August 21, 2024

The Sterilization of Leilani Muir

1 hour 8 minutes

The sterilization of Leilani Muir is a stark example of the human rights violations that can occur when governments adopt policies based on discriminatory ideologies. Muir's successful legal battle against the Alberta government not only brought her personal justice but also exposed the broader injustices of the eugenics movement in Canada. Her case serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect individual rights, ensure informed consent, and confront the legacy of eugenics in modern society. The story of Leilani Muir continues to resonate as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing prejudice and pseudoscience to dictate public policy.

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Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff ([email protected]).

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References:

Muir, L. (2014). A whisper past: Childless after eugenic sterilization in Alberta: A memoir. FriesenPress.

The Sterilization of Leilani Muir - NFB Collection

CBS News. (2016, March 16). Advocate for Alberta’s sterilization victims dies | CBC News. CBCnews. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/leilani-muir-advocate-for-alberta-s-sterilization-victims-dies-1.3492829

Dyck, E. (2014). Review of A whisper past: childless after eugenic sterilization in alberta, a memoir by leilani muir. Alberta Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 63.3, Fall 2017, 321-324, 63.3(Fall 2017), 321–324. Retrieved August 18, 2024, from file:///C:/Users/baile/Downloads/admin,+AJER+2001BR+Galley.pdf.

Kowalchuk, K., & Scott, S. (2023, March 14). Leilani Muir and eugenics in Alberta. Edmonton City as Museum Project ECAMP. https://citymuseumedmonton.ca/2023/03/14/leilani-muir-and-eugenics-in-alberta/#muir1

Wikipedia. (2024, June 3). Leilani Muir. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leilani_Muir

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