I’m Steve (he/him).  I live in Abbotsford, which is located on the traditional territory of the Stó:lō people who have been the stewards and caretakers of this land for centuries.  I’m grateful to share this space, and to work toward living together in a great way with everyone in the region.  I’m also very grateful to have an amazing job: I serve as Program Chair of the Peace and Conflict Studies program and I teach courses in European history and Israel/Palestine at the University of the Fraser Valley.  This academic year, I have also taken on the position of Convenor of the School of Social Justice and Global Stewardship (SoJust) at UFV, and I work with Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association in various capacities.  I’m thrilled to learn of this Peace Hub initiative, and to be part of the conversations with you all about it!  I look forward to meeting everyone on Friday, and to our discussion!

My answer to “what brings you peace?”

My peaceful place is being in nature!  Hiking or running the trails of the lower mainland with my trusty lab and/or trail-partner does it for me;  tied for a close second place is downhill skiing and snorkeling.  On another level, what brings me peace is seeing people interact in good, respectful and meaningful ways with one another (and experiencing that, personally), be it on a personal level, in the community, or in international relations.

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