The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is hosting an event to encourage student thought and particpation in relevant Canadian human rights issues.

60 Winnipeg high school students will have the opportunity to engage in open dialogue with human "books" to gain insight into their personal human rights experiences.

The Human Library, an international social justice movement founded in Copenhagen in 2000, aims to "confront stereotypes, assumptions, and prejudice through an open dialogue with someone about their experiences".

15 individuals will participate as "books" in the exhibit, four of whom are also a part of the Our Canada, My Story exhibition currently featured at the museum.

Ali Duale, one of the Canadians participating in both exhibits, is thankful and proud to be Canadian. As a "book", he will speak with students on the subjects of diversity and the rights of immigrants and refugees.

"My story is not different than any other refugee or immigrant. I think what makes the difference is that I am willing to share my story, especially my gratitude and thanks for Canada and Canadian people."

Duale lived in a Kenyan refugee camp for almost six years before he was able to immigrate to Canada. A refugee displaced by the Somali Civil War in 1991, Duale now works as a firefighter in Halifax, Nova Scotia where he lives with his wife and eight children, and is an actively involved member of his community. He is one of the individuals who will be participating in both exhibitions.

It is important to Duale that he have the opportunity to share his experiences with the next generation. "There are people who made this country a great country, and made sacrifices, and gave effort to make Canada what it is. If we don't produce the next generation to take this torch and to pass on all these great values, I'm not sure what Canada will look like in another 150 years."

Duale wants to encourage students to be involved in different activites and human rights issues, and to be grateful for their country.

"This is my community, this is my country." Duale explained. "I'm part of this fabric. I'm not less than anybody and I'm proud of being Canadian."