The Atlantic Canada Peace Run officially began with a run into Peace and Friendship Park in the centre of Halifax.
We are so grateful to everyone who came to be a part of the opening ceremony.
We began the ceremony with a land acknowledgement. The Peace Run this year is taking place on the ancestral, unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqey, and Peskodomuhkati peoples. These regions are covered by the historic Treaties of Peace and Friendship.
Grahak, our team member from Australia, introduced the team and spoke about the background of the run.
Richard Simon Taylor sang a powerful and moving rendition of the Mi'kmaq Honour Song, a highlight of the ceremony this morning.
The Honourable Brendan Maguire, Minister of Education, offered some inspiring words; "I believe that Peace starts in our communities, it starts with little acts of kindness and it starts with realising that we have more that brings us together than divides us."
Councillor Laura White offered some heartfelt words; "Peace is not just an idea but it's an ongoing commitment...welcome to Peace and Friendship Park, this place reflects both our history and our ongoing responsibility to build understanding, strengthen relationships and support one another."
Raif Wilson is Medur's brother who lives in Halifax, he held the torch and offered his own reflections on peace.
Annie Noh and Janice Amirault held the torch together.
Carl Pomeroy from CTV Atlantic interviewed a few team members.
Our local coordinator, Sarita, invited some of her fellow vendors from The Halifax Brewery Farmer's Market.
We took a few moments of silent reflection to dream of a peaceful world.
Medur did a quick torch refuel.
Laura led the way with the first few steps of our run through downtown Halifax, before hopping on her bicycle and riding back to work.
Janice carried the torch the rest of the way to Province House.
We had a quick stop in front of Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
The Honourable Leah Martin, M.L.A. greeted the team outside. She is the first Mi'kmaw person to be elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly.
MLA Martin offered us kind words of encouragement for our run!
The team really enjoyed this brief but uplifting meeting.
Oliveria, our team member from Mexico -who also happens to be our shortest- had her picture taken with the MLA who, to no one's surprise, was a basketball player for Dalhousie Tigers!
Even in high heels, she could not resist running a few steps for peace (meanwhile, some of us struggle to even walk in heels!)
Our dedicated Nova Scotia coordinator, Sarita, arranged for this meeting.
Ready to run!
Rasajna, from Slovakia, ran her first few kilometers along the highway just outside of Halifax.
We ran on the boardwalk toward Prospect Road Elementary School in Brookside.
Then the kids caught a glimpse of us and began wildly cheering!
Anvita, from Toronto, told everyone all about the run.
Then it was time to pass the torch!
They keep a beautiful tulip garden at the school.
Adarini, from Switzerland, cooled off after her run! She loved the scenic waterfront route.
The final destination of the day was Peggy's Cove, the run on the way there was breathtakingly beautiful.
We met some really nice people who were eager to hold the torch.
Mindy and Greg from the U.S.A. had seen some team members earlier that day and snapped a shot...
...which they kindly shared with us!
Contemplating on the rocks...
...and then collapsing!
Carving out some new friendships along the way!
This will be a highly chair-ished photo from today.
Diana, our new pal, is originally from Honduras but lives here now.
The perfect end to a wonderful first day!
"Only the Peace-Dreamers, Peace-Lovers and Peace-Servers can transform the world" -Sri Chinmoy
