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Iconic Canadian musicians celebrated at Gala 2023: Raising Our Voices

Friends of the CMHR gala features Susan Aglukark and Alanis Morissette

News release details

The Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) are bringing the power of music into the spotlight at their annual gala on November 22.

Logo that reads "gala 2023" on top of an illustration of a round building with a tower. Below that reads "Raising our voices, friends of the Canadians Museum for Human Rights".

The gala will feature Canadian artists Susan Aglukark (in person) and Alanis Morissette (virtually). Aglukark, a recent winner of the Juno’s Humanitarian Award, has been on a decades‐long exploration of history, culture and self through her music. In addition to sharing her perspectives, Aglukark will perform several of her beloved songs live at the gala.

Morissette’s deeply expressive music has earned vast critical praise and carved a new path for female musicians. In a virtual interview, she will speak to how she has used her music to advance human rights and address mental health.

“We are honoured to be sharing these Canadian icons with our guests at Gala 2023: Raising our Voices,” said Mena Gainpaulsingh, CEO of the Friends of the CMHR. “They represent the capacity of music not just to resonate with people, but also to break down barriers and transform our world for the better.”

The event will reflect the themes of the CMHR’s upcoming exhibition Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change, scheduled to open in February of 2024. The exhibition will share the stories of iconic musicians and how they have inspired the fight for human rights around the world.

The gala will also celebrate the contributions of Moe Levy to the CMHR. Levy’s visionary leadership during his time as the Executive Director of The Asper Foundation and his service to the Friends of the CMHR was instrumental in creating the Museum, and shaping the powerful impact it has today.

Tickets to the in‐person event at the CMHR in Winnipeg are on sale and can be found online.

Media contacts

Leslie Vryenhoek (she/her)