Mourning Nelson Mandela as hero and role model
PeaceQuest recognizes the global impact of Mr. Mandela’s courageous leadership of the anti-Apartheid movement in South Africa, but also hails him as an honourary Canadian. When he was awarded honourary citizenship by Parliament in 2001, it was in recognition of his “great moral leadership to South Africa and to all humanity.”
Among Mandela’s many accolades is the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize (which he won with South African president F.W. de Klerk), the citation for which says it is “for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa.”
As Mandela tells us, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” So too with peace across borders, within countries, communities and families.
As Canada approaches in 2014 the 100th anniversary of the First World War, which was to be the War to End All Wars, and the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, it is important that questions of peace and conflict resolution are discussed as fully as our military history and achievements.
If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner. — Nelson Mandala
PeaceQuest spokesperson Bill Penner says: “Nelson Mandela and the fight against Apartheid in South Africa inspired generations around the world that liberty could be achieved through peaceful protest and negotiation. He is a hero to so many of us and we mourn his loss deeply. His example inspires us to think the impossible and work towards it with passion and integrity. That is what PeaceQuest is all about. Bringing together neighbours, networks and partners to talk about peace, to challenge militarism, and to pave a way forward to Canadians to reclaim our legacy as peacemakers.”
What is PeaceQuest?
PeaceQuest is at once a catalyst and a forum to engage Canadians of all ages in discussing important questions about peace and war:
A network of groups across Canada who work together to create a series of workshops, events and conferences concerning how peace can be obtained locally, regionally and globally. All are welcome to plan, contribute, join.
According to PeaceQuest, peace is an active way of living, seeking to resolve conflicts cooperatively, respecting the wellbeing of the earth and all peoples.