Defense of Territory
We support the rights of Indigenous people in regards to access to land and determination over their territories including Free, Prior, and Informed Consent. Our efforts focus on supporting communities defending their territories, natural resources and livelihoods in the face of mining and other extractivist industries. We echo our Guatemalan partners who see the defense of ancestral and Indigenous language, culture, historic memory, as well as individual and collective bodies as an important continuation of the defense of territory.
Some subthemes in this area include support of communities impacted by Canadian mining companies and other extractive industries; food sovereignty; land access; and support for criminalized land defenders.
Related posts about defense of territory
Ongoing eviction attempts, violence, and police repression in CCDA communities in Izabal
Ongoing eviction attempts, violence, and police repression in CCDA communities in Izabal The CCDA and a human rights commission from Costa Rica documented the inhumane conditions Q'eqchi' families in Izabal, who have been victims of evictions, have been experiencing. Photo credit: CCDA On April 7th, 2025 the communities [...]
Far-reaching eviction threat continues, as Tierra Nueva faces eviction attempt
Police attempt to evict the Tierra Nueva community. Photo credit: CCDA. On March 24th, a large contingent of police arrived at the Maya Q'eqchi' community of Tierra Nueva, located in the Alta Verapaz department. The police presented an eviction document, signed by judge Mildred Karina Juárez Alvarado, which [...]
CCDA member, Luis Xol Caal detained and facing criminalization
CCDA member, Luis Xol Caal detained and facing criminalization We demand freedom for Luis Xol Caal, defender of the territory and life of the Chabil Choch community. (photo credit: CCDA) On March 15th, 2025, Luis Xol Caal, a member of the Campesino Committee of the Highlands (CCDA) and [...]
CCDA National Assembly: 43 years of resistance in the struggle for agrarian reform
CCDA National Assembly: 43 years of resistance in the struggle for agrarian reform The CCDA celebrated its 43rd anniversary with a General Assembly in Quixayá. On March 2nd, 2025, the Campesino Committee of the Highlands (CCDA) held their 43rd annual General Assembly in the community of Quixayá in [...]
Violent eviction in CCDA community of Río Tebernal
Violent eviction in CCDA community of Río Tebernal Community members' homes were destroyed as part of the violent eviction. Photo credit: Carlos Ernesto Choc On March 5th, 2025, armed paramilitary groups entered the community of Río Tebernal in the municipality of Livingston, Izabal, and forcibly removed 35 Q’eqchi' [...]
Cooperant Update: Impunity is a Canadian issue, too: Remembering Adolfo Ich Chamán’s death for resisting a Canadian mine in Guatemala
By: Romi Fischer-Schmidt, New Hope Foundation Cooperant Cooperant Update: Impunity is a Canadian issue, too: Remembering Adolfo Ich Chamán’s death for resisting a Canadian mine in Guatemala BTS Cooperant, Romi and Styvens Barrios perform in a cello-guitar duo at Adolfo Ich Chamán’s 15th annual commemoration at the Barrio La [...]