[Peace] indigeneity in Guatemala: upcoming events in C-U

[Peter Rohloff]

Despite decade of focused development work, Guatemala remains one of the poorest countries in Latin America. Much of the failure of development projects in Guatemala can be traced to the inattention at all levels to the phenomenon of “indigeneity.” 

Guatemala is a majority indigenous nation, with the bulkof its population descended from the anciente Maya civiliation. Contemporary Maya preseve many ancient customs, such as subsistence farming practices, the wearing of distinctive clothing, and the speaking of more than 20 distinct Mayan languages. 

<a href=”http://www.wuqukawoq.org”>Wuqu’ Kawoq</a> is a nonprofit organization working to develop first-language medical resources in Guatemala and to promote cultural and linguistic revitalization movements. Part of this work includes promoting dialogue and awareness abroad about indigenous life in Guatemala. 

With this in view, we are proud to be cosponsors of an exciting month of programming scheduled for March and April, 2008 at the University of Illinos. Major sponsors for this programming are the Spurlock Museum and the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. 

Magda Sotz Mux, a native of Chiq’al (San Juan Comalapa), weaver, community activist, and Wuqu’ Kawoq field manager, will be scholar-in-residence from March 19-April 21, 2008.

Activities currently scheduled are laid out below, but Magda has ample time and interest in meeting with other community groups. Please contact us at wuqu.kawoq at gmail.com to set something up. For more information please see 

“Qak’aslem, Qakem: Kaqchikel Maya Weavings.” Exhibit open to the public, Tues March 25-Sun June 8. Spurlock Museum, UIUC, Urbana, IL

“Ethnicity, Language, and Healthcare: Impacting Access to Care in Guatemala. Wed, March 30, 5:30 pm, Carle Pollard Forum, Urbana, IL

Opening Reception for Spurlock Exhibit, Fri, March 28, 7 pm. Spurlock Museum, UIUC, Urbana, IL.

“Indigenous communities and development work: perspectives from Guatemala.” Wed, April 9, 7:30 pm. Channing Murray Foundation, Urbana, IL.

Public weaving demonstrations. Sat, April 12, 10-12 and 1:30-3:30. Spurlock Museum, UIUC, Urbana, IL. 

"Indigenous language revitalization in the Americas: Contemporary perspectives.” Tues, April 15, noon. International Studies Building, UIUC, Champaign, IL.

Public weaving demonstrations. Sat, April 19, 10-12. Spurlock Museum, UIUC, Urbana, IL.

“Contemporary Kaqchikel Weaving.” Lecture by Peter Rohloff and Magda Sotz Mux. Sat, April 19, 2 pm. Spurlock Museum Knight Auditorium, UIUC, Urbana, IL. 



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Peter Rohloff, MD PhD

Executive Director, Wuqu' Kawoq S.A.
Fellow, Medical Scholars Program, UIUC

cel (Guatemala) 011-502-52435550/011-502-540018007
www.wuqukawoq.org

"strengthening Mayan language and medicine"