Conflict Resolution Corografia Recalls Ukrainian Dance Steppes
Introduction: the Humanitarian Cognitive Journeys of MJB and Riverbend YEG-GA
The carving Riverbend YEG-GA recalls the name of the childhood neighborhood in Edmonton of MJB, now a graduate student at the London School of Economics and Political Science engaged in the advanced study of international humanitarian issues. Before she journeyed to the United Kingdom, MJB had already made a mark on the greater Edmonton community by helping immigrants navigate the complexities of the federal court system of Canada. During her undergraduate Arts studies in Edmonton, MJB helped found the Gihon Women Empowerment Program, an organization devoted to promoting the interests of women and children found with communities dotting the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. The School of One Carver also learned that M.J.B.'s cosmopolitan and humanitarian interests were also informed by her commitment to features of her own heritage, and for several years she was a member of the Cheremosh, a highly successful Ukrainian dance troupe well known within the Western Canadian cultural landscape and abroad.
The notion of connecting the local to the international, especially with respect to understanding the deep-seated Canadian commitment to International Peace and Global humanitarian concerns, seemed to buttress the "everyday journeys" of the carving Riverbend YEG-GA and M.J.B. The unassuming stone for this carving was quarried somewhere near the Southern edge of the ribbon of asphalt known as Highway 16 in a curious venue located slightly West of Edmonton. Riverbend YEG-GA is dedicated to female students of Modern Political Economy who continue to dedicate a significant amount of their time to educational and health programs for women and their children on the Global stage. Meanwhile, at least one of the vignettes found below underline M.J.B.'s commitment to educating the larger "Global Public" about the intricacies and importance of International Conflict Resolution, a commitment certainly consistent with Canadian values at home and abroad.
Account Received: May 3, 2017
Dublin Royal Chapel
The Royal Chapel, the official church of Ireland until 1922, opened on Christmas Day 1814. Nestled in the middle of Dublin, the church is next door to the 13th-century Dublin Castle, thus providing visitors a intriguing comparison of architecture styles. The intricate Gothic Revival style of the church showcases the evolution of building decorations, clearly distinguishable from the earlier and sparse decorations of the castle. Across the paved courtyard in front of the castle is a modern office building which really demonstrates the seemingly endless interplay between "the new" and "the old" within the urban landscape of Dublin. The church replaced a previous one that had structural issues due caused by its construction upon the soft ground which was previously the location of the castle moat. Trying to imagine a moat where buildings now stand was a challenge, but a worthwhile exercise, one which helps us appreciate the changes historic cities undergo over time.
Riverbend YEG-GA Helps Recall Tuscany
San Donato in Poggio, a picturesque Italian village tucked deep into the Tuscan hills, is surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. This picturesque venue is exactly what one would imagine when Tuscany comes to mind. Located just a twenty-minute drive from the bustling city of Florence, it is an incredible contrast to the city's pace of life. The local grocery store in the centre of the small town was closed everyday from 1:00 until 4:00PM so the employees could have a relaxing break. While this everyday experience would be hardly thought about by the residents of the Italian countryside, the routine fascinated our group of Canadians, none of whom seemingly ever have had such a luxury within their own "everyday" experiences. The afternoon break certainly encapsulates the relaxing quality of life in this region of Italy. Tuscany is made up of beautiful rolling hills that provide breaktaking vistas from a variety of different venues found throughout the region. After living in downtown London for the last eight months, I immediately noticed the clean and crisp air. And while I was there, I certainly did not miss "the habitual clouds" Londoners accept as part of their daily regimen.
Accounts Received: February 14, 2017
The Broken Chair, Geneva
For millions of people around the Globe, concerns of mines and cluster bombs are now an “everyday” preoccupation. Remnants of the wars of the 20th century are still scattered all over the World in the form of deadly uncontrollable explosives. In addition to landscapes littered with mines and military “paraphernalia” from historic conflicts, armed groups all over the Earth continue to lay new explosives. Mines and cluster bombs kill indiscriminately; soldiers, civilians, and children are all equal targets and casualties. Although many parts of the planet have been cleaned and swept of mines, many places continue to be neglected by the powers that originally laid the weapons. The Broken Chair monument in Geneva is intended to raise awareness about the everyday dangers that millions of people around the World continue to face. The moment when I took this photo of Riverbend YEG-GA with this important monument provided me with an opportunity to reflect upon how lucky I am not to have to worry about my own personal safety when I walk routinely to and from school everyday, a luxury which many people still cannot enjoy.
The Limmat River, Zürich
The Limmat River runs peacefully through the historic Swiss city of Zürich, and after flowing under one final bridge it widens to its final destination in beautiful Lake Zürich. Small cafes and shops line both sides of the river and prove to be perfect for grabbing an “everyday coffee”, or meeting the dietary needs of a hungry tourist. Most of the buildings in this Swiss city are under five stories in height, and this also allows for easy viewing of the incredible green spire of the Fraumünster Church, seen here across the river behind Riverbend YEG-GA. This church draws tourists from all around the World because of its incredible stained glass windows. As I made my way across the river towards the famous spire I noticed four different pairs of brides and grooms outside the church, most likely waiting for their turn inside. I am sure multiple weddings per day are an everyday experience for people that live in and around such a beautiful building and historic landmark.
Account Received: January 23, 2017
Millenium Footbridge and St. Paul's Cathedral
I have been fortunate enough to call this sight found here an “everyday experience” since moving to London. Each day I walk along the river from my residence in London's Southbank to school, comfortably situated in what locals call “the City”. The expansive and powerful river offers something unique everyday, whether I consider the multitudes of boats or the splashes caused by changing currents. The typical grey city skies are a perfect backdrop to take a photo celebrating some “classic” London scenery. From the vantage of “just the right spot” on the Southbank you can see perfectly where old meets new. The London Millennium Footbridge opened in 2000 to celebrate the beginning of the next 1,000 years. As seen here, the bridge also seamlessly connects the historic horizon to St. Paul’s Cathedral, an important landmark that dates back to the 17th century. Often, the bridge is lined with tourists attempting to capture both the modern bridge and the historic cathedral in one skillful “selfie”. I will freely admit that during my first weeks in London I could not resist taking such a photo.