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Why is a library more than just a pile of books?

In this episode of Footsteps, host Maddy Nowosad speaks with Kirsten Wurmann, who serves as program coordinator with the Manitoba Library and oversees the Prison Libraries Committee and University of Manitoba Master of Human Rights student Ege Kaymaz who is completing his MHR practicum under Kirsten’s supervision.

Together, they explore the vital role of libraries and librarians in advancing human rights within the prison environment through awareness, listening, relationship building, and resource development to help ensure incarcerated people can access books and information. Both guests reflect on how personal experiences, family influences and relationships have shaped their respective commitments to serving incarcerated people - a marginalized population whose lives and circumstances many of us, as Maddy points out, have limited opportunities to understand.

From Ege’s accessible resources explaining the Mandela Rules to Kirsten’s reflections on participant-led projects and relationships, the conversation considers what realizing human rights requires in practice - and the intergenerational inspiration, community and collective courage that sustain this very human work.

For more information on the Master of Human Rights please visit our website.

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In this episode, Master of Human Rights student and host Maddy Nowosad speaks with fellow MHR student Ellie Namit and Jonny Mexico of the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network about what it means to approach harm reduction through dignity, care, and community. As Jonny explains, harm reduction is not only about safer substance use; at its core, it is about relationships, connection, and recognizing that people who use substances deserve not to die.

Their conversation explores a challenging subject with an emphasis on kindness, community, and the responsibility to care about one another. They discuss common misconceptions about harm reduction, the importance of language and framing, and the ways public narratives can either deepen stigma or create space for brave and creative responses centred on dignity, health, and care.

Ellie and Jonny also reflect on both the possibilities and limitations of law and policy. While legal and policy frameworks can protect rights, strengthen services, and support community-based work, they can also become restrictive or punitive when they lose sight of the people most affected. Throughout the episode, they return to a central question: how can communities respond to the toxic drug crisis with the full range of supports people need, while respecting their dignity, agency, and fundamental human rights.

For more information on the Master of Human Rights please visit our website.

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Annie Guglia (she/her) is a four-time Canadian national champion and the first Canadian woman to compete in street skateboarding at the Olympic Games. Through her work as a professional athlete, community organizer, and advocate, she is helping advance gender equity and the right of everyone to participate in sport and the right to play.

At eleven, Annie was fascinated by skateboarding but too intimidated to enter her local skatepark. In conversation with Master of Human Rights student Maddy Nowosad, she reflects on the people who invited her in, the importance of creating welcoming first experiences, and why grassroots organizing must be supported by policies and structures that make inclusion real.

Episode Host: Maddy Nowosad (she/her)

For more information on the Master of Human Rights please visit our website.