Join us for a powerful and timely series of events featuring two Xinka Indigenous women leaders from Guatemala, who will be visiting Vancouver and Victoria during the week of May 26, 2025. These leaders are at the forefront of a historic, court-ordered consultation process regarding the future of Pan American Silver’s Escobal silver mine in southern Guatemala—a process that has been ongoing for nearly seven years.​

Despite facing numerous obstacles—including harassment, threats, and the tragic assassination of leader Noé Gómez Barrera—the Xinka Parliament remains steadfast in its commitment to self-determination and environmental justice. The consultation process, mandated by Guatemala’s Constitutional Court, has been marred by interference from Pan American Silver and local authorities, who have attempted to undermine the process through disinformation campaigns and unauthorized activities.​

During these events, the Xinka leaders will share their community’s experiences, the challenges they have faced, and their hopes for a future where Indigenous rights are respected and upheld. This is an opportunity to learn about the resilience of the Xinka people and their ongoing struggle for justice and dignity.

This event is sponsored by Mining Justice Alliance, Café Justicia, BC Casa, CoDevelopment Canada, Victoria Peace Coalition, Victoria Central America Support Committee, MiningWatch Canada, Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network, Earthworks, Institute for Policy Studies - Global Economy Program, and the UBC Latin American Studies program.

Interpretation Services: Simultaneous interpretation will be available in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility for all attendees. ​

Refreshments: Complimentary coffee and a selection of light snacks will be provided.

FREE ADMISSION: Please register to let us know you are coming!