“In Voice and Image” – Guatemalan Mayan Leaders Speak

Elodia Castillo and Roderico Y. Diaz, two Mayan leaders from Guatemala, will speak and present photographs at noon on Tuesday, March 3, in Karpen Hall, Laurel Forum. This event is free and open to everyone.

Elodia Castillo Vasquez, Maya Ch’orti’ indigenous authority and president of COMUNDICH (Coordinadora de Asociaciones y Comunidades para el Desarrollo Integral del Pueblo Ch’orti’ – Network of Associations and Communities for Integral Development for the Ch’orti’ People) will speak about her work as an indigenous leader to recover ancestral territory under the threats of a militarized state and the effects of the recent state of siege in Guatemala.

Maya Kaqchikel photojournalist Roderico Y. Diaz will present his photography and discuss the current political situation in Guatemala under the US policy, Alliance for Prosperity and the US “third safe country” agreement.

UNC Asheville Assistant Professor of Spanish Juan Sánchez Martinez, who is coordinating these events, also will host a Maya invocation and collective painting, “In Memoriam Berta Cáceres, Lenca leader, water protector. Berta vive!” 10-11:45 a.m. on the Quad (rain location is Highsmith Student Union, Mountain Suites); all are welcome.

These events, says Sánchez Martinez, “is an opportunity for students and community members to learn more about the current human rights situation in Guatemala, the U.S. policy role, and how communities are organizing to combat environmental destruction and displacement. We will also hear about solidarity and what we can do to promote human-centered US economic and political policies towards Guatemala.”