SURREY – Global Peace Alliance invites everyone to the Bell Centre of Performing Arts, in Surrey on October 1st at 11:00 am for their yearly “Give Peace a Chance” festival commemorating the United Nations International Day of Peace. 

The focus this year is the UN’s theme: “End Racism, Build Peace”. You will hear inspiring speakers and activists for a better world. To mark Truth and Reconciliation Day, our keynote is Kachina Melinda Bige, from Lutselk’eDené First Nationand the Indigenous Chair at Kwantlen University. She will speak to the Intersections of Truth and Reconciliation and Anti-Racist Action towards Peace. We open with a special message to us on, “Remembering The Children“ from Tom Jackson and his incredible impactful song about the horrific past. 

Chuka Ejeckam from the think tank, Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives will open before the panel discussion among BIPOC leaders on ending racism. The panelists are: VancouverMLA Jenny Kwan;Vancouver City Councilor Pete Fry;Lorene Oikawa, Past President of the National Association of Japanese Canadians; well-known speaker Troy Derrick, member of the Gitxsan Nation; and Lama Mugabofrom Simon Fraser University andfounding director of Hogan’s Alley Society.

Our moderator is none other than activist Annie Ohana, recipient of the Prime Minister’s award for teaching excellence. She is a Social Justice & Equity Curriculum Specialist, the Aboriginal Department head at LA Matheson Secondary and a BCTF Representative.Other excellent speakers of the day are political science Professor Emeritus Peter Prontzos from Langara College, Barbara Waldern from Just Peace Committee; and Charlotte Kates from Samidoun, Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network. 

We are very excited to showcase the talents of singers such as the upcoming, award–winning Glisha, accomplished in poetry, dancing and spoken word;Babeeta Chhabra, and Sherry Duggal. The intricate Sudnya Dance Academy, Steve Marc and the Marksmen world/reggae band and others will perform. Exciting entertainment from diverse countriessuch as Vietnam, Nepal, China, Peru, Africa andmore – allin the spirit of peace, love and nonviolence. 

Visitors may view an Art4Peace exhibit, engage in cultural sharing such as free Mendi, basket weaving and Origami Peace cranes; savoury free treats, a children’s corner for art, and face painting. The Global Peace Alliance BC (GPA) celebrates 10 years since its inception by R.B. Herath’s “A New Beginning for Humankind” and community leaders in Surrey! What a great way to celebrate our diversity and community through the arts. Join us as we urgently call for change and a focus on saving our beautiful planet and humankind.

For more information, please call 604-329-0850. Find a detailed program, at www.peacealways.org. Get youryour tickets at: http://www.bellperformingartscentre.comfor just a $5 donation; children, students and seniors are free.