The recipient for the 2009 Sybil Shack Human Rights Youth Award is Anna-Celestrya Carr.  She is creative youth leader who has focused her energy and dedication on her Aboriginal roots, and on advancing the rights of Aboriginal Woman.  Anna-Celestrya has worked with many organizations and institutions to promote the rights of Aboriginal women, including the University of Manitoba when she was vice president of the University’s Aboriginal Students Association. 

She is continuing this work as the Aboriginal Representative on the University of Manitoba’s Student Union Council.  She is a supporter of the Sisters in Spirit National Campaign, which raises awareness of the alarming rates of violence against Aboriginal women and girls in Canada and works to advance the safety and security of all Aboriginal women and girls in Canada.

Anna-Celestrya has also produced two films “Johnny Your Red Roots are Showing” a documentary about the influence Johnny Cash has had on Aboriginal People in Manitoba and “Musings on a Echo” a short drama about a girl who wished to escape to Mars. Anna-Celestrya’s films have screened at the May Works festival and Feminist Film Festivals.  In 2008 she started up her own film production company, and continues to work hard to express her views and message to the world through the art of filmmaking.

MARL was pleased to present this award to Anna-Celestrya at the annual December 10th Human Rights Awards Luncheon for her ongoing and dedicated support of the advancement of the rights, freedoms and dignity of Aboriginal woman in Manitoba.

In 2004 upon her passing Dr. Shack’s commitment to MARL took the form of a bequest.  In order to honour her life and commitment to educating youth and to human rights, MARL’s Board of Directors decided to use her generous gift to recognize the work of young people that has had an impact on the advancement of rights and freedoms in Manitoba by creating the Sybil Shack Human Rights Youth Award.