The Mesoamerican People’s Encounter in Capulalpan, Oaxaca was a huge success. Around 500 people met in Capulalpan to discuss why the current mining model is a huge environmental and social problem and what are the alternatives and organizational strategies we can take ahead.
John Cutfeet, from KI, was there to share their experience in successfully saying no to mining in their territory. He also shared how Idle No More started, has gained so much momentum and awareness in Canada and abroad. Indeed, the final declaration of Capulalpan reflects this solidarity towards First Nations in Canada. I had the honor to translate for him while he addressed the plenary. Movements in Latin America are increasingly interested in learning more about the experiences in Canada and mutually support the global struggle for life.
The Encounter happened while commemorating the first anniversary of Bernardo Méndez’s assassination, who was part of the struggle of San José del Progreso, Oaxaca to fight against Canadian owned Fortuna Silver mine. Unfortunately we have another first anniversary coming up March 15, of Bernardo Vázquez, leader of this same struggle. One of the commitments of the Encounter is to hold a Global Day of Action against the Mining Model this date. Please mark your calendars and let us know if you plan something.
To read a press release of the Encounter (in English) http://endefensadelosterritorios.org/2013/01/19/globalize-our-struggles-and-our-hopes-a-call-from-the-mesoamerican-forum-against-mining/. To read the final declaration (in Spanish), http://endefensadelosterritorios.org/endefensadelosterritorios/2013/01/declaratoria-final.pdf. Previous blogs about the Encounter: http://canadians.org/blog/?p=18863 and http://canadians.org/blog/?p=18834.
