Seniors for peace

 
 

Seniors for Peace is a year-long initiative by the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC), supported by the New Horizons for Seniors Program. Operating in the spirit of our Peace Builders work, this project addresses social isolation and ageism by positioning seniors as mentors, conveners, and leaders in building an intergenerational culture of peace across Edmonton.

The project unfolds through a series of collaborative learning sessions and quarterly intergenerational gatherings. Seniors work alongside young people and community partners to share wisdom, foster interfaith dialogue, address contemporary social issues, and co-create lasting peace initiatives.

The project kicked off in June 2026 with a visit from John Packer, featuring two impactful gatherings that highlighted the power of community and academic dialogue. On June 7th, the "Voices in Exile" gathering provided a vital, safe space for activists to share their experiences of exile, fostering empowerment and contributing to broader research on human rights. This was followed on June 8th by a "Transnational Regression" teach-in, where participants engaged in deep discussions about human rights accountability and the changing landscape of democracy. Both events successfully bridged academic research with community connection, setting a strong foundation for the year of collaborative learning ahead.

Upcoming Event: Echoes of Peace

Commemorating the International Day of Peace

Join us for Echoes of Peace, a commemorative vigil and "teach-in" designed to bridge historical memory with an urgent commitment to a nuclear weapon-free future. Co-hosted with community partners—including the Edmonton Japanese Community Association—this event marks the moral centerpiece of our year-long movement.

  • Date & Time: Monday, September 21, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

  • Location: TBA, Edmonton

  • Theme: From Remembrance to Action: Pledge for a Peaceful Future


Program Highlights

  • Japanese Drumming by Kita no Taiko and a curated Hiroshima & Nagasaki Poster Exhibit.

  • Academic and community experts, including Hon. Douglas Roche, O.C., discussing the status of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and modern risks of proliferation.

  • Action & Vigil: Paper cranes, a Peace Tree and commitments of an Edmonton Peace Pledge.

Our Enduring Legacy

Through this project, seniors and youth are developing key resources to sustain peace advocacy beyond the funding period:

  • Peace Asset Map: A living directory mapping peace networks across the city.

  • Edmonton Peace Pledge: A public commitment to non-violence, human rights, and nuclear disarmament.

Get Involved: Contact info@jhcentre.org to volunteer or participate in upcoming gatherings.