Online registration is closed, but between now and Friday, you can still register for the Annual Gathering by phoning the centre: 1-800-218-2220 or 902-657-2231

Come to the Breaking the Silence Annual Gathering, May 31st to June 2nd, at the Tatamagouche Centre, in beautiful Tatamagouche, Mi’kmaki.

Although we are disappointed to hear that Gloria Reyes Xitumul of the Rabinal Legal Clinic will not be joining us for the AGM, we are fortunate that Fidel Oswaldo Lopez has agreed to be a resource person. Oswaldo is an inspiring teacher at the New Hope Community Bilingual Institute, who brings his knowledge and keen political analysis of Guatemalan current affairs.

We are excited to have a number of special guests!

Spiritual Film Artist and BTS member, Eliza Star Child Knockwood is an L’nu (Mi’kmaq) mother from Epekweitk (Prince Edward Island). Well-travelled, including a visit to Guatemala with BTS, and passionate about land issues and the protection of the environment, she is a respected voice of the Peoples, locally and globally. As an active filmmaker with over eighteen years of experience, her films have been screened in film festivals and premiered nationally and internationally. Eliza supports the Water Protectors who have been protecting the Sipekne’katik River located in Shubenacadie, NS since May 2016, including through her film, A Water Protector’s Journey along the Sipekne’katik River.

Eliza will lead us through her Circle of Life participatory exercise on the Friday night! On Saturday she will be joined by Water Protectors who will share about their experience protecting the river. Kukuwes wowkis (colonial name Madonna Bernard) and Kiju muin (colonial name Paula Isaac) are Mi’kmaq women from Mi’kmaki territory whom have been protecting the lands and waters for many many years against corporate greed. They are actively standing up against Alton Gas in Sipekne’katik.

Also joining us for this year’s AGM will be partners from the New Hope Community Bilingual Institute. Teacher Fidel Oswaldo Lopez and graduating students in the Community Development program, Hilda Sical Toj and Juan Carlos Santos Cortezo, will be visiting as part of the exchange between the Institute and the Tatamagouche school.

This year’s AGM themes are gender justice, land rights, and strengthening advocacy & action. Come to renew connections, be updated on struggles in Guatemala and Mi’kmaki, and participate in envisioning a diverse, inclusive network that engages in action for advocacy.

 

What should I bring?

o   a talent, a song, a story for the Saturday night talent show as part of the fiesta!

o   new or gently-used Guatemala-related items; handmade items, for the silent auction

o   an open spirit ready to learn, share, and have fun!

REGISTER NOW BY CALLING Tatamagouche Centre at 1-800-218-2220 or 902-657-2231 or online here.

Bursaries are available. Please don’t let financial constraints keep you away! See registration form for details.

If you have questions about the AGM, please contact Janette Fecteau (jfecteau@stfx.ca) or Yvette Michaud (yvettemichaud@eastlink.ca)

 

Come for the AGM! Stay for the fundraiser concert!

Dave Gunning and Garnet Rogers in concert: a fundraiser concert for BTS on Sunday at 2pm, at Sharon United Church.