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PeaceQuest Celebrates Canada 150 by honouring 150+ Canadians

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PeaceQuest Celebrates Canada’s 150th Birthday

As a diverse group of Canadians from every origin and walk of life, PeaceQuest members have been inspired by this historic moment to recognize the last 150 years of nation building.  As much as this is surely a time to celebrate, it is also an occasion for conversation and introspection.   What have been our aspirations as a nation?  How are these hopes informed by our rich indigenous history which well pre-dates 1867?   Is there a shared vision for the future?

PeaceQuest proposes that central to these celebrations and conversations around our national identity, the core value of peace enjoys an important and prominent place.

Follow us to stay on top of the names as they are announced!

How will PeaceQuest accomplish this?

The Canada 150 initiative will, for 150 days from February 2 to July 1, 2017, highlight a person, organization, event or artifact that has contributed to peace in our communities, our nation or, indeed, in our world. Through various social media, PeaceQuest will post these contributions daily so that we can all learn more about Canadian efforts, both historic and contemporary, to promote peace as a core Canadian value.

What do you mean by a contribution to peace?

This is an important question.  Just as PeaceQuest has hesitated to offer a strict definition of peace, suggesting instead a description of peace (Peace is an active way of living, seeking to resolve conflicts cooperatively, respecting the wellbeing of the earth and all peoples.), so we wanted to leave this notion as broad as possible.  We understand such contributions to exist across a spectrum, from explicit efforts to end violence, to initiatives that address the causes of violence, to more general work to advance and defend basic human dignity.

Who’s to say that PeaceQuest’s 150 selections are the right choices?

Good question.  It’s not so much about getting it right, but more about fostering a broad conversation about peace.  We anticipate that there will be some names that will surprise you, either by their presence or their absence.  But that’s where Canadians can get involved and make this a national conversation.  We need to hear other voices, your voice.

How can I participate?

There are two ways in which you can get involved:

1.     offer your own feedback on what we post in the comments section below.

2.     send us your own ideas by completing the following statement on the Contact Us page.

” _____________ , (insert name of a person, organization, event, artifact) contributed to peace by _________________________.”

 In the first blank, identify a person, organization, event or artifact (it already may be well known across the county or, in your estimation, someone/thing that should be better known by Canadians). In the second blank, briefly describe how this person/organization/ event/artifact has helped to foster peace (in your community; across our nation; globally).

Is that all there is to it?

No, there is actually more.  By following the links provided, you will be able to find more information on our web page about the item listed.  Beyond that, it’s up to you to dig deeper.

And where you have offered your own contribution, why not consider including a more complete description of how this person/organization/ event/artifact contributed to our national character in terms of peace?  If you have a suitable photo or graphic, we would love to see that, too.

Won’t there be more than 150 items if many others get involved?

We sure hope so … and PeaceQuest will continue to post and moderate this conversation up to the end of 2017.

Together, let us celebrate those who have insured that peace remains a core Canadian value lying at the heart of our collective Canadian identity.

Thanks for your participation and read on below for all the profiles as they are released!