Wishing you health and happiness this Holiday Season and peace and justice in the New Year.
Thank you for your commitment to solidarity and building meaningful relationships with Guatemalan partners and friends.
Together, we are Breaking the Silence.
Looking back…
2013 has been a year of serious threats: unforeseen funding cuts, new mining licenses that threaten communities and livelihoods, repression and criminalization against human rights defenders, including the murder of BTS friend, Daniel Pedro, a Maya Q’anjob’al community leader and more than 690 women murdered in Guatemala this year.
It’s also been a year of unimaginable surprises: a genocide trial opening in Guatemalan courts and ending with a sentence against Rios Montt, an Ontario court agreeing to hear Choc vs. Hudbay – a landmark decision to bring to justice a Canadian mining company in Canada for the murder of Adolfo Ich, amazing response to support the work of BTS, and solidarity with indigenous communities in Guatemala and in Elsipogtog.
Looking forward…
There will undoubtedly be more repression, violence and criminalization in Guatemala, and Canada, in 2014, as communities continue to speak their truth, seek justice and defend their territory. There will also be a powerful, creative and wholehearted resistance. BTS is honoured and committed to being a part of this struggle for life and justice. In the words of Nelson Mandela:
“We can change the world and make it a better place.
It is in your hands to make a difference.”
In peace and friendship, Jackie & Lisa
P.S. we look forward to seeing you at our 25th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Gathering June 27-29 at Tatamagouche Centre!
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