The “Walk for Peace” took place as part of Nuit Blanche on September 27. This is the third year that it has taken place as part of this celebration of art, music, and other cultural performances in Winnipeg’s Exchange District. More than 20 community organizations endorsed the Walk.
Combining art, song and poetry, about 100 people took the message of opposition to militarism and the increasing danger of war through the streets filled with people taking in the festivities of Nuit Blanche. The Walk began with Peace Alliance Executive member Sarah Borbridge speaking of the urgent need for people to organize against the militarism and war preparations of the Canadian government. She highlighted the cost to social programs and other needs that is diverted to military spending. She also spoke about the genocide in Gaza and the failure of the Canadian government to take any meaningful action on this.
Before the Walk got underway recognition was made of three activists who recently passed away: Nicholas Palmer, Stan Rossowski and Marguerite Warner. Their contributions, energy and dedication to the cause of peace, ending injustice and war will be missed.
The Walk made five stops. Two featured poetry readings, one a performance of anti-war songs, at another a scroll was unrolled with marks representing those killed in Gaza, and the last stop a song against the genocide in Gaza to the tune “Sweet Caroline” was sung by participants.
Planning for the Walk began in early summer and brought together a committee of volunteers which undertook the preparations. If you want to be part of this contact the Peace Alliance Winnipeg at peacealliancewinnipeg@gmail.com