The Canadian Peace Museum is showing off its new renovations later today as it holds a soft launch while at the same time educating the public about Rohingya culture.
Poetry, music, a documentary screening and a photography exhibit are included.
The United Nations has described the Rohingya as one of the world’s most persecuted minorities. The Muslim group have historically lived in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
Museum Executive Director Chris Houston said it will be a learning opportunity for the community.
“It’s a community people don’t really get to hear about. One of the beautiful things about the Peace Museum in a place like Bancroft is the opportunity to let people hear from people they don’t normally get to hear from. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Rohingya event in Bancroft before.”
He added the museum was gifted the building just over one year ago and the renovations were done to turn a former industrial building into a museum space.
“It happened because we had a lot of volunteers roll up their sleeves. We had one wonderful woman pay for a carpenter’s labour for three weeks, and we have received some grants. It has been a combination of people donating time and money and the kindness of the community.”
The free event starts at 4 p.m. and will include opening remarks by museum co-founders, and the main hall will feature a peace poster exhibit and stories about global solidarity.
