On Saturday, September 21, the International Day of Peace, the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of commitment to fostering peace and collaboration within—and beyond—our community. This milestone event united a diverse group of attendees, including past and present staff with affiliate organizations, Grebel Peace Incubator alumni, Grebel staff, family, and friends, and representatives from our inspiration partner, Kindred Credit Union.
There was much to engage with throughout the afternoon, with interactive elements including an exhibit of peace posters, conversation stations, and even a kids’ corridor. Marcus Shantz, the president of Conrad Grebel University College, was impressed by how attendees clearly valued the chance to connect and re-connect, demonstrating the vibrant community the Centre has cultivated over the years. Newer participants to the Centre enjoyed meeting past participants, and one attendee not directly affiliated with the Centre remarked that they “could feel that the Centre meant a lot to people."
Interspersed throughout the event, remarks from eight speakers highlighted the importance of the Centre’s mission and represented various programs and initiatives of the Centre. For example, Cesar Jaramillo, Executive Director of Project Ploughshares, shared, "our participation with the Centre is more than just office space; it's about learning and connecting with a diverse group of people, and we are honoured to be collaborators."
Sara Matthews, a professor at Wilfrid Laurier University and the artist behind ‘The Cultural Life of Drones’ Grebel Gallery exhibit in 2019-2020 started by invited guests to engage with the current exhibit, ‘Signs of Peace’: "This exhibition demonstrates the Centre's investment in recognizing that aesthetic interventions are essential to the work of peacebuilding."
Current students and recent graduates also attended the event, including Selah Woelk, a former co-op Program Assistant in the Centre, past intern with Project Ploughshares, and undergraduate Peace and Conflict Studies student. Selah provided a compelling account of her experiences in the Centre: "As a PACS student, I was looking to define what peacebuilding looks like integrated into my life and work… and when you have a model for peace through technology, relationships, gardening, games, education, research, and policy, it allows you to see yourself in peacebuilding work no matter your interests." Selah’s reflection demonstrated the Centre's unique position as a bridge between academics and practice, creating space for learning, connection, and inspiration.
Majid Mirza, founder of ESGTree and current Board Member of Conrad Grebel University College, gifted the Centre a pre-Mughal Quran manuscript leaf that was transcribed over 500 years ago in beautiful Naskh style script. The page is taken from Surah Al-Anfal (Chapter 8) and emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith in the face of challenges and trusting in God's wisdom and guidance.
Jason Daly, the new CEO of Kindred Credit Union, and Nolan Andres, their Chief Innovation and Technology Officer, concluded the afternoon by reflecting on Kindred’s long-standing relationship with Grebel, and highlighted the many ways that the Centre for Peace Advancement aligns with Kindred’s broader purpose: connecting values and faith with finances to inspire peaceful, just, and prosperous communities.
The event also marked the release of a ten year anniversary booklet, designed by Maragret Gissing, showcasing the Centre for Peace Advancement’s impact. The booklet can be viewed online, and physical copies will continue to be available at Grebel and in the Centre over the coming months.
The 10th anniversary celebration not only celebrated a decade of achievements but also reignited people's commitment to advancing peace in innovative ways. With a vibrant network, the Centre for Peace Advancement is looking forward to another decade of transformative work, and we hope you will continue this journey with us.