Join us for an unforgettable night celebrating human rights Upstanders at Gala 2026.

 

Gala 2026: Raising Our Voices

Monday, November 2 at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
5:30 p.m. Cocktail reception | 6:15 p.m. Dinner and formal program  | 9:15 p.m. Dessert and mingling

At this year’s event, we're pleased to feature a conversation between George Stroumboulopoulos, CM and Autumn Peltier. You’ll also learn about the impact you’ve made through human rights education.

Your support will help build a better future by financially supporting human rights education at the Museum. If you can't make it this year but still want to show your support, you can make a donation online or by calling Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights at 204-289-2003.

 

A man with short dark hair in front of a brick wall looking at the camera with a serious expression.
Photo: Georgie Lawson

George Stroumboulopoulos, CM

Globally renowned Canadian broadcaster George Stroumboulopoulos, CM is a multifaceted storyteller and devoted humanitarian. He is the host and executive producer of STROMBO on Apple Music – heard in over 165 countries with 70 million subscribers, as well as curator of the Strombo's Lit book club for Apple Books.

George’s work has impacted countless charities, raising tens of millions of dollars and earning several humanitarian awards – including the Swarovski Humanitarian Award and recognition as Changemaker of the Year by Artists for Peace and Justice. We are thrilled that George will join us again at the Gala to host a conversation about how we can all make a difference for human rights.

A studio portrait of a person against a plain light background, wearing a vibrant Indigenous regalia red patterned dress. She is also wearing a feathered headdress with blue and white details.
Photo: Jessica Deeks

Autumn Peltier

Autumn Peltier is an international Indigenous rights and water advocate whose journey for justice has made waves all around the world.

Peltier captivated the world’s attention at the age of 12 when she admonished Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at an Assembly of First Nations event. She continues to push for equality and collaboration for her people, all while being a role model for female Indigenous youth, and youth globally.

At 13, Peltier first spoke at the United Nations General Assembly. Amongst many accolades, she has received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers from the Governor-General of Canada, and was recognized as Global Environmental Leader by the Prince Albert II of the Monaco Foundation. Invited back in 2018 and 2019, she spoke at the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit in New York and continues to travel the international stage, speaking about Indigenous rights, inclusion, representation and collaboration, all while inspiring the next generation.

She has been a featured speaker at the World Economic Forum, sharing the stage with Greta Thunberg, continues to work as an Ambassador and Contributor with the United Nations, has been shortlisted for the International Children's Peace Prize three times, and in 2022, was runner-up for this prize.

Also in 2022, the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa, Canada built an Autumn Peltier showcase display highlighting the ribbon skirts she wore at the United Nations, as well as her work and contributions as part of Canada’s history.

She has been featured in Maclean’s “Top 50 Canadian Power List,” sharing the cover with now Prime Minister Mark Carney, and shared the cover of Elle Magazine’s Top 100 Woman Changemakers with global icons. A documentary about her, The Water Walker, was released on HBO in 2019 and is available across many school boards.

In 2023, Autumn began her first novel partnership to be released in 28 countries with Penguin Random House and was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame, receiving the Community Hero Award.

2026 will witness the unveiling of Autumn’s advocacy efforts at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the introduction of The Autumn Peltier Institute.