Back in Canada

I've been back in Canada for four days and I think it's taken just about this long for the enormity and emotional impact of the trip to sink in.  It was a truly humbling experience to see how the people of Chiapas live: To hear them share the stories of their struggles as well as their successes.  Horizons of Friendship, an organization supported by the OPSEU Social Justice Fund, is doing amazing work with grassroots organizations in Chiapas and makes a huge difference in the lives of the people there.  One particular project was to help the indigenous coffee farmers of the region to organize and form a co-operative.  This co-operative now sells coffee both locally and internationally providing a sustainable income to the community.

As much as there are many differences between the struggles we face here in Canada and those in Chiapas there are also many similarities.  As a union, OPSEU strives to protect the basic human rights not just of members but also of the broader population.  The organizations in Chiapas are striving for the same things as we are here in Ontario, although in Chiapas the struggle is much more apparent. The government there openly discriminates against people and uses a military presence as a way to maintain control. By supporting Horizons of Friendship, OPSEU is supporting the people in Chiapas as they learn to advocate for themselves, problem solve and become self-sustaining.  We are assisting them as they stand up to a government that is treating them unjustly. The people of Chiapas are organizing to create positive social changes for now and future generations.

I would like to thank all the members of OPSEU for their continued support of these endeavors as well as for allowing me the chance to go and witness the work that our union supports.  I also wish at this time to convey the many heartfelt thanks from the people of Chiapas to OPSEU members.  Please be aware that your support is greatly appreciated by the people of this region.  A full report of the trip will be ready by OPSEU Convention. Please pick up your copy at the Social Justice Fund booth.  Please also check out our partners' websites to learn more about the great work you?re supporting in Chiapas.


Thanks

Kaylan Bartholomew

Interview with DESMI

Interview with Patricia Rebolledo from Horizons of Friendship, Begoña from DESMI and Kaylan Bartholomew from OPSEU.

DESMI is a development organization that works with hundreds of indigenous communities in Chiapas, Mexico, supporting worker collectives and educating about human rights. Their work focuses on protecting sustainable, local, organic food production and native seeds. OPSEU delegates, on a tour with Horizons of Friendship, met with DESMI in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico, to talk about the important work they do.

Day 7: Human Rights and FrayBa

On Monday we had the opportunity to meet with The Human Rights Centre Fray Bartolome de las Casas, better known as "FrayBa". We learned that the government and local authorities have been infringing on the basic human rights of the the people of Chiapas, in particular the indigenous population, for more than 500 years.

Since the Zapatista uprising in 1994, the government and military have conducted a low-impact war against the Zapatistas, denying them rights to the land they have farmed for generations, and pushing them up into the less desirable surrounding mountains. This has lead to the increased militarization of Chiapas, which is growing even more serious as current election campaigning accelerates. Many citizens have been arrested without just cause, and the rate of disappearances and murders has increased.

FrayBa offers legal assistance to community members, often dealing with cases that have been taken outside of Mexican courts. Frayba also trains volunteers from the international community to become “human rights observers”. These people often accompany local activists and journalists in solidarity, providing the protection of an international presence.

I asked FrayBa representatives about specific human rights issues, and learned that, for example, LGBTTQ rights are not often openly addressed in the community of San Cristobal de las Casas. This in turn means that such cases are not often brought forward for their assistance.

While FrayBa acknowledges that certain equity groups face great challenges and barriers, the population as a whole is facing terrible conditions that take the attention away from these issues. Military and governmental threat of repression, removal of land ownership, insufficient educational resources, lack of access to clean water and widespread poverty are ongoing systemic problems. At FrayBa they hope that addressing these issues will help to benefit all equity groups.

Kaylan Bartholomew

Chicomuselo citizens speak out against Canada's Blackfire mining company

 

The citizens of Chicomuselo in Chiapas, Mexico, are fighting for their rights as Canada's Blackfire mining company continues to cause concerns about damage to the local water supply and environment.

Joining Horizons of Friendship for a tour of Chiapas, OPSEU delegates met with activists from Chicomuselo including Jose Luis Abarca, son of Mariano Abarca, who was assassinated by Blackfire's security guards. Patricia Rebolledo from Horizons and Kaylan Bartholomew interviewed Niftali Perez Perez and Jose Luis Abarca in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico, in February, 2012.

Day 6: Defending communities against Canadian mining interests



Niftali Perez Perez, from Chicomuselo, Jose Luis Abarca, son of assassinated mining activist Mariano Abarca, and Kaylan Bartholomew

Canadian Parliament voted down Bill C-300, the Responsible Mining Act, in October, 2010. There are currently no laws governing misbehaviour by Canadian companies in foreign countries. The effects of this on the small Chiapas town of Chicomusela were brought home in force when we met with representatives of the local organization Otro Mundos.  Desperately trying to defend the indigenous people and their land from destructive Canadian mining interests, these activists have literally put their lives in danger.

Blackfire is a Canadian mining company currently excavating barite, a mineral used by the petroleum industry, from the mountains above Chicomuselo.

A key local activist, Mariano Abarca, was assassinated by Blackfire security guards in 2009. Our delegation met with Mariano Abarca's son, Jose Luis Abarca, as well as some of his supporters from Chicomuselo, to discuss the current situation and how best this community can be supported.

When Blackfire arrived in the community they promised jobs, improved social services and better roads. This is a powerful promise in a small struggling town. Unfortunately what they brought with them is serious damage to the community and the environment. Although this is hotly denied by Blackfire, the local people describe lesions developed from bathing in contaminated streams, mudslides during the raining season spoiling their drinking water and excavated earth growing into a precarious mountain above their town. The mining company is the source of growing inequality and division causing tension even within families.

There is documented evidence that Blackfire has bought off local authorities, and is illegally passing through protected land. We were told that their written contract with the government has been broached and that activists also have proof of this.

Heavy company trucks weighing as much as 80 tons rumble through the centre of town causing bridges, houses and roads to crumble. Indeed it was Mariano Abarca’s efforts to mobilize the community to block the passage of these trucks that first brought him to the attention of Blackfire’s hired security guards. First arrested and released, then followed and beaten up, he was finally assassinated by guards wearing shirts with the Blackfire logo.

Since that time international support for the struggle of Chicomuselo has grown, but continues to be greatly needed. Blackfire is contributing daily to the further environmental and social problems of this region. Mining Watch Canada is an organization campaigning for accountability of Canadian mining companies, and is supported by OPSEU’s Social Justice Fund. To find out more about what Canadian mining companies are doing, and what you can do to support communities like Chicomuselo, visit the Mining Watch Canada website at http://www.miningwatch.ca/

The activists we met with traveled four hours each way to share their story and struggle with our delegation. At OPSEU and in the labour movement we have a special way to show support for struggling workers. We explained to Abarca and his companions that this is our own tradition and "passed the hat" in a show of solidarity union style! Or as it was translated into Spanish: "pasear el sombrero".

Emily Visser

Day 5: a taste of Chiapas life and culture

Traveling through Chiapas we've had the opportunity to witness the culture and daily life of the people. Horizons of Friendship has organized a trip that allows us access to things that most tourists would not get to see. It is difficult to describe these experiences in words, and so we hope the following photos will help to describe a few of the things we have seen.

Located in a valley beyond the mountains surrounding San Cristobal de las Casas, la Chamula is known for its vibrant church life. Originally a Dominican parish, this church has now separated from the Catholic diocese and is now a centre for “family services”. We were able to obtain a special permit to enter this church, and were overwhelmed to witness the healing ceremonies and extended families worshipping in this place filled with candles, chickens, coca-cola offerings, and the walls lined with saints dressed in elaborate embroidered robes.

The above photo is of the Saint John the Baptist church in La Chamula. Note the traditional men's long Chamula black wool ponchos and broad brimmed hats.

This is a typical small Chiapas town street, lined with vendors, narrow stone sidewalks, and dominated by the impressive surrounding mountains. As you pass by, vendors pursue tourists with their handmade bracelets, bags and crafts.

These three girls from la Chamula asked us to take their photo in exchange for five pesos. They were delighted that we agreed. The children here are very inventive with regards to making money to help support their families. They often work along side their parents selling goods and creating crafts often until late at night.

Amiech is a centre for preservation, education and production of traditional Mayan medicine. We toured the facilities and museum and learned about the traditional healing practices of the Mayan people. Gathering herbs and plants from the rain forest and local mountains, they produce tincures, teas, salves used for a wide variety of cures. They offer healing and midwife services to the local community and train new practitioners in these ancient practices across the region. 

Much like the traditions of the aboriginal people of Canada, Mayan healing practices may include the use of a sweat lodge.

It is currently election time in Chiapas, at the Federal, State and Municipal level. This simultaneous election at all levels of government is unprecedented in Chiapas, and the streets are filled with election signs. The above photo includes a typical sign, which reads "More sports, less violence". The Zapatistas refuse to vote, as their experience has been that the election processes are corrupt and rigged by ruling drug lords such as Carlos Salinas.

Photos of a small zapatista community

The indigenous people of Chiapas prefer not to have their photo taken, however they were happy to have us share some photos of their community.

This child's drawing of an autonomous community was on the wall of their schoolhouse.

One of the family homes in Fray Bartolome

Fresh tortillas with hot chili slices and limes were served to eat with soup at lunch.