TedxPugwash is a TED-sanctioned event organized by members of the Pugwash community. The “x” indicates that this is a local event featuring speakers who have a connection with or have a potential impact on residents of the Pugwash/North Shore region.

The theme for TEDxPugwash is Peace. Our speakers will consider peace from the Earth Charter’s definition of seeking “to inspire in all people a new sense of global interdependence and shared responsibility for the well-being of the whole human family, the greater community of life, and future generations.”

The mantra of a TED event is “ideas change everything.” We have a wealth of talent in our community who have thought-provoking and innovative ideas about a wide variety of subjects. We want to provide a venue that will bring this exciting talent to our community.

TEDxPugwash is being held at Pugwash District High School in Pugwash on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 1:00pm– 4:00pm (reception will follow talks).

• Bonnie Bond – Speaker Selection
• Shawn Brunt – Speaker Selection
• John Caraberis – Speaker Selection
• Michele Charlton – Communications
• RikkiRenee Greene – Speaker Selection
• Mark Kovich – Project Management
• Amy Kovich – Project Management 
• Gordon Johnson – Chair
• Dennice Leahey – Fundraising
• Mary Ellen Macdonald – Speaker Selection
• Alan Webb – Treasurer – Speaker Selection

We have a diverse slate of speakers, including students from both Pugwash District High School and Oxford District High School.

• Molly Wilson (they/them; PDHS, Grade 12)
• Ella Bollong (she/her; PDHS, Grade 11)
• Colin Mundle (he/him; PDHS, Grade 11)
• Nikkita Polches (she/her; PDHS, Grade 12)
• Cameron Reid (she/her; OREC, Grade 11)
• Keegan McClary (he/him; OREC, Grade 11)

Also speaking:

• Beth Charlton – As a retired educator, Beth’s career has ranged from teaching young learners in Grade Primary to adult learners at the master’s level.
• Sheree Fitch – Sheree Fitch is a poet, storyteller, story doula, lifelong learner, literacy advocate and social justice educator. Her books are being read to a third generation of children.
• Jenny Kassen – An educator, researcher, and illustrator, Jenny is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education at Cape Breton University.
• Elizabeth LeClair – Liz is a vocal advocate and activist in the gender-based violence space, a prolific opinion writer for The Coast, and is working to ban the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in Canada
• Bev Wells – Bev Wells is a Canadian speaker and author whose work explores the space between survival and peace.

As a result of a significant contribution, the ticket price is $20.00 for Sunday May 3, 2026, a reception will follow.

Tickets can be purchased on ZEFFY – https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/tedxpugwash–2026

Yes. Each presentation will be available following the event on the TEDx YouTube channel and TEDxPugwash website. 

Under our TEDx license, we are permitted to host up to 100 ticketed attendees for the Sunday, May 3 event at Pugwash District High School.

Yes. Community volunteers will play an important role in supporting the event. Opportunities may include event logistics, welcoming guests, and assisting speakers. Interested? Fill out the following form: TEDxPugwash Volunteer Form

Parking will be available at Pugwash District High School and nearby community areas. Event volunteers will help direct attendees as needed to ensure safe and efficient parking.

Yes. The venue is accessible, and we are committed to ensuring that the event is welcoming and inclusive for all attendees.

afternoon event.