News release details
Building a stronger culture of inclusion, dignity and respect in sport is a human rights issue that affects youth, fans, families and communities everywhere. In Canada, this is particularly true in hockey, where recent events have demonstrated the urgent need for change to ensure sports are places where everyone can connect and thrive.
On November 17, this important and timely topic will be the focus of the annual Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights gala. Kim Davis (she/her), the NHL’s Senior Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives and Legislative Affairs, is set to deliver the evening’s keynote address. The day prior, November 16, Davis will host a youth event at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR).
“We need to make sure youth, players and their families can participate in sports without fear of being bullied, assaulted or discriminated against,” said Isha Khan (she/her), CEO of the CMHR. “This is particularly important in hockey, which impacts so many people in Canada. We have a shared responsibility to do better, and we hope this event will inspire people to take further steps to build a safer and more inclusive culture in all sports.”
For over 30 years, Davis has been an agent of change, disrupting systems that foster discrimination and building cultures that celebrate and empower everyone. She is an inspiring storyteller, a visionary leader and a committed advocate of the core principles of human rights. Most recently, she has been leading the NHL’s efforts to foster inclusion, respect and dignity throughout hockey. Her full bio is available here.
Tickets to the in‐person event at the CMHR are sold out, however tickets are available here to the virtual, pre‐recorded gala which can be viewed from home. Both in‐person and virtual attendees will enjoy keynote remarks from Davis, an address from Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman of the Winnipeg Jets, performances from Winnipeg acts Indian City and Kelly Bado, and much more.
The gala will also celebrate the contributions of Gail Asper (she/her) to the CMHR, who is leaving the Board of Trustees after three terms. Asper’s visionary leadership was instrumental in creating the CMHR and she will continue to serve as a board member for Friends, which is marking its 20th anniversary this year.
Media invited to youth event with Kim Davis and Kevin Chief on November 16
On November 16, over 100 youth will attend a gathering at the Museum to hear from Kim Davis on how to develop their skills as ambassadors for safer, more inclusive cultures in sport. She will be joined by Kevin Chief, co‐founder of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre (WASAC). The event will also include a lively performance by Indian City.
The event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Bonnie & John Buhler Hall at the CMHR. Davis, Chief and youth in attendance will be available to speak to media following the event. It is being organized with WASAC and the Truth North Youth Foundation. See the event here.