PAW members at the Manitoba Social Sciences Teachers’ Association (MSSTA) professional development day in late October. (l-r) Ivan Pankratz, Rachel Reesor-Taylor and Candice Bodnaruk
by Candice Bodnaruk
In the lead up to Remembrance Day, members of Peace Alliance Winnipeg hosted an information table and discussion at the Manitoba Social Sciences Teachers’ Association (MSSTA) professional development day in late October.
PAW has been participating in the event for the past several years.
This year’s theme was (Un)Settling History: Teaching and Thinking Historically in the Age of Neutrality and focused on how histories are constructed and whose perspectives are centred.
Organizers led a presentation for teachers on the history of the white poppy, past and present controversies, and its continued relevance today. Participants were clearly engaged with the topic and interested in working with PAW in the future.
Members also distributed white poppies at the event and spoke to teachers about the significance of the iconic anti-war symbol.
Peace Alliance Winnipeg has led two white poppy presentations at Ecole Dugald School for elementary students in recent years, and is excited to expand the white poppy conversation to Winnipeg schools.
If you want your own white poppy, there are a variety of options to make or buy them. Visit https://peacepoppies.ca/lapel-poppies/.