COLD LAKE – The Cold Lake Native Friendship Center brought the community together at the Indigenous side of the Cold Lake Museums on July 25 to celebrate the second annual Day of Peace, a cultural event rooted in Indigenous teachings, Mayan tradition, and a vision for global harmony.
The gathering featured music, bannock on a stick, hamburgers, hot dogs, desserts, and refreshments. Attendees were also encouraged to bring artwork and songs - personal or cultural – in the spirit of sharing and healing.
After visiting Peru several times, Agnes Gendron, executive director of the Cold Lake Native Friendship Centre, said she learned about the Mayan calendar, and how some believe that following the Mayan calendar would mean “peace on Earth.”
According to the Mayan calendar, July 24 marks the end of the year, while July 25 is recognized as the Day of Knots, a time of reflection and unity.
“They call it the day of knots because if you multiply 28 times 13, it makes 364 days in a year,” Gendron shared.
“For peace, for culture, for showing your art. This is a cultural day on the 25th of July. And the 26th of July is the New Year,” she added.
Gendron believes it’s important to celebrate this time.
“We have to celebrate the Day of Peace because there’s so much dysfunction in our communities and there’s so much dysfunction around the world right now,” she said.
She expressed heartbreak over the suffering in Gaza, questioning the lack of compassion as civilians face starvation and violence.
“It’s just so sad that all these things are happening around the world. Neighbours are attacking each other.”
For Gendron, preserving traditional values and community care is central to building peace.
“Our cultural way was always to look after one another. That was the big thing . . . There was no such thing as an old folks home, or no such thing as a mental home. The community looked after each other. The families looked after the old folks when they get older.”
She hopes this annual gathering of peace continues to grow.
“I want to keep that up and keep that going - sharing and caring and helping each other and looking after one another in the community. I think that’s what I want to do.”
Local singer and songwriter Amanda Gendron performed during the event, and attendees were also encouraged to express themselves through music and culture.
