History and Commitment
In the Beginning
Before the Unveiling
The Artist: Melvin Charney
Human Rights and You
25th Anniversary Lighting Ceremony

25th Anniversary Lighting Ceremony

On June 12, 2015, the 25th anniversary of the unveiling of the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights, a public ceremony dedicated to Melvin Charney, the monument's architect and Phil Gabriel, the designer of the lighting installation, celebrated the completion of the lighting at the Monument.

Claudette Commanda of Kitigan Zibi Anishnabeg First Nation and FNCCEC, officially welcomed the gathering on Algonquin traditional unceded territory. Speakers included the Hon. Yasir Naqvi, MPP Ottawa-Centre, Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa and a representative of the main sponsor of the lighting, the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Special guest was Samphe Lhalungpa, Tibetan Canadian and former UNICEF representative.

A performance by Karen Donnelly, principal trumpet of the NAC Orchestra, concluded the evening.