With stunning photographs from James Rodriguez and Paul Lemieux, Gold Dust and Power brings to life the struggle taking place in the highlands of Guatemala between a Canadian mining company and an indigenous movement determined to defend its natural resources.
Indigenous people continue to reject the open-pit Marlin Mine despite being targets of violence and intimidation in a region with high levels of impunity. Many claim that they were not consulted about the project before it began in 2003. They argue that it fuels conflict and threatens their access to clean water. Opposition ranges from local referendums and legal challenges, to demonstrations and direct action.
The show runs from March 7th-18th at the Fem International, with a vernisage on April 7th. the vernissage includes a panel at 6 p.m. with speakers Ernie Schibli, with over 30 years experience working with human rights defenders in Central America; and Annie Pelletier, a former rights accompanier working directly with indigenous mining activists in Guatemala. Music by Chesley Walsh will follow at 7 p.m.
For more information, to schedule an interview or to obtain high resolution photos contact Leah Gardner. To view James Rodriguez's photos, visit his website at www.mimundo.org [4]
The Social Justice Committee of Montreal is an independent human rights organization providing education and advocacy about global poverty and inequality.
Links:
[1] http://www.s-j-c.net/
[2] mailto:lgardner@sjc-cjs.org
[3] http://rabble.ca/sites/rabble/files/node-images/sjc web flyer expo photo.gif
[4] http://www.mimundo.org
[5] http://maps.google.ca?q=6050+Saint-Hubert%2C+Montreal%2C+%2C+%2C+ca
[6] http://rabble.ca/user
[7] http://rabble.ca/user/register