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News Release

November 03, 2005

Remembrance, Understanding, Dialogue Goals of Peace Week

A talk by a Holocaust survivor and a hate crimes vigil are part of the University of Guelph’s Peace Week activities Nov. 6 to 12.

Peace by Piece Week is an initiative of staff and students, with representation from a number of on-campus organizations, whose goal is to create community dialogue and understanding of issues of peace-making.

On Nov. 6, a multi-faith peace celebration focusing on spiritual chants from many of the world’s religions begins at 7 p.m. in Room 103 of the University Centre.

On Nov. 7, Holocaust survivor and award-winning author Vera Schiff will speak at 7 p.m. in Room 442 of the University Centre. “I believe it to be my duty to describe the tragedy as it unfolded, for only the inmate themself can do so with true accuracy and authenticity,” said Schiff.

The seventh annual hate crimes vigil is Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Bullring. The event, originally held to remember the death of Matthew Shepard, a gay student in Wyoming, has grown to encompass all crimes of hate. “The vigil is a solemn reminder of the duty that each of us has not only to speak out against hate but also to encourage others to work toward a world without prejudice or injustice,” said committee organizer Hava Goldberg. President Alastair Summerlee and representatives of several on-campus organizations will give presentations at the event, which will conclude and a candlelight vigil at 8:30 p.m.

A screening of Invisible Children, a documentary about child soldiers in Uganda will be held Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. in Room 1307 of the Thornbrough Building.

On Nov. 10, Chris Keefer will give a lecture titled “Peace and Structural Violence” at 7:30 p.m. in Room 233 of the MacKinnon Building.

The University of Guelph’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony is Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m. in War Memorial Hall. The service will be broadcast on TV monitors in Centre Six. Parking is available in P23, P24 or P44. At 1 p.m,. members of the community are invited to bring their art supplies, musical instruments and creativity as part of the Artz Haüs Peace Canvas until 4 p.m. in the Artz Haüs fireplace lounge located in Maids Hall.

On Nov. 12, the second annual Peace by Piece Symposium features a community panel discussion of the role of local organizations in the creation and maintenance of peaceful communities. Representatives from a variety of groups will be in attendance, and workshops will be facilitated by representatives from the Canadian Red Cross, Christian Peacemaker Teams and the Youth Canada Association. Registration begins at 12:15 p.m. Panel discussions and workshops run from 12:30 to 5:15 p.m. The cost is $5. To register, contact the Information Desk on the first floor of the University Centre by Nov. 11 at noon.