Selkirk College Peace Study Students Open Up Conversation Through Exhibit
By Bob Hall
Students in the Peace & Justice Studies Program at Selkirk College are inviting the public to an exploration into the importance of nonviolent resistance.
One of the regional college’s most unique programs, the two-year Peace & Justice Studies Program allows learners to delve into building cultures of peace through interdisciplinary study and conflict analysis. The program currently has 47 students enroled, the highest since it was launched in 2008.
On November 15 and 16 at the Castlegar Campus, students are inviting the public to a special exhibit titled “Violence: A Love Story Through Peace Studies.” There will be poster presentations, displays, videos and games that will provide information and spark discussion.
“The purpose of this exhibit is to open up the conversation on the utility of violence to solve our ‘big picture’ problems,” says Randy Janzen, a Peace & Justice Program instructor since 2010. “Canada’s increasing military budget speaks to mainstream discourse that either we respond militarily to violence and threats, or do nothing at all.”
Students have been tasked with going beyond superficial news stories to critically examine the latest research.
“This exhibit explores dozens of case studies to show where nonviolent tactics have been successful – even at toppling the most brutal of dictators,” says Janzen. “We need to expand our toolbox and seek evidence-based solutions to create peace and justice. This is becoming even more critical as military operations are one of the greatest contributors to greenhouse gases.”
The student exhibit will take place in The Pit (main entry) on the Castlegar Campus starting on November 15 (3 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and November 16 (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.). Everyone is invited to attend.
Learn more about the Selkirk College Peace & Justice Studies Program at: selkirk.ca/peace-and-justice-studies.
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