The Greater Tacoma Peace Prize

About the Prize

The concept of a local peace prize came from Tom Heavey, Founding Chair of the GTPP and veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2005, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Norway's peaceful separation from Sweden, and inspired by the Nobel Peace Prize, Tom and others in the Norwegian-American community developed the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize in order to honor those in our community who work for peace.

"Making Peace Local" since 2005

 

 

 

 

What is "the Prize"?

 

Each year, the laureate receives recognition on the GTPP perpetual plaque, a specially designed medallion, a Certificate of Commendation, a unique glass artwork created especially for the GTPP by the Hilltop Artists in Residence of Tacoma, and a trip for two to Oslo, Norway, to participate in the events surrounding the Nobel Peace Prize.
GTPP medallions and glass art
Each GTPP Laureate receives a medallion and a unique glass artwork similar to the ones above.
Oslo fjord and Molde
A view of the Oslo fjord from the Norse Federation and a view of Molde, on the west coast of Norway.

The Nobel Peace Prize activities include the Award Ceremony, the CNN Interview after the Ceremony, and the Nobel Peace Prize Concert.  Click here to view the 2009 presentation of the Nobel Peace Prize to President Barack Obama.
Norwegian Nobel Institute
This is the room in the Nobel Institute where the Nobel Peace Prize Committee meets.

In addition to taking part in the Nobel Peace Prize events, the GTPP laureate visits and meets with several peace-related organizations in Oslo, including the Norwegian Nobel Institute and the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights.

The staff of the Norse Federation provides invaluable guidance for the laureates. 
See Our Partners in Oslo for more information.