Reframing Togetherness: Commemorating the Global Struggle for Nuclear Disarmament
Dr. Sylvie Lemieux, Past Co-Chair, Canadian Network to Abolish Nuclear Weapons and Member, Canadian Pugwash Group
Welcome to "Reframing Togetherness: Commemorating the Global Struggle for Nuclear Disarmament," a special exhibit at Congress 2025. This exhibit explores the intersection of nuclear disarmament, equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization (EDID) through books, posters, films, and personal testimonies.
We highlight the contributions of Erika Simpson, a scholar and advocate for disarmament; Setsuko Thurlow, a Hiroshima survivor and Order of Canada recipient; Dr. Sylvie Lemieux, a retired Canadian Forces officer; and Anton Wagner, a Toronto filmmaker. Their work offers diverse perspectives on the ethical, humanitarian, and strategic challenges of nuclear weapons.
Thurlow’s testimony as a hibakusha underscores the human cost of nuclear war, Lemieux examines ethical dilemmas in defence policy, and Wagner’s films showcase media’s role in shaping public discourse. As nuclear tensions rise and arms control falters, this exhibit emphasizes the urgency of disarmament and amplifies marginalized voices, particularly Indigenous communities affected by nuclear policies.
By engaging perspectives from political science, history, military analysis, and media studies, the exhibit advances scholarly understanding while fostering public dialogue. We invite you to reflect on the ethical and strategic dimensions of disarmament and join us in envisioning a nuclear-free future.
This powerful session is made possible through the generous support of the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. We are thrilled to announce that Siobhan Langille, a rising talent in filmmaking and broadcasting from Toronto Metropolitan University’s New Virtual Media program, has joined our program. Siobhan will not only be filming the Exhibition but also engaging with attendees about the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ensuring these pivotal moments in history remain in the public consciousness.
In addition, acclaimed filmmaker Anton Wagner will showcase his thought-provoking online exhibit on the big screen. Attendees will also have the rare opportunity to view historical posters from Hiroshima and explore a carefully curated book collection on nuclear disarmament.
This is not just a two-hour session—it is a two-day immersive experience. While the main speakers will present during the scheduled two-hour program, the full Exhibition will be accessible during breaks in our dedicated event space, allowing attendees to engage deeply with the material at their own pace.
Join us for this unique and urgent commemoration as we reflect on the lessons of the past and renew our collective commitment to a nuclear-free future.