Mir Centre for Peace
Promoting Learning and Dialogue in Our Community
Click on our buttons below to discover Mir Centre for Peace education, events and workshops. Be inspired to get involved...
Fundraiser for Ukraine
Statement on Ukraine Crisis
The Mir Centre for Peace strongly condemns Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. It is a dangerous and blatant violation of the UN Charter. We stand with the people of Ukraine who have already suffered great losses and are demonstrating even greater courage as they endure violence and resist occupation.
Resources for the Ukraine Crisis
The following resources are provided for the benefit of those wanting perspectives we may not see or hear of on the nightly news. This is a selection and will change as the situation changes.
Truth & Justice Speaker Series: Dr. Raven Sinclair
At Dislocation and Disruption: Reconciling the Forced Removal of Children during the Sixties Scoop, Dr. Raven Sinclair provided insight and analysis of the Sixties Scoop as a hidden aspect of Canadian history.
This event was presented in partnership with Indigenous Services.
Mir Peace Café: Divestment
Please view the recordings of our interactive online conversation on the ethical and financial dimensions of divestment, strategic considerations, responsible reinvestment and justice for workers in an energy transition.
Expert participants included Kenzie Harris (Banking on a Better Future), Bruce Wilson (Iron & Earth), Joe Reid (Vancity), Eva Hernandez and Amy Bell (West Kootenay Boundary Community Investment Co-op), and Thomas Holloway (Genus Capital).
Mir Film Series: A Bold Peace
In March, we offered a free film series on the power of non-violent action to stop wars and transform conflict. We are happy to share the links to those films and recordings of the very interesting post-film discussions we had on Zoom.
Applied Research: Moving Beyond Polarization
The Mir Centre is leading a three-year applied research project called Courageous Dialogues: Moving Beyond Polarization. We are learning about how polarization is affecting our communities and developing tools and interventions for overcoming it. Click here to learn more about our work, our partners and the aims of this ambitious and exciting participatory research project.
Peace & Justice Studies
Earn a Liberal Arts Diploma in Peace & Justice Studies by studying nonviolence, social movements, civil resistance, conflict analysis, conflict transformation, environmental justice, international development, human rights, restorative justice and leadership for peace...
Unarmed Civilian Peacekeeping
Learn new strategies to protect human rights and promote peaceful conflict transformation in Canada and around the world. Support Gandhi's idea of Shanti Sena (Sanskrit for "peace army") by becoming part of the growing global movement for nonviolent change.
Our History
The Mir Centre for Peace vision began in 1966 when Selkirk College inherited the buildings and site, but the rich history of this magnificent piece of land and the people who have lived here, stretches back for centuries.
Learn More
Team Mir 2021-2022
- Dean – Allison Alder
- Chair – Jennie Barron
- Administrative Assistant – Caroline Barabonow
Mir Advisory Council
- Community members – Fred Makortoff, Sumika Motoki, Gerry Rempel, Jos Sharp, JJ Verigin, Linda Wilkinson
- Internal college members - Sarah James, Todd Kettner, Leah Lychowyd, Pablo Pastor, Shana Rablah
- Student member - Greg Elliott
- Ex-officio members - Allison Alder, Rhys Andrews, Angus Graeme, Duff Sutherland
Working Circles
- Lecture Series – Morag Carter, Todd Kettner, Leah Lychowyd, Duff Sutherland, JJ Verigin
- Peace Cafes – Allison Alder, Noah Cannon, Aaron Korbacher, Linda Merlo, Sumika Motoki, Pablo Pastor, Toinya Sammartino, Jos Sharp
- Community Engagement – Tyler Ballam, Sarah James, Aaron Korbacher, Fred Makortoff, Shana Rablah, Jos Sharp
- Building & Grounds – Bronwyn Krause, Fred Makortoff, Gerry Rempel, Duff Sutherland, Linda Wilkinson, Peter Wood
To book or rent the Mir Centre, please contact Campus Facilities Coordinator Melanie Perepolkin or Event Services Coordinator Gina Seki. To inquire about booking the arbour and firepit, please use our online form.
In the News
To tackle daunting social and environmental problems, respectful collaboration among diverse perspectives is key. A project led by a research team at Selkirk College aims to find effective strategies to move beyond intense differences to better meet our common goals.
An autumn blaze maple tree will grow deep roots in front of the Mir Centre for Peace on the Selkirk College Castlegar Campus as tribute to a man who made a lasting impact on the region and beyond.
What People are Saying
