What are the Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards?
The Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards were first established by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) in 2022 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the enactment of Ontario’s Human Rights Code. The awards are named after Daniel G. Hill, who was the first director and first Black chair of the OHRC.
The Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to human rights and to celebrate their work to advance, promote and foster human rights and equity in Ontario.
The awards have three categories: Young Leaders, Distinguished Service, and Lifetime Achievement. Nominations will close on August 26, 2024. The awards recipients will be announced in Fall 2024.
Who can be nominated?
The Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions in the following categories:
Young Leaders Award
Awarded to an individual under the age of 30 years (on December 31, 2023) 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
To be eligible for nomination:
- Nominees must be residents of Ontario
- For the Young Leaders award, nominees must have been 30 years or younger as of December 31, 2023.
- Self-nominations and posthumous nominations will not be accepted.
What are the selection criteria?
Nominees will be assessed based on the following four criteria:
- Promote human rights for individuals and communities
- Demonstrate human rights leadership, dedication, initiatives and an individual of good character
- Innovation and creativity
- Engage community members to advance human rights
How do I submit a nomination?
There are two ways to submit a nomination, using our online form or by email. You must submit a complete nomination package for your nomination to be considered.
Use the online form
You can fill out the 2024 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards online Nomination Form and submit the three signed letters of endorsement on the OHRC website.
By email
If you require this form in an alternate format, please email us at by email to awards@ohrc.on.ca
If you do not submit your nomination as a complete package, it will be declined.
When is the nomination deadline?
Nominations for the 2024 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards will be open until August 26, 2024 @ 5:00 p.m. EST.
When and where are recipients celebrated?
The recipients of the Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards will be announced in Fall 2024.
What are the guidelines for writing a nomination?
Written submissions are required to evaluate the nominations. Nominators are expected to 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?
- Has the nominee’s actions had a clear and significant impact on a group or community who seeks protection under the Human Rights Code?
- How has the nominee’s work and achievements exemplified innovation and creativity?
- Has the nominee’s actions empowered a group or community to assert their human rights?
Each nomination must include the following:
- Name and email of 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 this award.
- Endorsement letters from 3 individuals
- Supporting materials, such as news articles can also be submitted.
Can I submit my nomination in French?
Yes, here is the link to a French online form.
What if I miss the nomination deadline date?
Nominations submitted after the deadline date will not be accepted.
Who is judging the nominations?
The OHRC has established a Selection Committee comprised of individuals with human rights experience, expertise and knowledge to select the awards recipients.
Can I nominate multiple people?
Individuals may be nominated in more than one category, and a nominator may nominate candidates in multiple categories.
Can I nominate a group, team or organization?
Groups, teams and organizations are not eligible for nominations.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have additional questions, email: awards@ohrc.on.ca or call 1-800-387-9080.