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This summer’s best activism

The Zen of protest

Want some mindfulness and spiritual clarity with your political action? Check out Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, who makes a rare appearance here on August 17. His talk, The Present Moment: Wisdom For Global Peace And Happiness, has a broad mission to be sure, but don’t be daunted. The octogenarian monk, a proponent of engaged Buddhism, roots his ethereal agenda in real-world problems and is a promoter of protest movements against climate change and eco destruction – inspired by meditation and the Gandhian principle of love. 3 pm. $18 to $58. Sony Centre, 1 Front East. tnhtoronto.ca.

Visit to Attawpiskat

First it declared a state of emergency, and then its chief went on a hunger strike that riveted the country. Attawapiskat has had its share of suffering. Deepen your Idle No More understandings by watching The People Of The Kattawapiskak River, a doc on the besieged community. Veteran filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin, whose credits include the award-winning Kanehsatake: 270 Years Of Resistance, about the Oka crisis, will be present for questions and discussion. June 17, 6:15 pm. Free. North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge. Pre-register: 416-395-5660.

This city’s for sharing

Talk about a weighty conversation. The City As A Stage takes on the challenge of collaboration and harmony in cities, and how public space defines our daily social interactions. Part of the Luminato Festival, the event features celebrated London School of Economics sociologist Richard Sennett (Together: The Rituals, Pleasures And Politics Of Cooperation) and our own chief planner, Jennifer Keesmaat. To spice up the proceedings, controversial Vancouver condo marketer Bob Rennie weighs in, too. June 14, 6 pm. $20. TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King West. luminatofestival.com.

Celebrating public space

Don’t let the summer go by without passing some time at Kensington Market’s Pedestrian Sundays. Seeing streets closed off for the purpose of music, meandering and much sociability reminds us that there are better ways to use public spaces than as thoroughfares for private cars. Check out the communal Scrabble game, the decorated bikes and group games, and munch the local food as you consider the vulnerability of treasured ‘hoods facing development pressures. June 30. Free. Kensington Market, Augusta and College. pskensington.ca.

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