Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association (CPVA)Year of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veteran

The Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association (CPVA) has declared 2023 as the “Year of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veteran” to mark the 75th anniversary of the first United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operation, and the 35th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize for UN Peacekeepers. Together, they offer an ideal opportunity to recognize and celebrate the personal contributions of more than 130,000 Canadians who participated in multinational peacekeeping operations around the globe, and to commemorate the 140 Canadians, military, police, and civilians, who died or were killed.

To recognize their sacrifices, dedication, and contributions, CPVA developed this Anthology containing biographies, photographs, and personal anecdotes written by, or about, ordinary Canadians with peacekeeping experience.

Offered freely to schools and organizations across Canada, our intent is to help to educate young people and to enhance public awareness of Canada’s longstanding contribution to peacekeeping. We invite you to read the stories of those who brought light to the darkest of places, pushed hope and promise into the divide between combating forces, and aided the victims of conflict, all in the service of peace.

Are you looking for ways to engage with the legacy of Canadian Peackeepers?

Uncover historical narratives, participate in discussions, and utilize educational materials that shed light on the vital role our peacekeepers play in fostering understanding, compassion, and unity.

By embracing the idea of a year-round focus on Canadian peacekeepers, we not only pay homage to their legacy but also foster a deeper understanding of the importance of peace and diplomacy in today's world. Let us join together in a continuous journey of learning and appreciation for those who have dedicated their lives to making the world a safer and more harmonious place.

PK75: Stories of Canadian Peacekeepers

PK75: Stories of Canadian Peacekeepers

Read the stories of those who brought light to the darkest of places, pushed hope and promise into the divide between combating forces, and aided the victims of conflict, all in the service of peace.

learning resources

Peacekeeping Learning Resources

Explore resources and activities to help students learn about the many important roles Canadian peacekeepers have played around the world. 

video gallery

Peacekeeping Video Gallery

We have curated videos covering many different specialties, designed for a variety of ages.

Primary Schools

Schools

Connect with a Canadian peacekeeper to schedule a videoconference conversation for your elementary school class. Discover peacekeepers based on their namemissions, where they grew up, or where they are currently located.

Groups, Corporations, Educators

Groups, Corporations, Educators

Connect with a Canadian peacekeeper to schedule a videoconference conversation for your organization. Discover peacekeepers based on their namemissions, where they grew up, or where they are currently located.

FaLang translation system by Faboba

Featured Peacekeeper

Peter Wonderham

Featured Mission

In 1989, 500 soldiers emotionally bid farewell to their families, boarded buses, and left Petawawa en route to Ottawa, intending to carry on to Cyprus. On arrival at the Canadian Forces Air Movement Unit (AMU) in Ottawa, we were informed that the plane was broken. This was followed by a two-hour decision-making process, after which we returned to Petawawa for 48 hrs to await another flight. Goodbyes and tears once shed (not forgetting that cell phones did not exist at that time), young soldiers and old soldiers enjoyed another few days off. Many Non-Commissioned Officers, however, felt that saying goodbye...

Go to Peter Wonderham's Anthology Page

Featured Mission

The following missions are featured by Peacekeepers in their personal anecdotes of the Anthology.