News

By Marlene Epp, Professor of History and Peace and Conflict Studies

Marlene Epp is a professor of history and peace and conflict studies at Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo. She lives, works, and plays on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Attawandaron, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples.

It is somewhat ironic that the Land Back Camp underway at Victoria Park is just a short walk from the Schneider Haus on Queen Street.

The Land Back Camp is where a group of local Indigenous activists began occupying a small area of the park on National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21). They are claiming land that was a traditional meeting ground for Indigenous peoples, used for trade, ceremony, and relationship building. The land was taken away by white colonizers and settlers, but in 1784 the Haldimand Tract (10 kilometres on each side of the Grand River from end to end) was granted by the British to the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations), to support them in perpetuity.

Lowell Ewert, Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo, has been honoured with one of the four UWaterloo 2020 Distinguished Teacher Awards. This award celebrates exemplary instructors with a record of teaching excellence over an extended period. In addition to intellectual rigour, criteria for the award include impact beyond the classroom, concern for students, and a favourable and lasting influence on students and colleagues.

In the Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) Department, we continue to follow the new wave of protests and movements for racial justice occurring across the United States. As a Department we recognize that events of racism, and systemic and structural violence are not something that simply happen ‘over there’.

By Margie McCloskey, 4th Year PACS and Political Science Student

By Michelle Jackett

Michelle Jackett is a graduate of the Peace and Conflict Studies program (BA ’11) and holds an MA in Conflict Transformation, specializing in Restorative Justice (‘13). She currently works as Coordinator of the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement and teaches Restorative Justice for PACS.

Did you know caterpillars turn to goop inside their cocoons before becoming butterflies? I learned this fun fact from Rebecca Solnit in her recent article “’The impossible has already happened': what coronavirus can teach us about hope.” More than a fun fact, the caterpillar’s transformation is an analogy.

By Rachel Reist, PACS Undergraduate Academic and Administrative Officer & Internship Coordinator

Academic advisors at UWaterloo are often the first point of contact for students who are concerned about their mental health but not sure where to go or what to do. What I have found to be the best technique in my advising practice over the last six years is “shut up and listen.”

Facilitating engaging classes is just one of the ways that Lowell Ewert cares for and supports students in achieving their goals. Lowell is Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo. Originally a lawyer, he researches the ways that peace interacts with human rights, law, and civil society.

Congratulations on completing the Winter 2020 term! For some of you an extra special congratulations are in order for completing your degree! How exciting!

How is everyone doing? 

This weeks newsletter we have some exciting job opportunities, articles we think may interest you, an essay writing contest, and some great resources to help with working at home! 

Students who take courses with Jennifer Ball appreciate her active example of what it means to live peaceably. Jennifer is Assistant Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo. She holds a Doctorate in Rural Studies with a focus on Sustainable Rural Communities. Her research stretches across women’s community-based peacebuilding, Circle practice, and community development. Jennifer is known by her students as someone who, as Charity Nonkes explained, “not only teaches the course concepts, but also embodies them.”

Hi PACS! How is everyone doing? You've almost made it to the end of Winter 2020, hang in there you're doing great!

This weeks newsletter we have some exciting job opportunities, articles we think may interest you, an essay writing contest, and some great resources to help with working at home! 

Just because we are social distancing doesn't mean we can't still  talk! We miss seeing your faces on campus and want to keep in touch in the best way we know how... social media! Make sure you are following @pacsuwaterloo on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! We have been having lots of fun going into the lives of PACS students, and graduates, through takeovers on Instagram!