Canada

As each of the markers finds it way to their intended nation, their individual history begins to reveal new and unique intimations to the shape of that most elusive of human desires —peace.

Peace Marker Canada found its home in Newfoundland where the natural beauty is only matched by the resilience of its inhabitants.

Among them are newcomers from the United States, my dear friend Melissa Martin, who is the co-designer of the Peace Coin, her husband and their three children. They moved to Newfoundland to run the family's Spruce Pine Acres Country Inn. spacres@spa.nf.ca.

The Martin Family portrait in New Foundland

Soon after, Melissa met artist Lloyd Pretty and was impressed by his landscape paintings of his beloved Newfoundland. I was impressed as well and honored to accept her nomination of Mr. Pretty as the WPMP Ambassador to Canada.

"Good Ole Days" by Lloyd pretty

Preparations continued and a permanent place for Peace Marker Canada was found and approved by the local authorities of Port au Port. Mayor Brian Bennett spearheaded the effort. Meanwhile Stephen Martin and Justin Budden worked on the Peace Marker's pedestal. They chose to make it out of wood to blend with the traditional architecture and culture of the island.

From left, Justin Budden and Stephen Martin celebrate the completion of the Pedestal for Peace Marker Canada.

Back in Cape Coral, Florida the marker was fabricated and engraved. Cape Coral Mayor Arnold Kempe released his message for Port au Port Mayor Brian Bennett. I packaged the whole thing and my friends at DHL Express made the pickup and delivered Peace Marker Canada to Newfoundland.

On June 20, 2004 Peace Marker Canada was unveiled at a wonderful scenic location on Route 460 at the crossing onto the Port au Port peninsula at Gravels Walking Trail.

From Left to right, War Veteran Mr. Richard Alexander, Senator Ethel Cochrane, Mayor Mr. Brian Bennett, WPMP's Ms. Melissa Martin, WPMP Ambassador Mr. Lloyd Pretty, RCMP Staff Sergeant Sandy Archibald and PC legislature Member Mr. Jim Hodder.

Article on the Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador,

Members in the News

Members in the News Details

Newfoundland Designated Point of Peace #4 - January 20, 2005

The Worldwide Peace Marker Project (WPMP) takes another step closer to completing the largest collaborative work of art in the history of humanity.

WPMP is 'dedicated to all the people of the world,' states Tiité Baquero, creator of the project. In a time where the colour of our skin and religious beliefs are the centerpiece for war, unrest and discrimination in many parts of the world, WPMP is a project whose time has come. WPMP is a work of art with the mission of establishing peace as an aesthetic idea with dimension, physical energy and greater conscious and spiritual significance.

In all of Canada, the Canadian Peace Marker will be placed in Newfoundland in Port au Port West, designating it Point of Peace #4 on earth. An artist, native to the receiving country, must receive the Peace Marker, designating him/her as the Peace Marker Ambassador. Artist Lloyd Pretty is the Peace Marker Ambassador to Canada. After careful thought, Lloyd Pretty chose Port au Port West out of the many places throughout the country as an ideal location for Peace Marker Canada. In addition, Peace Coin is an integral part of WPMP and Peace Coin Headquarters are being established in Port au Port West. Only one Peace Marker will be placed in each respective 198 countries throughout the world.

Almost a year later, on May 11, 2005 Melissa Martin writes to share the news that 8th graders at the St. Thomas of Aquinas School in Port au Port, New Foundland were asked WPMP facts during a recent test.

Shortly after, a group of students visited the Peace Marker Canada during a recent field trip. Melissa was at a nearby store at the time and with a borrowed camera in hand she rushed to document the moment.

The St. Thomas of Aquinas School field trip to Peace Marker Canada in Port au Port in Newfoundland.

Photo by Melissa Martin.

Sometimes simplicity is complicated, there was a lot of work done to complete Peace Marker Canada and everyone did a grand job, there are a number of people who contributed to this effort that are not named at present but will soon be named as the information is obtained. I'm very thankful for the privilege to work with you, as your example is what nourishes my resolve to complete the project, our project.

Peace Marker Canada was made in Cape Coral, Florida. At the Waltzing Waters Inc. fabricating facilities by Jeff Elliott and engraved at the TK Machine Inc. facilities by Timothy Morey and Kurt Esposito.

Tiité

Cape Coral, Florida, 2005

WPMP Artist Ambassador Lloyd Pretty was appointed to the Newfoundland Arts Board

New Members to Arts Board
April 18, 2008
A few new faces will join the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation Clyde Jackman has appointed four new members to the Board. They are Lloyd Pretty of Stephenville, and Derek Norman, Barry Nichols and Calla Lachance of St John's. Jackman says the efforts of the Arts Council are vitally important to the province's commitment to strengthening the cultural industries in Newfoundland and Labrador.