In 2013, I created the idea, the blueprint and implemented the Pembina Trails Human Rights Project. Together with the technology consultant – David Wall, we spent two years presenting and formulating the project from beginning to end. David also gave the project a new ‘digital life’ by capturing the images digitally and giving them an on-line presence. Iain Riffel, Connie Brezden, Jerrold Wiebe, Heather Eby, Heather Rosentreter – all contributed to create a world class event that all students participated. A steering committee of 20 administrators, as well as 2 teacher leaders from each school, guided the various components of this project to a successful conclusion. The superintendent, Ted Fransen created the pathway for all of us to succeed.

13,000 students and 2000 adults in all 33 schools took part in this project. This initiative was meant as a lasting learning experience for our students, centering on Human Rights and the Rights of the Child. The project was not designed for any particular student or curricular area; it was meant for everyone – complete equity.

At its simplest, the Human Rights Project requested each student and adult in Pembina Trails School Division to create a visual expression (artwork) based on one of the 54 articles on the Rights of the Child, from the United Nations Convention. These visual expressions were completed on 8” x 10” canvas panels.

On May 20^th and 21^st, 2015 – all 15,124 participants were transported to Investors Group Field, to lay their own creation on a giant template in the shape of the international logo for human rights. 15,124 individual visual messages came together to form one giant work of art. This enormous Art Installation was the largest of its kind, anywhere in the world.

The power of the large scale art installation is real. Students and teachers were part of a never before attempted experience, designed to bring community together and yes – change the world.