BTS Delegates visiting our partners in Rabinal.

Join us for the BTS 2026 Delegation to Guatemala! From Saturday, November 7th to Friday, November 20th, you’ll have the opportunity to build international solidarity and learn from our partners in Rabinal: the New Hope Foundation’s (FNE) culturally relevant, bilingual Maya Achí-Spanish high school and the Rabinal Community Legal Clinic (ABJP) that seeks justice for cases related to genocide and other crimes committed against communities in the Rabinal area during the Internal Armed Conflict (IAC). A meaningful part of the delegation will be an overnight visit to the community of Río Negro to learn about the area’s history and how it has rebuilt following a campaign of destruction during the 1980s. You will also have the chance to spend time with communities resisting Canadian extractive projects in their territories.

If you want to learn more about the 2026 Delegation to Guatemala, please contact Maria Jose Yax at may.yaxfraser@gmail.com or Kathryn Anderson at kathrynande@gmail.com.

All applicants are required to attend the delegation orientation from Thursday, June 25th at 7 p.m. to Friday, June 26th at 5 p.m. at the Dorje Denma Ling Centre (between Truro and Tatamagouche in Nova Scotia).
Apply now: applications for the BTS 2026 Delegation are open now until June 12, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is this delegation about?

BTS invites Maritimers to learn about the struggles for social, environmental, and economic justice in Guatemala through delegations. Delegations offer a privileged and meaningful opportunity to open yourself up to learn about the efforts of our Guatemalan partners and connect their struggles for justice, human rights, and social transformation with those in Canada.

2. Who is leading this delegation?

We’re pleased to have BTS Guatemala Coordinator, Javier López, who has deep roots in Rabinal, co-lead the 2026 Delegation with long-term BTS member, María José Yax Fraser, who is originally from Guatemala.

3. How much does the delegation cost?

The delegation fee is $2,200. This includes:

  • A $100 non-refundable registration fee;
  • Transportation in Guatemala;
  • Meals and accommodations;
  • Leadership and translation services;
  • Presentations by partner organizations; and the
  • Required pre-trip orientation and post-delegation debrief.

Delegates are responsible for booking and paying for their own airfare to and from Guatemala. BTS is experienced in supporting delegates with successfully fundraising to cover the delegation cost, including identifying and applying to funding sources, developing successful fundraising materials and events, and providing bursaries. Information on fundraising will be shared at the required orientation on June 25-26th.

4. What can I expect from a BTS Delegation?

While information on what to expect from a BTS Delegation will be shared during the required orientation on June 25-26th, you can read about the experiences of past delegates in their own words on our blog.

5. Is there anything else I need to know before applying?

Please complete the application form by June 12, 2026.

Once submitted, we will ask you to submit a $100 registration fee. This fee will be refunded only if you are not selected for the delegation or if the delegation is cancelled. Following this, you will receive initial approval of your application by the selection committee. Final approval will take place after the first orientation, which offers the opportunity for discernment by both participants and leaders regarding readiness to join this delegation.

Please note:

  • Failure to meet the payment schedule without making other arrangements will be deemed as withdrawal from the tour.
  • You require a passport that will remain valid until six months after the trip.
  • BTS reserves the right to cancel this tour for any reason. Cancellation might occur, for example, if a minimum number of participants are not selected.
  • The tour includes a required orientation session and a de-brief session upon return. These sessions are a valuable and mandatory part of the delegation.
  • Participants are responsible for purchasing their own travel insurance.