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...
Mir Lecture Series
Our annual lecture series brings high-calibre speakers to our community for public talks on a wide range of themes related to peace and justice, broadly understood.
Since 2004, we have hosted over 60 speakers, many of international renown, including Raven Sinclair, Seth Klein, Tanya Talaga, Cindy Blackstock, Jesse Thistle, Joy Kogawa, Desmond Cole, Naomi Klein, Chris Hedges, Amy Goodman, Wab Kinew, Lawrence Hill, Wade Davis, Arun Gandhi, Murray Sinclair, Izzeldin Abuelaish, Alex Neve, Hugh Brody, James Orbinski and Stephen Lewis, among others.
Mir Peace Cafés
Mir Peace Cafes offer an interactive, small-audience format for learning and engaging with issues related to peace, conflict-transformation and justice. Sometimes featuring individual presenters or panels, there is always lots of time given over to discussion.
Our first peace cafe of the 2022/23 year is coming up! On October 6, from 7-8:30 pm at the Mir Centre (and on Zoom), join us to discuss our applied research project: Courageous Dialogues: Moving Beyond Polarization. Find out how you can get involved!
Mir Film Series
Films can be a very powerful way to tell inspiring stories about the power of nonviolence and people who have championed social justice and change.
Each year we try to showcase several films, followed by discussions—online, in person or both. Some remain available for your viewing pleasure. Follow this link and stay tuned for more to come!
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
Unarmed Civilian Peacekeeping (or Protection) is a set of new strategies to protect human rights and promote peaceful conflict transformation in Canada and around the world. It comes from Gandhi's idea of Shanti Sena (Sanskrit for "peace army") and is an exciting 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
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.
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, Maggie Matear, Duff Sutherland
Working Circles
- Lecture Series – Morag Carter, Todd Kettner, Leah Lychowyd, Duff Sutherland, JJ Verigin, Sarah James
- Peace Cafes – Allison Alder, Noah Cannon, Aaron Korbacher, Linda Merlo, Sumika Motoki, Pablo Pastor, Jos Sharp
- Community Engagement – Tyler Ballam, Jos Sharp
- Building & Grounds – Bronwyn Krause, Fred Makortoff, Gerry Rempel, Duff Sutherland, Linda Wilkinson, Peter Wood, Shana Rablah
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
