Many people understand that they have rights. But there is little understanding of the responsibilities that come with those rights. Rights and freedoms come with responsibilities. They co-exist. In order to sustain the advancement of human rights and democratic ideals, we now need a corresponding “responsibility revolution”. David Arnot in this talk, is asking you to be part of the responsibility revolution. David Arnot has been a lifelong champion of human rights, social justice, and reconciliation. He has demonstrated this commitment through his engagement as a Provincial Court Judge, Director General of Aboriginal Justice, Treaty Commissioner for the Province of Saskatchewan, and (currently) as Chief Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.

During his tenure as a provincial court judge, David partnered with the Poundmaker First Nation to pioneer sentencing circles as a means for restorative justice. As Treaty Commissioner, Arnot’s, “Teaching Treaties in the Classroom” Project, was specifically cited as a model for Canada by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Racism. In leading this education resource, David introduced the phrase “we are all treaty people,” an expression that is part of the lexicon across Canada.

As Chief Commissioner of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, Arnot created a unique approach that prioritizes mediation, education, and systemic advocacy over litigation as the best means of realizing change. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx