News release details

Canada Day full of family activities, special exhibits, Canadian food 

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is glowing red from its roots to its tower all this week, as Canada gears up to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Confederation.

The CMHR is one of over 80 iconic buildings and locations across Canada to Light Canada Red. The Israel Asper Tower of Hope glows maple‐leaf red every night through July 1, while red stripes of floodlights illuminate exterior walls of the "roots" leading to each Museum entrance. Everyone is invited to take a selfie in front of the CMHR and share it on social media using #redandwhite and #Canada150, or #150AtCMHR.

Visitors on July 1 who adorn themselves in red and white, sing the national anthem or otherwise display their Canadian pride will be admitted into the Museum's galleries for $5. Admission for children 7 and under is free. The Museum will be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Family activities on Canada Day range from a First Nations hand‐eye coordination game to a giant interactive projection of faces. The Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir will perform outside on the Moe Levy Amphitheatre at 11 a.m. – the Museum's first use of this recently completed feature for a programmed event. See the list of activities and events below.

WHAT: Canada Day activities and $5 admission at CMHR – open until 7 p.m.

WHEN: July 1, 2017

WHERE: CMHR, 85 Israel Asper Way

To arrange access into the Museum, please contact Maureen Fitzhenry (contact information below).

Activities and events

• Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir performance on the outdoor amphitheatre (free) – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. July 1.
• Family program: Canadians in Conversation, in the Canadian Journeys gallery (free with admission) – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Share one thing you would say to these people who have influenced human rights in Canada: Nellie McClung, Viola Desmond, Louis Riel, Rosemary Brown, Elijah Harper, Pardeep Singh Nagra, or Pierre Elliot Trudeau.
• Family program: Haudenosaunee Hand‐Eye Coordination Game, in the Indigenous Perspectives gallery (free with admission) – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Explore a traditional toy used by a First Nations people to teach coordination for hunting.
• Special exhibition: Our Canada, My Story, in the Expressions gallery (free with admission) – experience the contemporary human rights stories of seven Canadians, then take an instant photo and share a story of your own.
• Special exhibition: Points of View, a national human rights photography exhibition for Canada 150, in the Level 1 Gallery (free with admission)
• Giant interactive projection in Bonnie & John Buhler Hall (free). Add your face to a photo and video mosaic of Canada.
• A food journey across Canada: ERA Bistro chefs present food inspired by a different region of Canada every day, culminating in "The Great Canadian Menu" on July 1 with poutine, bannock, tourtière, salmon and Three Sisters soup, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Guided tours are available for $5 plus admission at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in English and at 12:45 p.m. in French. The tours offer an introduction to the human rights stories in our galleries.
• Show your Canadian pride in style! A wide array of themed merchandise is available at the Museum's Boutique – everything from pins, tote bags, tea towels and mugs, all proudly designed and printed in Canada! 

Canada History Week, July 3 to 7

Continue the spirit of Canada 150 by experiencing Canada History Week at the CMHR. Each day, program interpreters will deliver short talks about specific stories found in the Museum – all related to the Canada 150 themes of Diversity and Inclusion, Youth, Reconciliation, and the Environment. Free with regular admission between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day, in English and/or French.

July 3: Reconciliation: Learn more about gender discrimination in the Indian Act. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell fought for her rights as a woman and as an Indigenous person. Canadian Journeys gallery on Level 2. 

July 4: Youth: Discover how youth have become active in their communities to support human rights. You'll also hear songs that defend human rights and raise awareness about important issues. Inspiring Change gallery on Level 7.

July 5: Inclusion and Diversity: Hear about Chinese Canadians and the racial discrimination they suffered as a result of the 1885 head tax and the 1927 immigration ban. Canadian Journeys gallery on Level 2.

July 6: Inclusion and Diversity: Discover how linguistic rights are protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Learn about the linguistic history of Canada and about how these events have shaped society today. Canadian Journeys gallery on Level 2.

July 7: Environment: Find out how some Indigenous people are taking a stand to protect the environment and, at the same time, asserting their right to self‐determination. Rights Today gallery on Level 5.