As we gear up for Peace Week 2024, the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement Coordinator, Teresa Edge, reflects on five events she enjoyed during Peace Week 2023.
‘The Urgency of Social Justice’ a campus festival organized by the UWaterloo Gender and Social Justice Program
When I entered the Arts Quad, I felt the buzz of energy from a good crowd of compassionate people out on a sunny day to talk about tough but important things. There was a series of speakers from the mic sharing poetry, calls to action, and information about the work they are doing in the community. There were booths with campus and community partners, including The Ripple Effect Education, and Peace and Conflict Studies professors mingled wearing green ‘Designated Dialoguers’ t-shirts. There was wide representation and a diversity of viewpoints. The overall message was clear: there is so much injustice in our world and yet we refuse to be silent about it. We want to support each other in creating a different reality.
‘International Day of Peace Celebration’ a sharing circle and potluck organized by the Coalition of Muslim Women
When I arrived at Willow Park, I wasn’t sure right away if I was in the right place, tucked behind an unassuming building near the clock tower. But soon women started gathering, forming a circle in the grass with assorted chairs and coats. A table filled with food beside us and children ran about between us. Around the circle women of all ages and walks of life shared what peace means to them. For some this meant fleeing war and praying for peace in their countries of origin, for others it meant finding internal peace amidst the stresses of life. The event was hosted in a relaxed and beautiful way, making everyone feel welcome and included. Towards the end a kind of talent show organically emerged including some young women dancing. The delicious food filled our plates, and the warm community filled our spirits.
‘Peace Justice and Strong Institutions’ a panel discussion hosted by the SDG Idea Factory
This event came right after the Association for Muslim Women event and was right around the corner. It was fun to jump from one group of peace builders to another in the space of a few blocks. Centre for Peace Advancement Director Paul Heidebrecht facilitated a panel of peace-minded people from different fields, a social entrepreneur, a software engineer and a restorative justice practitioner, who shared about how strong institutions can prevent and respond to injustice in their worlds. I remember two of the speakers speaking strongly against cyber-crime in particular. They encouraged others starting out to make sure they take simple security measures, like changing passwords and using two factor authentication, and to own their own contacts, for example building an email mailing list as well as using social media, to be less vulnerable to hacking which can unravel years of work in a moment.
‘I love you and it hurts’ a forum theatre production organized by Theatre of the Beat
Entering the Kitchener Public Library auditorium, I felt a little apprehension. In one of my past roles in restorative justice at district court in Aotearoa New Zealand, I used to read the police summaries of family violence incidents, so I knew the content of these short plays could be triggering. What I didn’t realize is that the audience would be engaging with the plays in a very empowering way. There were three storylines: hockey locker room bullying, elder financial abuse, and intimate partner control. A cast of four actors played multiple roles in the scenes and after each vignette audience members were invited to share how it felt to witness these forms of violence. For the second and third iterations, we could call “Stop!”, offer suggestions of what could be done differently, and even hop on stage to take on a role. Kitchener MP Mike Morris was in the audience with us and did an impressive job of defusing a tense situation on stage. This type of performing is known as forum theater. It was a powerful experience that engaged our hearts and minds as we quite literally helped rewrite narratives around violence.
‘A Visual Reconciliation’ an art exhibit by Art on the Wall at the Kanata Centre
I loved the premise of this exhibit. Five artists from different cultural backgrounds and generations each created seven works reflecting on the seven sacred teachings: Dbaadendiziwin - Humility, Aakwa'ode'ewin - Bravery, Gwekwaadziwin - Honesty, Nbwaakaawin - Wisdom, Debwewin - Truth, Mnaadendimowin - Respect, Zaagidwin - Love. Art on the Wall adorns the Keffer Chapel at Martin Luther College at Wilford Laurier University inviting guests to interact with the art over several months as they use the space for interfaith chapel, university classes, and community events. I saw the exhibit as part of an Art and Music Peace Cafe where we also wove a large rag tapestry together. Later I had the privilege of hearing three of the artists speak about their experience with the exhibit in an informal zoom session, including lead artist Dazaunggee (Paul Shilling). I was intrigued to see how photos of tools, materials and finished wood turnings of artist Xavier Fernandes could portray abstract values. I also remember a painting of family embodying Mnaadendimowin - Respect to artist Julie Tián. Respect for one’s elders was taught very strongly in her culture of origin and is something she has been actively figuring out as an adult living in Canada, how we can respect the needs and expectations of elders while also respecting ourselves. The works from this exhibit can still be viewed online, a reminder that the teachings we learn from our ancestors, our families, communities, and other cultures through intentional moments like Peace Week can carry forward into our daily lives.
If you are hosting a peace related event this September 21-30th, share the details so it can be added to the Peace Week 2024 Community Calendar. See you in September!