presentations are developed with the aim of responding to current issues that youth are learning and hearing about in our world. You may be interested in a specific topic such as those listed below, or you can contact the Speakers Bureau Coordinator for more information and suggestions on how we can best meet the needs and interests of your classroom. 

In Winter 2024, 11 presentations were provided to 5 different schools and 1 local organization, with presentations delivered by 10 different volunteers over the semester.

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Presentation Themes and Topics

Freedom of Religion

This presentation introduces s. 2(a) of The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, its protections, limitations, and barriers in its interpretation.

Freedom of Expression

This presentation gives students an introduction to s. 2(b) of The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, its protections and limitations.

Equality Rights

This presentation will allow students to have the opportunity to engage with s. 15 of The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms including its applications, limits, and examples of how it operates in practice. 

Aboriginal Rights

This presentation introduces students to Aboriginal and treaty rights and sections 91(24) and 35(1) of The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom. It will introduce where these rights come from and how they are held, used, and enjoyed.

Language Rights

This presentation allows students to learn about s. 23 of The Charter of Rights and Freedoms, its history, significance, and its effects on linguistic minorities. 

Aboriginal Rights

This presentation introduces students to Aboriginal and treaty rights and sections 91(24) and 35(1) of The Constitution. It will introduce where these rights come from and how they are held, used, and enjoyed.

Métis Rights

This presentation introduces students to how Métis rights are approached under sections 35(1) and 91(24) of The Constitution. It will explore Métis identity and their specific rights.

Truth and Reconciliation

This presentation will provide students with an overview of the law that governed Residential Schools, challenge myths, and demonstrate the path forward that has been set out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Treaties

This presentation takes students through the history of treaty making, the treaty making process, and settler violations of Indigenous-Canadian treaties. This presentation will also engage with the importance of s. 35(1) of The Constitution and consultation. 

Land Claims

This presentation will allow students to learn about Aboriginal title and its importance to reserve lands. Students will gain a better understanding of what a land claim is and the difference between comprehensive and specific claims.

Fiduciary Duty

This presentation outlines the Canadian Government’s fiduciary duty to Indigenous persons, what this duty requires, and when it is owed. 

Duty to Consult

This presentation outlines the Canadian Government’s duty to consult with Indigenous persons, what this duty requires, and when it is owed.

Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR)

This presentation will introduce students to the UDHR and same of the specific rights laid out in it. The different types of human rights addressed in international human rights law. It will also help students understand who has duties and responsibilities.  

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

This presentation will introduce students to UNDRIP which has been adopted by the UN General assembly in 2007 but was not officially endorsed in Canada until 2016. Students can learn more about UNDRIP and the principles behind its formation. 

Introduction to Human Rights Law

This presentation provides a general introduction and discussions of human rights in law identifying how they arise and who has duties and responsibilities relating to them. 

Human Right to Water

This presentation will explore recent developments in acknowledging water as a human right. 

Housing Rights

This presentation explores the human right to housing as it is established in and what duties the Canadian Government has to fulfil this right.