Peace Days was inspired by the Rotary World Peace Partners in 2010. Peace Days grew out of a desire to celebrate the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, designated as September 21st each year. In 2010, Winnipeg celebrated with a Concert for Peace, where music was the medium to communicate the importance of working toward a more peaceful and compassionate society. Peace Days evolved, and in 2015 became a two week-long festival with community events spanning from September 11 through to the International Day of Peace on September 21. Last year, from September 11-21, 2018, Peace Days celebration included a diverse, stimulating program of events throughout Winnipeg to appeal to all ages.

The Sai Center of Winnipeg actively participated in the celebrations; where we were invited to the screening of the documentary, “First contact” on Indigenous People on September 11, 2018. The president and secretary of the Sai Centre attended the function. It was an eye opener to know about the peace-loving communities in the reserves in Northern Manitoba.

On September 16, 2018, Winnipeg Sai Center hosted a presentation and group meditation session as part of the Peace day celebration. More than 50 people participated in this session. This was an important outreach program for the center. There was a presentation on how group meditation can help bring in peace in the community. Followed by that all the attendees participated in the “one minute for peace” meditation session which involved many people meditating all over Canada at the same time.