Dos Mundos Arts: Messages from Indigenous Peoples at Risk in Colombia
Photo Courtesy of Juan Pablo Gutierrez
Indigenous people’s all over the planet have somehow become the enemies of ‘progress’. It’s amazing when you think of the amount of people who live their lives in absolute harmony of the Earth and how they are constantly threatened, displaced and murdered in the name of ‘progress’. There are 102 distinct Indigenous nations in Colombia. Each with a unique culture, traditions and ways of life. At least a third of them are now at risk of physical or cultural destruction amidst violence linked to an ongoing armed conflict and imposed development projects on their resource-rich territory.
Earlier this year, the talented and committed Colombian photographer Juan Pablo Gutíerrez visited some of the affected communities as part of a collaborative effort between the National Indigenous Organization of Colombia and Amnesty International Canada. The result is a powerful collection of photos entitled “This is what we want to tell you: messages from Indigenous Peoples at risk of annihilation in Colombia”. The people in these photographs asked not to be named because of the danger involved. They do want to speak directly to Canadians, and share with us their heartfelt, hand-written messages. These portraits are a testament to the courage and dignity of Indigenous people, who face great risks as they struggle to protect their very survival. The subjects of these photos tell a story of pain and injustice but also of hope for a better future, for a future! They call for our solidarity with a message that is impossible to ignore.
Opening night reception: Friday Oct 19, 7pm – 9pm (doors open at 6:45pm)
Beit Zatoun 612 Markham St, Toronto, Ontario M6G 2L8
Guest speakers: Juan Pablo Gutierrez , photographer (via skype)
Kathy Price, AI Canada Campaigner
Music and refreshments. This is a free event. Everyone is welcome.
ALL PHOTOS USED WITH PERMISSION BY Juan Pablo Gutierrez
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Music Ruben Esguerra:
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http://www.youtube.com/
For more information please contact, edumitru@amnesty.ca, 416.363.9933 ext.333
FEISBUKEALO!