Solstice peace talks

Photo: Contributed

Penticton's Shatford Centre is inviting people to focus on world peace during the winter solstice on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

This is the first time it has combined peace talks with its annual celebration of the shortest day and longest night of the year.

"I feel really enthusiastic about this. It feels like the thing to do because we want people to discuss these important things," said centre executive director Jane Shaak.

Tradition sees people meet at Pen Henge atop Munson Mountain and head to the Shatford Centre afterwards for warm beverages and conversation about solstice celebrations.

On Wednesday, Dr Chris Purton, PhD Astronomy, will hold a talk around 4 p.m. to kick off the event.

There will be some references to how different cultures celebrate solstice around the world, which includes Christmas.

Norberto Rodriguez will talk about the exhibit and his passion for being a political/social artist. His main themes are human suffering, violence and destruction of Mother Earth.

The peace talks start at 5 p.m., with speakers including Randy Janzen, director of the Mir Peace Centre at Selkirk College in Castlegar, and JJ Verigin, executive director of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ.

Janzen has previously been involved with Christian peacemaker teams in Israel and Palestine.

Verigin has been actively involved in various initiatives related to peace and justice, the environment and humanitarian work.

Paul Crawford, the curator of the Penticton Art Gallery, will also be speaking.

This event is by donation, which is suggested to be $10 and $20 for families.