IN PARAGUAY:
ASUNCION, Paraguay – “In any moderately civilized country if you would spray your pesticides on people, you’d basically go to jail,” said Miguel Lovera, head of Paraguay’s agricultural enforcement agency. “In this country that wasn’t the case. It may still be the case in many places in the country that they may be spraying on the wrong places, on the wrong people, on the wrong animals – but we’re out there to put an end to this situation.”
Lovera is currently under fire for the agency’s destruction of 44 hectares of transgenic corn that were being grown illegally. Transgenic soy is currently the country’s main export, and vast swaths of the countryside have been bulldozed by foreign landowners to make way for the controversial crop, but so far soy is the only transgenic allowed for production.
Environmental and campesino leaders are trying to hold the line in protecting their native corn, and so far, the government is behind them. This podcast, which gives the background, was aired on Progressive Forum on KPFT, 90.1, in Houston, Texas.
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Interview with Paraguay’s Miguel Lovera
IN GUATEMALA
Cultural Survival: An Interview with Mark Camp
Mark Camp, Operations Director and now Interim Director of Cultural Survival, talks about the effort to support native peoples in their struggles around the world for their lands and their rights. Read about Mark’s efforts to support the Mayan people through community radio here.
IN BELIZE:
Interview with Albert Bates
Author, permaculture teacher and visionary Albert Bates talks about The Great Change, Latin America and his upcoming book, The Biochar Solution, in this three-part series.
IN MEXICO:
At home in Teopantli Kalpulli
Levi Rios, one of the leaders of Teopantli Kalpulli, shares the vision and the challenges faced by his ecological community in rural Jalisco, Mexico. See the full story here.
Building an Ecobarrio
Lomas de Platero, the largest housing complex in Mexico City with more than 30,000 residents, is the site of a new Ecobarrios program, which is changing the way people think about garbage. See the full story here.
Lessons from the Rainbow Peace Caravan
Alberto Ruz Buenfil, author, actor, visionary, and founder of the Rainbow Peace Caravan, reflects on the lessons learned in his 13-year journey through Latin America, and looks ahead. Read the story here.
PODCASTS
Introduction to the Esperanza Project, Progressive Forum, KPFT, Houston, Texas, Jan. 14, 2010
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Introduction to the Esperanza Project, Evening Edition, KOPN, Columbia, Mo., January 2010
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On the road in Huichol Country, Evening Edition, KOPN, Columbia, Mo., February 2010
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On the road in Havana, Cuba, Evening Edition, KOPN, Columbia, Mo., March 2010
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Guatemalan Ex-Guerilla trades gun for microphone, Progressive Forum, KPFT, Houston, Texas, May 2010
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Mayans take lead in anti-mining resistance, Progressive Forum, Houston, Texas, June 2010
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Environmental martyrs follow in Oscar Romero’s footsteps in El Salvador, Progressive Forum, Houston, Texas, July 2010
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Social Forum shifts balance in Paraguay, Latin America, Progressive Forum, KPFT, Houston, Texas, August 2010
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Tracy L. Barnett is the founding editor of The Esperanza Project. She can be reached at tracy@tracybarnettonline.com. 
The greatest feat the Devil (place the name of your dark spirit being here) pulled off was – To get the spirit beings who are currently in their human stage on earth, to believe he does not exist. Most modern, progressive, western, people do not believe that such a god or spirit being is in their life. And if they do not beleive in the Devil, than they usually don’t really beleive with there hearts, minds and souls in any other spirit beings. Many beleive the heirarchy goes from themselfs to Jesus than God. No other spirit beings exist, no Elementals, Nature, Earth, Angels and the rest. Even the relationship with Christ, the Elohim who united with the Earth’s karma and so with ours. It falls back to the food a person eats. It is not ‘What you eat’ it is ‘Who you eat’ and most people eat very bad ‘Whoes’. Nothing is created, it is all given by God and carried out by the Hierarchies. We can create nothing. We can mess with everything with our intentions. A persons intentions are truelly their way of interacting with the spirit beings manifested or condensed into a physical body for our needs. So our intentions while we mess with these beings has the effect of the out come. Are they still ‘Good Spirit Beings’ or are they now ‘Bad Spirit Beings. White suger or corn syrup is only as bad as the intentions of the people that make or really mess with the origanal cane juice. Sodas are full of little demons and cigerettes are full of demons, not because they need to be, because the makers with their evil intensions ask the spirits in the soda and tobacco to become and manifest that way. So how can anyone not understand why our kids, who drink soda for breakfest, have such a hard time keeping their hearts, minds and spirit clean and strong. Mitakuye Oyasin – ‘We are related to all things’ states everything is a relative, meaning a spirit being relative, with purpose and connection to everything (everyone really). This means as a relative, we have our place and station in this family and it is our job and repsonciblity to find, honor and actively participate in this extended family. Again most people can not even comprehend such a notion, because they don’t beleive in the Devil or any other spirit beings, which includes themself. Good spirited enchanted food can counter the bad enchanted food most folks eat. This is the best way we know how to proceed. Sneak this good food into peoples lives. Sneak in into their bodies, so in the near future their spirit balance can lean toward the good side. Now they may be ready to hear about the spirits who enchanted them back to life. We are doing this with Influence Gardening, with our main projects with the Oglala Lakota Soiux on Pine Ridge, South Dakota. We are working and training with several groups on their projects to bring Influence Gardening into an updated Lakota Gardening Way. They mesh well, the BD500 is spirit food for the earth and water spirits. Along with prayer, songs and ceremony we are all learning a trendous amount from and through each other.
Later Dennis Limon
My heart grieves for the continued destruction of our planet, it’s animals and people…..mining of nuclear the clean energy not so clean, stripping of our forests, oil companies drilling deeper and deeper, polluting our waters and our land, mining of natural gases which are by no means natural, mining of dirty coal, the lack of respect for our indigenous cultures, the lack of respect for our human spirits……all in the name to feed our unrelenting thirst for energy and the corporations who exploit. I pray we become a smarter society before it is too late with no way to turn back.
Mitakuye (my relative),
I, Chief Arvol Looking Horse, of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota Nation, ask you to understand an Indigenous
perspective on what has happened in America, what we call “Turtle Island.” My words seek to unite the global Community through a message from our sacred ceremonies to unite spiritually, each in our own ways of beliefs in the Creator.
We have been warned from Ancient Prophecies of these times we live in today, but have also been given a very important message about a solution to turn these terrible times around.
To understand the depth of this message you must recognize the importance of Sacred Sites and realize the interconnectedness of what is happening today, in reflection of the continued massacres that are occurring on other lands and our own Americas.
I have been learning about these important issues since the age of 12, upon receiving the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle and its teachings. Our people have striven to protect Sacred Sites from the beginning of time. These places have been violated for centuries and have brought us to the predicament that we are in at the global level.
Look around you. Our Mother Earth is very ill from these violations, and we are on the brink of destroying the possibility of a healthy and nurturing survival for generations to come, our children’s children.
Our ancestors have been trying to protect our Sacred Site called the Sacred Black Hills in South Dakota, “Heart of Everything That Is,” from continued violations. Our ancestors never saw a satellite view of this site, but now that those pictures are available, we see that it is in the shape of a heart and, when fast-forwarded, it looks like a heart pumping.
The Dine (Navajo) have been protecting Big Mountain, calling it the liver, and we are suffering and going to suffer more from the extraction of the coal from there and the poison processes used in doing so.
The Aborigines have warned of the contaminating effects of global warming on the Coral Reefs, which they see as Mother Earth’s blood purifier.
The Indigenous people of the rainforest relay that the rainforest are the lungs of the planet and need protection.
The Gwich’in Nation has had to face oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge coastal plain, also known to the Gwich’in as “Where life begins!”
The coastal plain is the birthplace of many life forms of the Animal Nations. The death of these Animal Nations will destroy Indigenous Nations in this territory.
As these destructive developments continue all over the world, we will witness many more extinct Animal, Plant, and Human Nations, because of mankind’s misuse of power and their lack of understanding of the “balance of life.”
The Indigenous people warn that these destructive developments will cause havoc globally. There are many, many more Indigenous awarenesses and knowledge about Mother Earth’s Sacred Sites, her Chakras, connections to our spirit that will surely affect our future generations.
There needs to be a fast move toward other forms of
energy that
are safe for all Nations upon Mother Earth. We need
to understand
the types of minds that are continuing to destroy
the spirit of our whole global community. Unless we do this,
the powers of destruction will overwhelm us. Our
Ancestors foretold that water would someday be for sale. Back
then, this was hard to believe, since the water was so
plentiful, so pure, and so full of energy, nutrition, and spirit.
Today we have to buy pure water, and even then the
nutritional minerals have been taken out; it’s just empty
liquid. Someday water will be like gold, too expensive to afford.
Not everyone will have the right to drink safe
water. We fail to appreciate and honor our Sacred Sites, ripping out
the minerals and gifts that lay underneath them as if Mother
Earth were simply a resource, instead of the Source of Life itself.
Attacking Nations and having to utilize more
resources to carry out destruction in the name of peace is not the
answer! We need to understand how all these decisions affect the
Global Nation; we will not be immune to its repercussions. Allowing
continual contamination of our food and land is affecting the
way we think.
A “disease of the mind” has set in world leaders
and many members of our global community, with their belief
that a solution of retaliation and destruction of peoples
will bring Peace.
In our Prophecies it is told that we are now at the
crossroads:
Either unite spiritually as a Global Nation, or be
faced with chaos, disasters, diseases, and tears from our
relatives’ eyes.
We are the only species that is destroying the
Source of Life, meaning Mother Earth, in the name of power, mineral
resources, and ownership of land, using chemicals and methods
of warfare that are doing irreversible damage, as Mother Earth
is becoming tired and cannot sustain any more impacts of war.
I ask you to join me on this endeavor. Our vision is
for the Peoples of all continents, regardless of their
beliefs in the Creator, to come together as one at their Sacred
Sites to pray and meditate and commune with one another, thus
promoting an energy shift to heal our Mother Earth and achieve a
universal consciousness toward attaining Peace.
As each day passes, I ask all Nations to begin a
global effort, and remember to give thanks for the Sacred Food that
has been gifted to us by our Mother Earth, so the nutritional
energy of medicine can be guided to heal our minds and
spirits.
This new millennium will usher in an age of harmony
or it will bring the end of life as we know it. Starvation,
war, and toxic waste have been the hallmark of the Great Myth of
Progress and Development that ruled the last millennium.
To us, as caretakers of the heart of Mother Earth,
falls the responsibility of turning back the powers of
destruction. You yourself are the one who must decide.
You alone – and only you – can make this crucial
choice, to walk in honor or to dishonor your relatives. On your
decision depends the fate of the entire World.
Each of us is put here in this time and this place
to personally decide the future of humankind.
Did you think the Creator would create unnecessary
people in a time of such terrible danger?
Know that you yourself are essential to this World.
Believe that!
Understand both the blessing and the burden of that.
You yourself are desperately needed to save the soul of this
World. Did you think you were put here for something less? In a
Sacred Hoop of Life, there is no beginning and no ending!
Chief Arvol Looking Horse
Hola soy un mexicano afortunado de vivir la experiencia unica de convivir en armonia con la naturaleza y el espacio del wirikuta y la cierra de catorce. Soy un diseñador con muchas ganas de apoyar y participar en la marcha y tambien buscar alguna imagen que represente el WIRIKUTA. Si alguien tiene imagenes o alguna referencia muy espcifica grafica favor de enviar y contestar a este correo. kenjirt@gmail.com
We do not need the silver that could be mined from the Wirikuta. Enough silver is already above ground, circulating. The owners, employees and shareholders of this company could invest their money and time into restoring the sacred sites of the Earth instead of exploiting it.
I send prayers of support and encouragement to the delegation, with sadness that they were not at least allowed to speak. At least through articles like this, circulated widely, we WILL hear your voices and share the story with many others.
very nice post, i certainly love this website, keep on it
Colombia rocks! And agua panela is so delicious. I miss my friends in Colombia :,-(
Hi Tracy,
the project seems to be quite challenging – but I guess also very rewarding. Did you feel in danger? I wonder how dangerous El Salvador still is…
Thanx, abrazo, Clara
Muchas gracias a todos/as, necesitamos desarrollar muchos esfuerzos para continuar nuestro trabajo, y para ellos debemos unirnos todos como equipo, ya que estamos luchando muchas veces contra la corriente y cada vemos vemos un Peten menos verde, donde se esta perdiendo la mayoria de nuestro patrimonio y donde la gente se está convirtiendo en más pobre.
The Death Squad legacy in El Salavador seems to be alive. Our State Department needs to take action.
Thank You for your effort and hard work. We soport you. Cheers…
es muy triste para mi saber que el hijo mincho lo ahiga acesinado de esa manera espero que se investigue su muerte y la de los demas me da tristeza que en mi pais no se pueda vivir mayormente para nosotros que queremos visitar y ver nuestra familia tenemos miedo y nos duele que no haiga seguridad para nosotros queremos justicia por la muerte de juan francisco duran ayala
Gracias José! I support you too! Mucha suerte en tus proyectos… Juntos si se puede!
De acuerdo, Aracely, el noble pueblo salvadoreño merece justicia, especialmente los que laboran por un país mejor para todos. Ojalá que las cosas cambian y que hay justicia por Juan Francisco y los demás.
Yes Diane, Thanks for asking: on Twitter we’re @esperanzaprojec and @thirstyboots07; on Facebook, it’s The Esperanza Project.
hi alberto
we met in mexico in 1995 during the solar unitiation with Hunbatz Men ast year May I was staying with the shaman and you were going to come there, only I had to leave the day before,
I would like to be your friend on facebook.
love
vitesha
The mining project would distroy the health of the community and land for generation. Mining jobs cause exploitation on many serious levels. Schools, education, health care and jobs must and should be invested into and provided for these native communities. All people/communities of color deserve JUSTICE NOW !!!!!
Thanks for the article!! I am planning to travel to Nicaragua next year, so it was wonderful to get some leads about good ecological projects. If you all make it down to Colombia, I live in Tunja and can give you tons of leads here!
Thanks, Noah! I’ll pass this along to Leti and Ryan. They will be glad to hear from you!
Thanks friend! If you send your information in Colombia maybe we find you on the road! If you wanna get in touch you can contact us on the website http://www.comuntierra.org. Blessings!
The Law of Exceptions
http://unpfii10.blogspot.com/2011/10/law-of-exceptions.html
Solidarity from Abya Yala North
Cuachilchicameh Izkaloteca
I think we’re probably protesting in the wrong location. Let’s take this fight to their home ground – on of the issues is the Canadian transnational First Majestic Silver Corp. Unlike the US, Canadians have not been nearly as toxic to their indiginous people.
Take this fight to First Majestic Silver’s front yard, Vancouver BC. http://www.firstmajestic.com
Tracy, you have really helped this group get some recognition. I hope for thier skae as well as the Mexican country how important this is. Progress is fine but not at the expense of history!!
Thank you Tracy for reporting from the ground, with this powerful demonstration of solidarity for the Wixarika and their sacred lands! Sending prayers and support for protection of Wirikuta, and the people who have cared for it, for so long.
We Have a treasure, we have you as a friend of sweet eyes and caring diligence.
The Esperanza Project.
There´s Hope
I add 3 mp3 I recorded of the event
http://www.ivoox.com/consejo-visiones-movimientos-sociales-1-audios-mp3_rf_900184_1.html
http://www.ivoox.com/consejo-visiones-movimientos-sociales-2-audios-mp3_rf_900193_1.html
http://www.ivoox.com/consejo-visiones-consejos-plenaria-audios-mp3_rf_900240_1.html
Gracias Amigo querido, your presence is a gift as well.
The sound files are a little jewel captured in time. Thank you so much.
The Law of Exceptions
Open Letter to the Ministers of State and the Public Societies of Canada-US-Mexico
NAFTA and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
October 27, 2011
http://unpfii10.blogspot.com/2011/10/law-of-exceptions.html
Dear Ms.Barnett,
We are four students of the 1st Master Human nutrition & rural development: Tropical Agriculture at the University of Gent. Thursday, we are giving a presentation about Silvopastoral systems for the subject Tropical Animal production. We will also talk about El Hatico as a case-study. Therefore we would like to use some pictures. Because it is a Virtual Tour it is not possible to save the pictures. Is it possible to send me some pictures by email?
Thanks in advance!
Yours sincerely,
Ellen Velkeneers
With your permission I will use the pictures from the article. So you can ignore my previous comment.
Thank you, Ellen, for asking permission. I would be pleased to share the photos – please let me know if you have any problems downloading them.
Thank you Tracy, for sharing the voices of these friends–and your own; I agree, bring on the butterflies!
Tracy, Bring on the butterflies is right! We’ve all got to think globally but act locally. Everyone can do something to help make a difference. Thanks for a great post! Cheers, Denise
Thanks for your words, Tracy. They express much the same sentiment I´ve been feeling, ringing in the New Year in Valledupar, visitng Kogui and Arhuaco villages in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Change is in the air, and in ourselves. Saludos!!
Gracias Tracy for the lovely post. Many of my Amigos here in Guatemala are expressing optimism about this coming year-especially the younger folks. I agree wholeheartedly-Bring on the butterflies.
How wonderful it would be if everyone in our world would take a step back and see what irrevocable damage we have done to our planet in the name of Growth and Progress. Instead of abusing our world, we should all work together to preserve the wonders that we have been given in our surroundings.
Tracy, thanks for a lovely post. Yes, many things are stirring across the earth. It seems hungry with change and transformation. Dianne and I had similar thoughts as we saw the last rays of the 2011 sun sink into the Pacific Ocean. It is an incredible moment to be alive isn’t it?! Missing you. Jeff
Let’s ask First Majestic Silver those very questions!
Try First Majestic Silver Info@firstmajestic.com
[Their new info officer is Mr Martin Palacios]
An article that examines First Majestic and its corporate culture, as well as its PR strategy, can be found here:
http://lapoliticaeslapolitica.blogspot.com/2012/01/12_18.html
I stand united with you and your stance!