Walking Together for Peace
September 8, 2024 – September 21, 2024
Pugwash to Halifax
“We have to learn to think in a new way. We have to learn to ask ourselves, not what steps can be taken to give military victory to whatever group we prefer, for there no longer are such steps; the question we have to ask ourselves is: what steps can be taken to prevent a military contest of which the issue must be disastrous to all parties?”
— Russell Einstein Manifesto, 1955
Our Journey
From September 8th to 21st, 2024, communities across Nova Scotia came together for the Walking Together for Peace initiative — a 200-kilometer journey from Pugwash to Halifax. This walk supported the abolition of nuclear weapons worldwide, called on Canada to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), and promoted the vision to Decolonize, Decarbonize, Demilitarize.
Our Roots in History
The peace walk drew inspiration from the Pugwash Conference of 1957, where scientists, inspired by the Russell–Einstein Manifesto, gathered to oppose nuclear weapons at the height of the Cold War. This year’s walk reawakened the Pugwash story, renewing Canada’s legacy in international disarmament and the urgent need for commitment today.
Walking Through Mi’kma’ki
Sharing local Mi’kmaq history and African Nova Scotian experiences with participants was essential. Peace means understanding decolonization, reconciliation, and reparations, and supporting innovative possibilities such as land trusts in African Nova Scotian communities.
The People Who Walked
From beginning to end we were accompanied, smudged, prayed for, and guided by grassroots Mi’kmaq Water Protectors — Doreen Bernard, Marian Nickolas, Amy Maloney, and Darleen Gilbert. A diverse community of youth, peace advocates, ecological activists, and Gandhian Peace Walkers from India joined the full route. Local residents also walked beside them, creating a living network of solidarity.
Education
High school visits, organized by Lia Holla, Executive Director of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, brought nuclear disarmament discussions to Pugwash HS and Auburn Drive HS. Stories were shared by Peace Walkers from India, British Columbia, and Syria. Mi’kmaq water grandmother Doreen Bernard led a water ceremony.
Elementary visits by Raging Grannie and peace walker Kathrin Winkler reached Wallace Elementary, Enfield Elementary, and Le Marchand in Halifax, with presentations including Buddhist monks, an Indigenous educator, and Gandhian walkers. Over 100 letters from students to the Prime Minister were later presented to Senator Marilou MacPhedran.
Community Connections
Community members generously hosted dinners, including the Maritime Sikh Society, Vedanta Ashram Society, Maggie’s Place in Truro, Brahma Kumari friends in Carroll’s Corners, and Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Dartmouth. The Ummah Mosque in Halifax welcomed the walkers on the last day.
The DownTheMarsh Land Trust blessing was a highlight, celebrating justice and peace through historic community rebuilding for African Nova Scotians.
Sharing Stories of Activism
- Rajagopal P.V. and Dr. Jill Carr-Harris shared peace work in India, enabling Zoom conversations with Peace Walkers there.
- Dr. Joy Masura shared her family’s experience as Japanese Canadians during WWII.
- Ann Verrall’s film with Elder Phyllis Googoo, “Phyllis and the Lady Bugs,” was screened during the Shubenacadie visit.
Gratitude
We thank the individuals, churches, community centres, and groups who supported this journey, including:
- Canadian Voice of Women for Peace
- WILPF Canada
- Jai Jagat International
- Science for Peace
- Canadian Pugwash Group
- International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War Canada
- ICAN
- Peace Quest
- Reverse The Trend
- Nova Scotia Voice of Women for Peace
Voices from the Walk
Kathrin Winkler: “You can’t aspire to global peace without local justice and peace. In Nova Scotia, that means connecting to Mi’kmaw history and African Nova Scotian struggles.”
Lia Holla: “Really cool about this walk is that it’s co-led by Mi’kmaq grassroots grandmothers… The movement for nuclear disarmament is led primarily by Indigenous leaders.”
