News release details

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is welcoming a new senior leader who will help transform its workplace into a stronger, more equitable organization, CEO Isha Khan announced today.

Kimberley Levasseur Puhach brings extensive experience in strategic management, organizational development and equity and inclusion initiatives to her new position as the Museum’s Vice‐President, People, Culture and Growth. Beginning her role on November 29, she is the latest addition to the CMHR’s senior management team, which also welcomed new leaders last spring.

Levasseur Puhach has held leadership roles in the private, public and non‐profit sectors, most recently as Associate Vice‐President, People & Culture at Gallagher. She also serves as chair of the Mayor’s Indigenous Advisory Circle, sits on the board of directors for End Homelessness Winnipeg, co‐chairs the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council and acts a member of the United Way of Winnipeg’s Circle of Indigenous Relations. She is past chair of an Indigenous‐led community organization, Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc., and past chair for the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation. A longer bio can be found below.

“Meaningful change must be based on truth and grounded in a strong commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. It must be thoughtful and ingrained – and it takes time,” said Levasseur Puhach. “I look forward to building on the momentum for positive change at the Museum alongside a revitalized leadership team that recognizes the importance of disrupting systemic racism in a sustainable way.”

In November 2020, Khan unveiled a comprehensive framework plan called “Creating an Equitable Museum” based on five pillars: hearing and considering diverse perspectives; cultivating a deep understanding of human rights principles; respecting and valuing each other in our workplace; ensuring meaningful relationships with community; and demonstrating respect for peoples’ lived experiences in how we care for and tell their stories.

Kimberley Levasseur Puhach is available for interviews at the Museum between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. To make arrangements and for more information or high‐resolution photos, please contact:

Maureen Fitzhenry
CMHR Media Relations Manager
204–782-8442
maureen.fitzhenry@humanrights.ca

About Kimberley Levasseur Puhach (ikwe/she/her)

• Levasseur Puhach is a strategic leader with expertise in the areas of human resource management and organizational development with specialization in inclusion, diversity and equity. She has worked in all sectors including private, public and non‐profit and in a variety of industries. She is passionate about Indigenous social justice efforts and committed to making a difference.
• Levasseur Puhach (Bezhik Binese Ikwe or “Lone Thunderbird Woman”), is a proud First Nations woman. She is a member of the Sandy Bay Anishinaabe Nation. Her mother and several other family members are Indian residential school survivors.
• Serving her community as chair of the Mayor’s Indigenous Advisory Circle, Levasseur Puhach also sits on the board of directors for End Homelessness Winnipeg, co‐chairs the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council and acts as a member of the United Way Winnipeg’s Circle of Indigenous Relations. She is a past chair of an Indigenous community human services organization, Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc. (“Those Who Lead”), and past chair for the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation. 
• In 2018, Levasseur Puhach was selected by the U.S. Embassy to participate in an international exchange that explored closing the gap in Indigenous training and education. Along with five other Indigenous women from Canada, she participated in the inaugural International Visitors Leadership Program with a focus on Indigenous perspectives. They travelled throughout the USA to learn how specific nations and Indigenous peoples overall are creating success in training and education, with a view to potential partnerships and collaboration.
• Most recently, she worked as Associate Vice‐President, People & Culture – West Region for Gallagher, a global insurance provider, risk management and human capital consulting firm. Prior to that, she was with the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology as the Director of People Services and Indigenous Inclusion. She has also worked as a consultant with Higgins Executive Search/Leaders International.
• Her previous experience includes several years spent in a strategic advisory role for the Government of Manitoba in a portfolio on skills training and development, engaging with the private sector, education, labour and community agencies/organizations to support Manitoba’s labour market development. Early in her career, she worked as a regional account executive for Estée Lauder.
• Levasseur Puhach studied Human Resources Management at the University of Manitoba, and is certified in Behavioural Facilitation through the University of Winnipeg. In 2020, she received a University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Award for Community Service.