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Mexico : Chiapas: Tierra y Libertad
June 04, 2008
- June 12, 2008
The attention of the world was focused on Chiapas when in January 1994, the day that NAFTA went into effect, an uprising led by indigenous Mexicans brought notice to their precarious living conditions. Join us as we celebrate the 14th anniversary of NAFTA and the Zapatista uprising and learn about what has motivated the popular movements in Mexico. Examine the recent history of the Chiapas region and hear about challenges facing the struggle for indigenous autonomy. Learn about the direct effects of globalization in the context of NAFTA and the on-going efforts for economic justice and democracy. Dialogue with indigenous peasants who have been working for the right to own the land upon which they live and work, and govern their communities according to indigenous traditions and customs. We will visit with diverse organizations and their representatives in the area: from religious and community leaders, to non-government civic organizations and women's cooperatives, all working for peace and stability in the region. Our delegation will be based in the colonial town of San Cristóbal de Las Casas and will travel to surrounding communities to speak with indigenous and campesino organizational leaders, activists, educators, students, and artisans. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet people involved in grassroots movements and exchange ideas with them while learning more about the unique history and culture of Chiapas.
Program Highlights:
- Visit the Montes Azules Reserve and learn how the Mexican government, transnational corporations, and international agencies are plundering the region for its strategic importance in biodiversity, water sources, lumber and oil.
- Learn about the impact of NAFTA and neoliberal policies in the indigenous communities.
- Visit and stay in local communities to learn about indigenous culture and autonomous indigenous governing systems.
- Hear about the most recent political developments, ethnic relations and social changes from grassroots perspectives.
- Learn about issues of land ownership and repossession.
- Discuss the consequences of historical inequality of land distribution, and how constitutional reforms to end communal landholding have affected poor campesinos.
- Travel to a highland community to meet and talk with members of a successful women's cooperative.
- Learn about indigenous organizations specialized in biodiversity and medicinal value of local plant life. Make a site visit to projects.
- Meet with internally displaced people living in temporary encampments.
- Participate in a discussion with indigenous representatives to discuss land issues, their struggles, and their culture.
- Celebrate the history and the beauty of the people of Chiapas with the other trip participants and new friends in Mexico.
- Hear from community and religious leaders who will discuss their visions for peace, stability and justice.
Cost:
$950
Price Includes:
- Double-room accommodations; two meals per day; transportation to and from all programmed activities; guides and translators; a qualified trip leader; all program activities; donations and reading materials.
- NOT INCLUDED: Lunches, tips, and personal expenses are not included. Single rooms available for an additional $200.
- Please note: You will secure your own air tickets. The airport to fly into is in the capital city Tuxtla Gutierrez of the state of Chiapas. You will usually need to stop in Mexico City and change planes before you arrive in Tuxtla. The trip leader will pick participants up at the airport in Tuxtla, if arriving on the official start date. Participants may depart anytime on the end date. San Cristobal de las Casas, where the program is based, is an hour from the Tuxtla airport . There are direct flights from Mexico City to San Cristobal that leave early in the mornings but are on small engine planes and are hard to connect to unless you spend the night in Mexico City or take a red eye from the U.S the night before. A less expensive option is to take a bus from Mexico City direct to San Cristobal de las Casas. The bus ride is about 17 hours and is quite safe and inexpensive. All major airlines fly to Mexico City but only a few carriers fly to Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas. Those airlines are Mexicana, Aeromexico, and Aviasca.
How to Register:
Our tours fill up quickly! To reserve a spot send your application and a non-refundable $200 deposit. The final payment is due one month before departure. Payments by Mastercard or Visa are welcome.
This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. We strongly urge people of color to apply. In some cases, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.
Make your reservation online now!
Contact Sneh with any questions about this trip,
or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994 ext. 221.
Trips on related issues: Civil Rights
Peace and Conflict
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