Solidarity Across Borders: Campesino Resistance in the Dominican Republic
La Federación de Campesinos Hacia El Progreso (La Federación) is a grassroots cooperative in the Dominican Republic that fights for the land rights of local farmers, promotes more ecologically responsible farming and advocates for ecological preservation. They build networks of resistance by creating cooperation amongst local farmers, and pooling their efforts to create a more socially responsible and economically viable way of life. Some of their initiatives include: offering trade skills to youth; growing sustainable coffee; building micro-hydro-electric generators to allow isolated communities access to power; and advocating for environmental and social responsibility on a national level. Amidst their various efforts to promote greater social justice for rural communities, they have also long resisted the interests of foreign mining interests, notably the Barrick Gold Corporation.
On the evening of March 19, 2015, the Equity Studies Student Union will be hosting three members of La Federación to speak about their personal and professional experiences as activists in the Dominican Republic. The night will be themed broadly around the following topics: the impacts of Canadian resource extraction on natural spaces, peoples and politics in the Dominican Republic; sustainable energy, agriculture, and eco-tourism as modes of empowering local communities; and allyship across borders, examining the impacts of volunteering and international partnerships.
Doors open at 6:00PM :: Event begins promptly at 7PM
this is a free event :: accessible space :: refreshments provided :: all-gender washrooms available :: Spanish-English translation provided
With Support From: Caribbean Studies Program :: Centre for Community Partnerships :: Dean's Student Initiative Fund :: Equity Studies Program :: Faculty of Arts & Science :: Latin American Studies Program :: New College :: Organization of Latin American Students :: Ontario Public Interest Research Group :: Political Science Dept. :: UTSU Sustainability Commission