The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards, whose leadership and commitment have made outstanding contributions to advancing human rights in Ontario.

The awards are named in honour of Dr. Daniel G. Hill, the OHRC's first Director and first Black Chairperson. 

The recipients will be honoured at the 2026 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards Ceremony on October 29, 2026.

2026 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Award Recipients

Rana Espiritu Nasrazadani (Young Leader)
	Rana Espiritu Nasrazadani is a disability rights advocate and policy advisor whose work focuses on accessibility, human rights and education. Drawing on her lived experience and professional expertise, she works to advance the rights of people with disabilities and address systemic barriers to equity and inclusion.  Through her advocacy and policy development work, Rana has helped shape initiatives and policies that strengthen accessibility, challenge ableism and foster inclusion in education and public policy. Central to her work is ensuring that the voices and expertise of people with lived experience are reflected in the decisions, policies and programs that affect their lives.
Tonny Muzira (Distinguished Service)
	Tonny Muzira is an organizational policy and development specialist and co-founder of the Centre for Black Development Options Canada. His work advances human rights at the intersection of housing, health equity, gender justice and community empowerment, with a focus on Black immigrant and refugee communities.  Tonny played a key role in advocacy efforts during Toronto's refugee housing crisis and has continued to advance housing and health equity for Black immigrant and refugee communities. He is also recognized for creating opportunities for community engagement and empowerment.
Dr. Carl E. James (Lifetime Achievement)
	Dr. Carl E. James holds the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora at York University, where he is a Distinguished Research Professor and one of Canada's leading scholars on race, education and social equity.  For decades, his research, teaching and community engagement have advanced understanding of the experiences of Black and other racialized communities. His scholarship has informed public policy, shaped discussions on race and education, and contributed to efforts to address systemic racism and expand equitable opportunities.

Read more: News release - OHRC announces recipients of the 2026 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards

Nominations for the 2026 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards closed on June 26, 2026. 

Recipients will be announced in Fall 2026.

News Release - Celebrating 65 years of advancing Human Rights in Ontario

The nomination period for the 2026 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards has concluded. Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination. Award recipients will be announced in Fall 2026. 

As the OHRC marks 65 years of advancing human rights in Ontario, the 2026 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose work has helped protect, promote and advance human rights across the province.

Award recipients will receive an engraved plaque and a profile feature on the OHRC website and social media channels. 

 Award Criteria 

All awards and each nominee will be evaluated on the four criteria below: 

• Promotion of human rights of individuals and communities  
• Demonstration of ongoing initiative, leadership, dedication, and being a person of good character 
• Innovation and creativity 
• Engagement with community members to advance human rights

Nominee Eligibility  

 To be eligible for nomination:  

• Nominees must be residents of Ontario  
• For the Young Leader award, all nominees must have been 30 years or younger as of December 31, 2025.  

Self-nominations and posthumous nominations are not accepted.  

Guidelines for Award Submissions  

Written submissions are required to evaluate the nominations. Nominators must provide written support for their nomination, including specific examples of the nominee’s outstanding service and contributions.  

Some considerations include: 

• How the nominee’s actions had positive change/impact on human rights in Ontario 
• How the nominee’s actions had a clear and significant impact on individuals, a group or community who seeks protection under the Human Rights Code  
• How the nominee’s work and achievements exemplified innovation and creativity
• How the nominee’s actions empowered individuals, a group or community to assert their human rights

 Each nomination must include the following: 

• Name and email address of the person making the nomination.  
• Contact information for the person being nominated.  
• Consent from the person being nominated.  
• Nomination statement (maximum 1500 words) addressing why the nominee should receive the award. 
• Endorsement letters from 2 individuals 
• Supporting materials, such as news articles can also be submitted.  

Individuals may be nominated in more than one category, and any nominator could nominate candidates in multiple categories. Nominations may be submitted in either English or French.  

The Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions in the following categories: 

Young Leader  

Awarded to an individual under the age of 30 years (on December 31, 2025) for their outstanding contribution to advancing human rights in Ontario.   

Distinguished Service  

Awarded for outstanding contribution to advancing human rights in Ontario.  

Lifetime Achievement 

Awarded to an individual for significant contributions over a lifetime to advance human rights in Ontario. 

A Selection Committee comprised of individuals with human rights experience, expertise, and knowledge will review and evaluate all nominations.  

They will select the award recipients in all categories and support the promotion of the program throughout their term.

The Selection Committee members for the 2026 Daniel G. Hill Awards are:

Patricia DeGuire (Selection Committee Chair, non-voting member)

Patricia DeGuire is a Black woman who pushes boundaries to ensure access to justice, equality and equity. Before being appointed Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission in August 2021, Patricia served as a Deputy Judge with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, on various tribunals and boards, and is known as an impactful mediator. She has played a leading role in many equity organizations, particularly related to racism, in particular anti-Black racism, gender equality and equity, and the wellbeing of youths. She is a constitutional law scholar, and an avid mentor and coach for young people and adults in the legal, medical, and other professions. Patricia is the recipient of many awards for her mentorship and public service. 

Brian Eyolfson

Brian Eyolfson is a part-time Commissioner with both the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the Canadian Human Rights Commission. A lawyer with deep expertise in human rights, he provides independent investigation services and has previously served as a Commissioner with the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and as a Vice‑Chair with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. He holds an LL.B. from Queen’s University, an LL.M. in administrative law from Osgoode Hall Law School, and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1994. Brian is a member of Couchiching First Nation. 

Michelle Gittens

Michelle Gittens is the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Citizenship, Inclusion and Heritage Division at the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. With over 20 years of leadership experience advancing inclusive, people‑centered service delivery, she has held senior roles across the Ontario Public Service, including Director of Corporate Services at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and Director, Central Region at Service Ontario. She champions authentic leadership and mentors emerging leaders through the Diversity Career Champion Program. 

Niki Hashie

Niki Hashie is Anishinaabe and Oji-Cree from Wasauksing First Nation and Ginoogaming First Nation (member), and belongs to the crane clan. Born and raised in Toronto, she holds an Honours B.A. and Juris Doctor from the University of Toronto. Since joining the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) in 2017, Niki has contributed to advancing major policy areas including Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women and Indigenous Justice. She currently serves as Senior Director of Programs and Policy at the OFIFC. 

Stefan Enrique Joseph Kallikaden

Stefan Enrique Joseph Kallikaden is a community worker and human rights advocate whose work focuses on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, youth empowerment, and equitable access to education. A graduate of the Community Worker Program at George Brown College, Stefan serves as the Youth & Access to Education Coordinator at the FCJ Refugee Centre. In 2024, they received the OHRC Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Award (Young Leader) for impactful advocacy shaped by lived experience as a queer newcomer, former international student, and former precarious migrant. 

Patricia Kosseim

Patricia Kosseim brings extensive expertise in privacy, access to information, and data governance, gained through leadership roles in public, private, and health sectors. She previously served as senior general counsel and director general at the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, and as an executive at Genome Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Patricia has taught part‑time at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law and holds degrees from McGill University and King’s College London. She is a member of both the Law Society of Ontario and the Barreau du Québec, and is fluently bilingual in English and French.

Dr. Camille Logan

Dr. Camille Logan is a distinguished educational leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing equity and systemic transformation in public education. A former Associate Director of School Improvement and Equity at the Peel District School Board, she led major reforms to dismantle system‑level barriers and foster inclusive learning environments. Dr. Logan currently serves as a Senior Lecturer and Faculty Advisor, mentoring future educators. Her leadership has been recognized by the National Harmony Award, the Ontario Supervisory Officers’ Association Distinguished Leadership Award, and her inclusion among the inaugural 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women. 

Gabriel Reznick

Gabriel Reznick is a Staff Lawyer at ARCH Disability Law Centre, where he advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities through litigation and law reform. His work spans transportation, education, health law, developmental services, and federal accessibility. Gabriel has represented both individual clients and organizations before multiple courts and tribunals, advancing disability rights across Ontario and beyond.

The Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards celebrate individuals whose work reflects exceptional dedication, courage, and leadership in advancing human rights across Ontario. Previous award recipients embody the spirit of Dr. Hill’s legacy through lifelong commitment, service, and advocacy. 

Distinguished Service Award 

Lorin MacDonald (2024) 

Lorin MacDonald is recognized for her outstanding contributions to advancing accessibility, disability rights, and inclusive policy development in Ontario. Her sustained commitment to removing systemic barriers and amplifying the voices of people with disabilities has had a transformative impact on communities across the province. 

Rabia Khedr (2022)                                                                                                    

Rabia Khedr is a long-time disability rights advocate whose work spans over three decades. A former OHRC Commissioner, she has founded and led organizations that advance disability justice, including DEEN Support Services and Disability Without Poverty. Through national advisory roles and community leadership, she champions the rights of people with disabilities, racialized communities, women, and seniors, and continues to drive change through policy and grassroots advocacy. 

Young Leader Award 

Stefan Enrique Joseph Kallikaden (2024) 

Stefan Enrique Joseph Kallikaden is honoured for his leadership as a young advocate working to create meaningful change within his community. Through his activism, education efforts, and commitment to equity, he represents a new generation of human rights leaders shaping a more inclusive future. 

Autumn Peltier (2022)                                                                                             

Autumn Peltier, an Anishinaabe-kwe from Wiikwemkoong First Nation, is a globally recognized water protector and Chief Water Commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation. She has advocated for clean drinking water since childhood, speaking at the United Nations and World Economic Forum, and continues to champion the rights of First Nations communities affected by boil-water advisories. Her film The Water Walker further amplifies her message and inspires young people worldwide. 

Lifetime Achievement Award 

Rosemary Sadlier (2024) 

Rosemary Sadlier is renowned for her decades-long dedication to advancing Black history, racial justice, and human rights in Canada. A tireless educator, author, and advocate, she has profoundly influenced national dialogue on equity, recognition, and systemic change. Her lifelong commitment embodies the highest ideals of the Daniel G. Hill legacy. 

Kim (Brooks) Bernhardt (2022)                                                                                  

Kim Bernhardt’s human rights leadership began alongside the early champions of the OHRC and continued through her work as a human rights officer, lawyer, and equity advocate. Her contributions include advancing anti‑racism organizational change within the Ontario Nurses Association, supporting landmark settlements, and helping shape key amendments to Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Her lifelong dedication has strengthened human rights protections across the province. 

David Lepofsky (2022)                                                                                            

David Lepofsky, a lawyer and leading disability advocate, has advanced accessibility in Ontario through landmark legal victories, public service, teaching, and policy leadership. His advocacy helped secure the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and ensured accessible transit through precedent‑setting court decisions. As chair of the AODA Alliance and a respected educator, he continues to influence systemic change for people with disabilities across Canada. 

This section features selected images from previous Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards, capturing key moments from the ceremony, award presentations, and the collective celebration of human rights leadership across Ontario.

Previous Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards Videos

2024 Daniel G. Hill Awards – Video

2022 Daniel G. Hill Awards – Video

By email: awards@ohrc.on.ca 

By phone: 1-800-387-9080