But can peacebuilding truly happen in an ice cream shop? Get ready to have your mind blown, because it did.

Grassroots Peacebuilding Over Frozen Treats

This wasn't the kind of peacebuilding that stops all wars or ends poverty. It's the kind that starts from the bottom, at the grassroots level where real, lasting change often begins.

We visited Chaeban Ice Cream, owned and operated by Joseph and his wife, immigrants to Canada. The setting was simple: a round table, a flight of ice cream samples, and a diverse group of community members ready to listen and share. What unfolded was nothing short of transformative.

A Journey From Conflict to Creation

Joseph shared the heartbreaking journey he and his family endured to come to Canada, fleeing conflict and war, and then having to build a life from scratch with the help of a loving community, a community that wasn't even his own.

This story truly captured the spirit of Winnipeg: strangers helping strangers no matter where they're from. It embodied the essence of the principles that Canada is working toward upholding inclusivity, compassion, and the belief that diversity strengthens us all.

Sweet Conversations and Cultural Connections

As we sat around the table, we enjoyed a flight of Chaeban's most popular ice cream flavors. Joseph revealed with pride that the caramel flavor is handmade and all-natural, and coincidentally one of the most chalk-full of sugar! But as everyone knows, with Winnipeg being the slurpee capital and all, Winnipeggers love a hearty dose of sweetness.

We all laughed when Joseph confessed that he found processed cheese akin to poison! He reflected on the time his mom fed him a brand of cheese that he found particularly repulsive because of its artificial flavors and enhancers, so unhealthy and detached from the wonders that good dairy, crafted and handled right, can do for your body.

A Legacy of Dairy Science and Determination

Joseph's passion for quality dairy products comes from his father, another dairy scientist, who inspired Joseph to do what he does today. Over the years, Joseph has consulted many big firms on how to turn milk into cheese, but his vision for Chaeban Ice Cream was born when he realized that too many companies were focused on making a quick profit instead of creating something truly beneficial for people's bodies.

It was an ambitious goal, one that Joseph admitted scared him a lot along the way and continues to challenge him. Despite recently being named Canada's best ice cream, there were moments of doubt when the bank account didn't align with Joseph's dreams.

From Local Favorite to National Success

Yet, against the odds, his establishment prevails. His unique flavors of ice cream, packaged in returnable glass jars (an eco-friendly touch worth mentioning!), have captured far more than just the hearts of Manitobans. His products now grace the shelves of provinces across Canada and have even made their way across the border to the United States.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Dreamers

Among the group of listeners who joined us was an aspiring business owner herself, whose goal to open her own bakery one day moved everyone present. Joseph's wisdom and journey clearly sparked something in many participants.

One person shared that they found his story to be a foundation of strength and inspiration to keep going no matter what, even in moments of doubt.

This Is What Peacebuilding Looks Like

That right there is peacebuilding. One story, shared authentically, inspired many of us who listened and reflected to have faith in ourselves and our journeys. We realized that we don't need social media influencers to tell us we're worth it or that our dreams matter.

Sometimes, all we need is to sit around a table together, sharing ice cream and stories, reflecting on our common humanity, and empathizing with each other's struggles and triumphs.

The Power of Shared Experience

At Kahanee, this is exactly the kind of peacebuilding we believe in creating spaces where stories can be shared, where people from different backgrounds can connect over something as simple as ice cream, and where the seeds of understanding and community can be planted.

As Joseph's story shows us, these seeds when nurtured with care and authenticity can grow into something remarkable that nourishes not just our bodies, but our spirits and communities too.

Join Us for the Next "Food for Peace"

Have you experienced an unexpected moment of connection that brought you peace? Or are you interested in joining our next community storytelling event? We'd love to hear from you and welcome you to our table, where there's always room for one more story and maybe another scoop of ice cream.

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