Peace & Unity brings communities together for a month of action and reflection
This September, communities across Edmonton will gather for Peace and Unity, a citywide initiative dedicated to peace, human rights, and solidarity. Marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the program invites us to reflect humbly on our shared history and recommit to building a peaceful future.
Peace and Unity highlights Edmonton’s history and future as a city committed to peace. From film screenings and interfaith dialogues to community marches, art installations, and international speakers, the programming brings diverse communities together to reflect, learn, and act.
This is not just a series of events — it is our shared commitment to building Edmonton as a Human Rights City. By weaving together our struggles, stories, and hopes, we show that peace is not an abstract idea, but something rooted in the daily lives of our communities.
Highlights include:
September
Sept 14 – Launch Event – A Vow of Hiroshima
When: Sunday, September 14, 2025 – 3:30–6:00 pm
Where: Metro Cinema, Edmonton
What: Screening of A Vow of Hiroshima with panel discussion, Hiroshima photo exhibit, and (tentative) livestream with Setsuko Thurlow. This event reflects on the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and their enduring lessons for peace today.
Hosts: Edmonton Japanese Community Association & John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights
Sept 20 – Daughters Day Celebration & Recognition
When: Saturday, September 20, 2025 – 12:00–3:00 pm
Where: Edmonton City Hall
What: Annual celebration of the contributions and rights of women and girls. Info fair and cultural performances.
Host: Canadians for a Civil Society
More info: daughters-day.comSept 20 – Draw The Line March & Rally
When: Saturday, September 20, 2025 – 3:00 pm (march), 4:00 pm (rally)
Where: March from Edmonton City Hall to the Legislature; rally at Legislature steps
What: Mass mobilization for justice, peace, Indigenous sovereignty, climate, and migrant rights. Performances and Shadow Project art installation.
Host: Draw the Line Coalition
More info: drawtheline.world
Register: actionnetwork.org/events/draw-the-line-edmontonSept 21 – International Day of Peace Gathering & Annual Genocide Memorial
When: Sunday, September 21, 2025 – 1:00–4:00 pm
Where: Argyll Community Hall (tentative)
What: Celebration of International Day of Peace. Featuring keynote Casey Eberl (Canadian nurse who worked in Gaza with MSF), Japanese art activities (origami, calligraphy), Wish Tree, butterfly release, peace pledge, and storytelling.
Hosts: Edmonton Japanese Community Association & partners
October
When: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Where: University of Alberta
What: Alex Neve delivers the 2025 CBC Massey Lecture. Alex is the former Secretary General of Amnesty International and national thought leader on human rights.
Host: CBC / U of A
Tickets & info: CBC linkOct 2 – Teach-In with Alex Neve: From Local to Global
When: Thursday, October 2, 2025 - 10 am - noon Teach in | noon - 2 pm lunch and networking
Where: Cascade Room, Students’ Union Building, U of A
What: Teach-in with Alex Neve on using international human rights mechanisms for local advocacy. In collaboration with JHC, Dr. Andy Knight, Dr. Dominique Clément, Dr. Temitope Oriolla and EJCA.
Hosts: John Humphrey Centre, EJCA, partnersRegister: info@jhcentre.org
As we remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki 80 years on, Edmonton joins cities around the world in reaffirming peace as a civic and political priority.
All events are open to the public. Together, they offer opportunities for Edmontonians to celebrate, learn, and join in building a more just, inclusive, and peaceful city.
👉 For the full calendar of events and further event details, visit activistagenda.org
For media inquiries, please contact:
Renée Vaugeois, John Humphrey Centre for Human Rights | renee@jhcentre.org or text to (780) 975-1116
Hitomi Suzuta, Edmonton Japanese Community Association | hitomi@ejca.org or call (780) 297-8615