Two New Brunswick human rights advocates were honoured at a ceremony in Fredericton on Sept. 13, with awards presented to a Caraquet organization and a Fredericton high school student for their contributions to promoting equality and inclusion.
Rendez-vous de la fierté Acadie Love, an organization based in Caraquet, received the 2024 New Brunswick Human Rights Award, while Merrit Johnson, a Grade 12 student from Fredericton High School, was recognized with the Youth Human Rights Award during a ceremony at Government House.
Lt.-Gov. Brenda L. Murphy praised both recipients for their dedication to breaking down barriers and championing the rights of marginalized communities, particularly 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
“Rendez-vous de la fierté Acadie Love and Merrit Johnson are true role models who eliminate barriers, challenge systemic injustices, and advocate for the best interests of marginalized people,” Murphy said. “We are thankful for their sustained efforts, which have created more inclusive, equitable and respectful spaces for all New Brunswickers.”
The chair of the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission, Phylomène Zangio, also commended the recipients for their work in advancing human rights across the province.
“This year’s recipients exemplify what it means to be a human rights hero,” Zangio said. “Rendez-vous de la fierté Acadie Love and Merrit Johnson have, through their tireless advocacy and educational efforts within their communities, made New Brunswick a better place to live for everyone, including 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.”
Suzanne Chiasson, vice-president of Rendez-vous de la fierté Acadie Love, expressed pride in the organization’s recognition and underscored the ongoing importance of their work.
“With the rise of hatred against 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, it reminds us of the importance of continuing to advocate for our rights, and that we can never take anything for granted, even in 2024,” Chiasson said.
Founded in 2017, the francophone organization focuses on promoting equality and non-discrimination for 2SLGBTQIA+ people, particularly in the Acadian Peninsula. It organizes various initiatives, including an annual summer event that celebrates French-speaking 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in the province.
Johnson, who has been involved in gender sexuality alliances since Grade 6, has been a key figure in fostering a more inclusive environment at her school by organizing anti-bullying initiatives and developing educational resources.
“I have been involved with gender sexuality alliances since the sixth grade,” Johnson said. “Once I got to high school, I knew I wanted to be a part of maintaining that environment of safety and respect.”
The New Brunswick Human Rights Award was established in 1988 by the Human Rights Commission to mark the 40th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Youth Human Rights Award was introduced in 2019 to honour young New Brunswickers for their contributions to human rights. Both awards are typically presented around Sept. 15, coinciding with New Brunswick Human Rights Day.
The award, a sculpture crafted from walnut and maple by Lawrence Wuest of Cross Creek, is permanently displayed at Government House.
