REVISED / 2026 Human Rights Awards presented

Release

New Brunswick Human Rights Commission

September 18, 2026
Updated September 21, 2026

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The recipients of the 2026 New Brunswick Human Rights Awards were honoured during a ceremony at Government House in Fredericton today.

Bronwen Cunningham of Fredericton was posthumously awarded the Human Rights Award and Danika Sirois-Wallace of Grand-Bouctouche received the Youth Human Rights Award.

“The efforts of New Brunswickers who challenge systemic injustices, break down barriers and defend the rights of marginalized communities deserve to be recognized,” said Lt.-Gov. Louise Imbeault. “Through their actions and their leadership, Bronwen Cunningham and Danika Sirois-Wallace have made our province a more equitable, respectful and compassionate place for New Brunswickers of all walks of life.”

“New Brunswick is a better and more inclusive province for all who call it home thanks to inspiring individuals like this year’s recipients,” said New Brunswick Human Rights Commission chair Amber Chisholm. “Bronwen Cunningham and Danika Sirois-Wallace epitomize what it means to embrace and uphold the core human rights principles of dignity, equality and respect in all aspects of one’s life and work.”

“My mother was fiercely dedicated to her work as a civil servant,” said Clio Windust, who accepted the Human Rights Award on behalf of Cunningham. “Deeply committed to equality and the principles of human rights, she always focused on the real impact of her work on the lives of New Brunswickers. As her daughter, I think of her as a model for how people working in government can effect change and contribute to their communities. I am, along with my mum’s family and friends, enormously honoured and touched that her work is being recognized by this award.”

Cunningham, who passed away in 2025 at age 64, left behind a legacy of human rights work in New Brunswick and beyond. A lifelong activist and champion for social equality, she served most recently as senior policy advisor for the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. In this role, Cunningham oversaw intergovernmental co-ordination on Canada’s international human rights obligations and contributed to amendments to the New Brunswick Human Rights Act in 2017. Her passion and commitment to building a better world for all reshaped the province’s human rights landscape.

Sirois-Wallace is a first-year student at the Université de Moncton whose extraordinary leadership in promoting and fostering inclusion within her former schools and greater community demonstrates a deep commitment to human rights. In Grade 7, she helped establish the first gender-neutral restrooms at École Dr-Marguerite-Michaud and has since used her art to give voice to the 2SLGBTQIA+ experience through award-winning short films and plays. From launching École Clément-Cormier’s first thrift store to eliminate financial barriers, to distributing 200 winter survival kits to people facing homelessness, Sirois-Wallace’s work in spearheading compassion-led initiatives that support vulnerable populations is both vital and inspiring.

“I believe that love is the only thing stronger than hate,” said Sirois-Wallace. “No matter what difficulties they face, everyone deserves the same respect.”

The New Brunswick Human Rights Award was established by the commission in 1988 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 2019, the commission created the Youth Human Rights Award to recognize the contributions of young New Brunswickers. The awards celebrate individuals and organizations that have advanced human rights, equality, diversity and inclusion in New Brunswick.

The award is a sculpture of walnut and maple designed and crafted by Lawrence Wuest of Nashwaak, and is on permanent public display at Government House.

18-09-26

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