What could be better than having a festival devoted to peace, especially in these troubled times?
This year, as we celebrate Winnipeg’s 10th Annual Peace Days Festival, we want to put a spotlight on the varied and interesting events that have been scheduled as part of this important and amazing festival.
The Festival has grown from a one day concert at the Forks to a 2 week long festival, comprised of many venue and community partners who put on events that are meant to inspire, encourage and demonstrate peace in action. Peace is a word that means different things to different people. It can refer to inner peace, neighbourhood congeniality, erasure of racial intolerance, acceptance of diversity, and bridge-building among those who live and work in Winnipeg. It can also refer to climate change and moving from local to global awareness and concern. On this year’s events calendar (www.peacedays.ca) there are more than 20 different events going on around this city including “Pathway to Peace – Women Perspective” at Red River (Sept. 14), a classical guitar concert by a Syrian based guitar quartet (also on Sept. 14 at night), “Pieces for Peace” – the chance to meet newcomers by playing a board game with them about the journey that refugees make at Across the Board Cafe (Sept. 17), Peace songs and a video presentation on Human Values (Sept. 19) and Conflict and Environmental Impact on Women and Peace (Sept. 22).
Because I have a passion for compassion, I became involved with this impactful festival many years ago and continue to be amazed and inspired when I meet like-minded individuals and become aware of incredible organizations and non-profits that do such good work locally and internationally. Will you join us and “Be a Piece of Peace?” I hope so.
Come to one event or take in as many as you can…but do join us. Together, we can accomplish so much more!