Peace Tree Day is generously supported by a grant from
Welcome to
Peace Tree Day 2011!
I
t is with great pleasure that we welcome all the Peace Tree
Delegates and Ambassadors from across Toronto and from as far
away as Jammu/Kashmir, India. We are delighted that you could
join us for the 6th year celebration of Peace Tree Day, a festival of peace,
diversity and fusion through the arts by children and youth.
Message from Your Host City
I am pleased to extend greetings and a warm welcome
to everyone participating in the 2011 Peace Tree Day
Celebrations in Toronto.
Today you will experience and learn about the many arts and peace
initiatives from different cultures and experience the vibrant Peace Tree
Concert with dances, rhythms and beats from around the world. You
will also have a ‘Taste of Diversity’ at the Peace Tree Stand and learn of
the many ways you can work together to celebrate diversity and create
peaceful communities.
We are very fortunate to live in a country that has become the home to
families from all corners of the world. This gives us the unique
opportunity to share our cultures and learn so much about each
others’ customs, traditions and beliefs in order to develop respect and
create a peaceful society. We hope you will share your experience today
with your friends and soon begin to celebrate the Peace Tree Spirit in
your schools and communities so we can continue to live in peace.
Peace Tree Day is also a time to create unique and innovative ways
through the arts to raise funds for children less fortunate. We thank you
for your donation to WarChild Canada and hope children in other parts
of the world will soon have the chance to also live in peace.
And finally, why has Peace Tree Day been created for and by children?
The answer is simple – You have the most open-minds and the most
imagination! When you are exposed to diversity, the ideas are
endless. We wish you a wonderful experience this Peace Tree Day and
hope you discover many new ways to contribute to society and have fun
as we celebrate our vibrant cultures of peace TOGETHER!
‘If we are to create peace in our world,
we must begin with our children.’
~ Mahatma Gandhi
Organized by the Toronto Peace Tree Committee,
Harmony Movement and the Toronto District School
Board, Peace Tree Day is a festival for children and youth
of all cultures and faiths to celebrate peace, diversity and
fusion of the arts.
Originally inspired by Mitra Sen’s award-winning film
The Peace Tree, Peace Tree Day encourages students to
work together to create new forms of art, fusing dance, music and crafts to reflect
peace and diversity. Student ambassadors will lead panel discussions, intercultural and
interfaith workshops and share their artwork at the event.
This is an excellent opportunity for student participants to interact, explore,
experience and develop peace initiatives that can be used in their schools and
communities and help shape a positive outlook of the world. Funds raised will
support War Child Canada.
On behalf of Toronto City Council, I thank the organizers who made this event
possible and participating students for their enthusiasm. Please accept my best
wishes for an enjoyable and memorable day.
Yours truly,
Rob Ford
Mayor, City of Toronto
Welcome to Peace Tree Day 2011
I would like to extend my warmest greetings to all those attending
the Peace Tree Day celebration organized by the Toronto Peace
Tree Committee, Harmony Movement, and the Toronto District
School Board. On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, I
would like to thank you for your unwavering devotion to Canada –
the open and diverse society we are proudly building together.
Events like this one provide young Canadians the tools to develop
their creativity and an exciting environment where they can learn about diversity,
inclusivity and tolerance. Through their curiosity and ingenuousness, young people
always manage to bring us a new perspective on the Canada of today and provide
us with renewed faith in the future path of the pluralistic society we are building
together, with them.
Canada has always fostered the enthusiasm and resourcefulness of its youth – their
leadership being essential to our future as a thriving nation. Young new Canadians
in particular have always been keen to contribute and reach their full potential in this
land of opportunity.
Helping them achieve their goals is key to our continued social, cultural and
economic prosperity. As Prime Minister Harper noted: “Canadians are rightly proud
of the fact that we are a nation of immigrants, people who have come from all
corners of the earth and who have worked together to build one of the most peaceful
and prosperous nations in human history.”
As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I would like to take
this opportunity to thank the organizers and all the participants for your continued
commitment to Canada’s success as a pluralistic nation.
Best wishes for a wonderful event.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Jason Kenney, PC, MP
Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism
June 1, 2011
1 June 2011
I am pleased to send greetings
to all those gathered for Peace
Tree Day.
Philanthropy – one of the
pillars of my mandate as
governor general – is defined
both as an act of giving and
as a love of humankind. When we give what
we can, whether on a grand scale or through
small acts of kindness, we are, at heart,
philanthropists.
I believe that, together, we can define our
identity by what we show the world and how
we treat those in need. It is up to us to take an
active role in improving the human condition
for all – in Canada and around the globe.
I comment the organizers and volunteers on
their efforts to make this event happen, and I
thank everyone for their contributions to such
an important cause.
I am pleased to extend
greetings to the Harmony
Education Foundation,
as you participate in the
6th year of celebration of
Peace Tree Day.
Since 1994, your
organization has been dedicated to
promoting diversity, combating
discrimination and cultural barriers, and
encouraging youth to become leaders
for social change.
With this special day being a festival of
peace, diversity, and arts through the spirit
of young people, it is appropriate that you
are participating, as 500 student
ambassadors from 75 schools across the
GTA gather for intercultural/interfaith
events, and to view their artworks that
reflect the theme of the day.
As The Queen’s representative in Ontario,
I send my very best wishes for a day filled
with understanding, joy, and peace for all,
now and into the future.
David Johnston
David C. Onley
June 1, 2011
June 1, 2011
On behalf of the
Government of Ontario,
I extend warm greetings to
everyone participating in
Peace Tree Day.
I am delighted to see
so many young people
coming together in celebration of peace,
diversity and artistic expression. This muchanticipated event is an occasion to renew
our collective belief in the values of
tolerance, respect and understanding –
while also raising funds for War Child
Canada.
To the students attending Peace Tree Day:
you are a fine example of how young
people can use their skills and talents
to build bridges, foster co-operation and
transform the world into a better place
for all.
Please accept my best wishes for a great day.
Dalton McGuinty
Premier of Ontario
I bring warm greetings to
everyone participating in
Toronto’s Peace Tree Day
celebrations hosted by
Harmony Movement and
the Toronto District School
Board.
In Ontario we are so fortunate that people
from many cultures live peacefully together.
In fact, diversity is Ontario’s strength. It has
enriched us in many ways – culturally,
socially and economically.
I thank everyone involved in Toronto’s Peace
Tree Day project and please accept my best
wishes for a successful celebration, and for
the future.
Yours truly,
Dr. Eric Hoskins
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
June 1, 2011
June 1, 2011
As Minister of Children
and Youth Services, I am
pleased to extend wam
greetings to all participants,
friends and organizers of
Toronto’s Peace Tree Day.
I would also like to thank the Toronto Peace
Tree Committee, Harmony Movement and
the Toronto District School Board for your
commitment to providing innovative
programs about diversity for chidren and
youth across the Greater Toronto Area.
By encouraging young people of all races,
cultures and faiths to show their creativity
and share ideas with their peers, this festival
celebrates peace and harmony in the best
possible way.
Our government shares your vision of a
province and a world where all children and
youth have the opportunity to grow, learn,
play, dream and reach their full potential.
That is why we continue to work with all
our partners to build a strong, inclusive and
prosperous Ontario.
Please accept my best wishes for a successful
and inspiring event.
Yours truly,
Laurel Broten
Minister of Children and Youth Services
On behalf of the Ministry
of Education, I am pleased
to extend my best wishes to
everyone attending
Toronto’s Peace Tree Day.
I would like to thank the
Toronto Peace Tree Committe, the Harmony
Movement and the Toronto District School
Board for organizing this day that includes
all cultures and faiths in celebrating
understanding and respect among peoples.
I also commend the commitment of the
600 student ambassadors from across the
Greater Toronto Area who are attending
intercultural events and sharing their visions
of peace. Your worthwhile endeavour
should indeed be celebrated.
Once again, I extend my warmest wishes to
you all.
Sincerely,
Leona Dombrowsky
Minister of Education
Peace Tree Day
Schedule
10:00 - 10:30 amStudent Registration
(Main Square)
Decoration of Peace Tree
10:30 - 10:45 amWelcome and Introduction
to Peace Tree Day
(Main Stage)
MCs • Alyna J. Nanji & Jewel Fraser
Opening Ceremony and Blessing
• Gaisheda Kheawok, Peace Elder
10:45 am - 12:45 pm Student-Led Intercultural Workshops
(Main Square and Upper Balcony
behind Stage)
12:45 - 1:00 pmLunch
(Main Stage)
1:00 - 2:00 pm
Peace Tree Concert
(Main Stage • Open to Public)
• Dances and songs reflecting peace,
diversity and fusion by children and
youth from across Toronto
Peace Tree Day
Workshops
Peace Quilt
Afro-Caribbean Dance
e
Sadako and th
anes
1000 Paper Cr
Deaf Culture
and Sign Language
Peace Tree Fusion
Dance
Medicine Wheel...
Peace from
All Directions
uertos
M
s
o
L
e
Dia d Mask Making
n
Mexica
Rangoli
Peace Tree
Symbols
Taste of Diversity and
Peace Tree Stand
Welcome to the
Peace Tree Concert
Guest Speaker • E mma Cosgrove
from WarChild Canada
Lion Dance by Students from Maplewood High School
With origins hidden deep within ancient Chinese lore of the
Jade Emperor, the Lion Dance is intended to ward off evil
spirits and express joy and happiness. Inspired by traditional
lion dance, the Maplewood Lion Dance troupe celebrates the
joy and diversity of Asian culture and the unity of all people
through our performances. The troupe is thrilled to be a part of
this year’s Peace Tree Day celebrations.
Teacher • Jason Kenemy
Imagine by John Lennon
Inglewood Junior Choir
Over the last year, the Inglewood Junior Choir has been
committed to sharing songs that inspire peace, youth activism
and triumph over adversity. The choir had the opportunity to
perfrom at the concert, ‘Keeping the Dream Alive’, at Roy
Thomson Hall held on Martin Luther King Day. It is therefore
fitting that the choir’s final public performance of the year be
two songs that continue with the theme of peace and unity.
We are thrilled to be able to perform both ‘Imagine’ and ‘All
You Need is Love’; two songs that have become anthems of
peace, love and respect. On behalf of the entire Inglewood
Junior Choir, we hope that you enjoy Peace Tree Day 2011 and are
inspired, in the words of John Lennon, to give peace a chance!
Teachers • Matt Ross and Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Special Guest • A
iishwariya Haran
Actor from ‘The Peace Tree’ Film
Cha Cha Cha
by Students from Joy of Dance
Cha Cha Cha was derived from
the Cuban Mambo dance
called Chasse mambo.
It was then named Cha
Cha Cha from the sound of
women’s shoes shuffling across
the floor.
Teacher • Mark Read
Kathak Dancers by Raagini Dance
Kathak is a dance that originated in North India. The name
Kathak is derived from the Sanskrit word katha meaning story,
and katthaka in Sanskrit means she/he who tells a story. The
girls from Raagini Dance will share the dance ‘Shanti’, which
means peace in Hindi and perform Kathak-style movements
praying for world peace.
Teacher • Bageshree Vaze
Welcome to Peace Tree Ambassadors
from Jammu/Kashmir, India
Ayaz Khan, Mushahid Khan, Taranum N. Khan, Altaf Habib
Ogún by Students from Nelson A. Boylen C.I.
Ogún is an Afro-Cuban sacred piece stemming from the
Yoruba ethnic group of Nigeria, West Africa. Ogún is an African
deity representing iron and hard work. He is the patron of all
blacksmiths.
Teacher • Varvareh Hakoub Gourjianrad
All You Need is Love by the Beatles
Inglewood Junior Choir
IMAGINE
Words and Music by John Lennon
Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people living for today, a-ha-ah-ah-ah
Imagina que no hay países (eemaheena kay no i pie-ee-ses)
No es difícil de hacer (no ess deefeesil day assair)
Nada para matar o morir (nada para matar oh moreer)
Y tampoco religión (ee tampohco ray-lee-he-on)
Imagina toda la gente (eemaheena toda la hen-tay)
Viviendo la vida en paz, yoo-hoo-ooh-ooh-ooh (beebeer la beeda en paz)
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope some day you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
Imaginez aucune possession (emajeenay ohkun possession)
Je me demande si vous pouvez (je muh demande see vous pooh-vay)
Un monde sans avarice ou faim (un monde sans av-a-reese ooh fa)
Une fraternité de l’homme (une fra-tern-ee-tay de lum)
Imaginez tous les gens (emajeenay two lay jon)
Partageant tout le monde ... yoo-hoo-ooh-ooh-ooh (partajon two le
monde)
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope some day you’ll join us
And the world will live as one
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE
Words and Music by The Beatles
Love, Love, Love.
Love, Love, Love.
Love, Love, Love.
There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done.
Nothing you can sing that can’t be sung.
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game.
It’s easy.
Nothing you can make that can’t be made.
No one you can save that can’t be saved.
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time.
It’s easy.
All you need is love.
All you need is love.
All you need is love, love.
Love is all you need.
Nothing you can know that isn’t known.
Nothing you can see that isn’t shown.
Nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re
meant to be.
It’s easy.
All you need is love.
All you need is love.
All you need is love, love.
Love is all you need.
Start a Peace Tree Club and
Create a Peace Tree in Your School…
I
n the fall, students can start a Peace Tree Club in their school
in order to organize all the peace and diversity initiatives to
be celebrated throughout the school year. The Peace Tree
Club will run like a mini non-profit organization in the school that
empowers students to utilize their skills and talent in a very
meaningful way to help create a peaceful society. Students can be
assigned positions of responsibility including Artistic Directors,
Treasurers, Web Masters etc., so they are able to understand how
they can utilize the skills they are learning in school in a practical
setting as their outreach will be to the entire community.
As a first activity for the Peace Tree Club, a Peace Tree can be
created for the entire school. Peace Tree Ambassadors can
engage students in every grade to create a symbol of peace for the
school tree. The Peace Tree is a
very important symbol for our
society as it highlights all our
cultures and faiths on one tree
and shares the hope of people
around the world living
together in peace. Now
children in Canada, USA,
England, Scotland, India,
Pakistan, Bahamas, Germany,
United Arab Emirates, Taiwan
and Australia are creating
Peace Trees in their schools.
The following steps
outline how to create
your Peace Tree ...
C
ollect leafless
branches from
around the yard and
plant in a large pot or
planter. Place planter in front foyer,
library or classroom. The tree can range from 4’ to 8’ in height;
however, it should have many small branches to hang the symbols.
A real tree can also be bought so that children can watch as it grows
from year to year. Some students paint a Peace Tree on the wall and
create the symbols out of construction paper. Otherwise you can
contact your local Parks and Recreation and ask them to donate a tree
they have cut down. You can also think of other ways to create your
Peace Tree.
P
eace Tree Ambassadors can inspire every student in the school
to make a symbol from their culture or a peace symbol from their
faith that they would like to share on the school Peace Tree. Students
should research their symbols and share their meaning with the class.
Students can create their symbol out of colourful construction paper
(cut and paste), paper mache, Fimo, foam sheets, sticks etc. Be
imaginative.
S
ymbols from different faiths and cultures can include, the Moon
and the Star from Islam, the Star of David from Judaism, a Diya
from Diwali, the Om from Hinduism, the Cross from Christianity, a Sikh
Khanda, a Kwanzaa Kinara, the Yin Yang from Taoism, a Chinese
Lantern etc. Visit www.peacetreeday.com and click on Peace Tree Day
Kit and then symbols for stencils. Make sure there is a diversity of
symbols represented on the tree to reflect the true meaning of The
Peace Tree – ‘embracing the beauty of every culture and faith to create
peace in our world’.
ach class can go down to the Peace Tree in the foyer/library and
place their symbols on the tree. One class can be responsible for
creating a large origami paper crane to place at the top of the tree as
the paper crane was the inspiration for creating the Peace Tree. Every
class should assign Peace Tree Ambassadors to take care of and
maintain the tree as peace needs to be created and that means the
Peace Tree needs to be taken care of and nurtured. Some schools may
want to create a Peace Tree Centre in the library or turn their guidance
office into the Peace Tree Centre with their Peace Tree, peace books
and music reflecting peace and diversity.
E
T
hroughout the year, as students research different countries,
festivals and cultures, they can add more life and colour to their
Peace Tree with new symbols, so it continues to grow and highlights
the beauty of ‘diversity in unity’. Similarly, the Peace Tree Centre can
have displays of the festivals, famous peace leaders, peace quotes and
many creative reflections of peace and diversity. Please visit
http://peacetreespirit.blogspot.com to see images of Peace Tree
Ambassadors at work to create their Peace Tree Centre.
B
y the end of the school year, the Peace Tree will be adorned with
ornaments, symbols and messages from all our diverse cultures and
faiths and be truly reflective of the children in the school and what they
have learned through the year.
T
o celebrate the learning over the year and as a culminating
|activity, the Peace Tree Club can organize their school and
community’s Peace Tree Day celebration on June 1st every year. Peace
Tree Ambassadors in the Peace Tree Club can begin planning Peace Tree
Day from January and brainstorm creative peace initiatives including
dances and music that blend concepts from different cultures and
conduct workshops like ‘Paper Cranes for Peace’, ‘Mehndi Mela’,
‘Peace Tree Dance Fusion’ etc.). They can also create a Peace Tree Stand
where students sell drinks from different cultures in order to raise funds
for children in war torn countries. On this day children can also dress up
in clothes from their cultures or a culture other than their own, greet
each other in a different language, play music from different cultures
and bring in clothes and old toys to give to underprivileged children.
Please visit www.peacetreeday.com to see the many ways to celebrate
Peace Tree Day.
O
nce your Peace Tree and Peace Tree Centre have been created in
your school please send a photo to [email protected], so we
can post it on our site at www.peacetreeday.com.
Peace Tree Day at Home…
A
t home, children can create a mini Peace Tree and add a new symbol
yearly. Every year children and their families can choose a culture
to research, learn about and celebrate. In addition to reading stories,
listening to music and creating art from this culture, families and friends
can get together to cook a meal or go to a restaurant and enjoy food
from the chosen culture. It’s wonderful if you can find a friend from your
chosen culture and learn about their traditions and customs over a nice
dinner together.
It is our hope that Peace Tree Day will be celebrated in cities around
the world as it is a festival when people of all cultures and faiths can
celebrate peace and diversity TOGETHER!
‘The Peace Tree…on our own we glitter
…TOGETHER WE SHINE!’
When the power of love overcomes the love of power,
the world will know peace.
~ Jimi Hendrix
‘We all should know that diversity makes for a rich
tapestry, and we must understand that all threads
are equal in value, no matter what their colour.’
~ Maya Angelou
‘I dream of the day when my four little children will
grow up in a land where they will not be judged by
the colour of their skin, but by the content of their
character.’
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
‘Even as a tree has a single trunk, but many branches
and leaves, there is one religion – human religion
– but any number of faiths.’
~ Mahatma Gandhi
‘Every kind of peaceful cooperation among people is
primarily based on mutual trust.’
~ Albert Einstein