Benjamin Nycum, a strategic leader and dedicated advocate
for the 2SLGBTQI+ community, is appointed as
Chairperson of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Board of
Trustees for a four-year term.
GATINEAU, QC, June 28,
2024 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Pascale St-Onge,
Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced the appointment of
Benjamin Nycum as Chairperson of the
Canadian Museum for Human Rights Board of Trustees. This
appointment is the result of a rigorous, open, transparent and
merit-based Governor in Council selection process.
Benjamin Nycum has distinguished
himself in architecture and education. Since 2008, he has been the
President and Chief Executive Officer of Nycum + Associates, an
architecture and planning firm. He is also a dedicated educator,
serving as adjunct professor at the Dalhousie School of
Architecture, the Dalhousie School of Health Administration and the
Royal Architectural Institute of the Canada Syllabus Program.
Nycum is a passionate advocate for 2SLGBTQI+ youth and human
rights. In his career, he has founded the influential magazine,
Young Gay America, authored the
book, The XY Survival Guide: Everything You Need to Know About
Being Young and Gay, and co-produced the documentary, JIM IN BOLD,
which addresses youth suicide and resilience. He also serves as an
advisor to the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
With a wealth of governance experience, Nycum has served as a
trustee on the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Board of Trustees
since 2018 and currently holds positions on the boards of the Nova
Scotia Centre on Aging and the Halifax Stanfield International
Airport.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a national museum in the
Canadian Heritage Portfolio.
Quotes
"Benjamin Nycum is an
extraordinary, strategic leader with a deep understanding of human
rights. Since 2018, he has served on the board of trustees, giving
him solid experience to carry forward the governance, planning and
engagement work needed. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights plays
a vital role in promoting understanding, respect and global
dialogue on human rights. With his demonstrated commitment to
advocacy and inclusiveness, Mr. Nycum will help the Museum execute
its essential mandate. Fundamentally, as Canadians, we stand up for
each others' rights and lift up the most vulnerable among us.
That's our strength. That's core to what this museum, its team and
its board help remind us of with its work every single day. I would
like to thank the outgoing chairperson, Pauline Rafferty, for her outstanding service to
the museum and Canadians over the last 12 years."—The Honourable
Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage
Quick Facts
Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba,
the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is the first museum solely
dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights.
Its mandate is to explore the subject of human rights, with
special, but not exclusive, reference to Canada. It also aims to enhance the public's
understanding of human rights, promote respect for others and
encourage reflection and dialogue.
Canada's national museums are
governed by the Museums Act, which was passed into law in
1990. Under the Act, the Minister of Canadian Heritage appoints a
chairperson to a museum's board of trustees for a maximum of four
years, with the approval of the Governor in Council.
All appointment opportunities for the 16 organizations in the
Canadian Heritage Portfolio are posted as they become available on
the Governor in Council appointments website. Those interested can
apply online.
Associated Links
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
SOURCE Canadian Heritage