The Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network (BTS) invites you to our 2025 Annual Gathering: ROOTED IN RESISTANCE, GROWING IN SOLIDARITY, taking place Friday September 12 at 7 p.m. to Sunday, September 14 at 1 p.m.
We’re excited to share that all of our staff will be present: our new Guatemala
Coordinator, Javier López; Cooperant Program Coordinator, Martha Schmitz;
Maritimes Coordinator, Arturo Ezquerro-Cañete; and Communications
Coordinator, Sabrina Jeria. They will update us on the ever-evolving situation in
Guatemala and share our partners’ latest achievements and struggles.
Following the historic consultation process for the Escobal mine in Guatemala, we’ll be joined by two Xinka women human rights defenders, Marisol Guerra and Marta Muñoz. They will update us on the Xinka Peoples’ ongoing resistance to Canadian mining in their territories. We’ll also be screening a documentary, Tekuanes: Xinka Water Guardians that highlights the work Xinka youth have undertaken to monitor the environmental impacts of the Escobal mine.
A number of our returning Cooperants and Interns will also share their experiences with us and as always, we’ll have time for community building and a Saturday night fiesta! Please start to think about your contributions to our Silent Auction too!
For more than three decades, the Annual Gathering has been fundamental to building and sustaining BTS solidarity. This year, we hope to have as many BTS members and supporters attend as possible. Your presence matters — so please come to reconnect, build new relationships, learn about Guatemalan and Mi'kmaq struggles, and be inspired by ongoing support and action.
We understand the reality of financial barriers. That’s why we offer bursaries to help lower program costs. Throughout the year, our dedicated volunteers and interns sell BTS coffee and Guatemalan crafts to ensure that everyone who supports BTS can attend our Annual Gathering. Please do not stay away because of a lack of funds! We need you! However, if you can afford to, it’s helpful that you contribute a portion of the cost.
To receive a bursary, please copy/paste one of the promo codes below when you
register to attend:
BTS-bursary50
BTS-bursary100
BTS-bursary150
BTS-bursary250
BTS-bursary320
As always, child care will be available completely free of charge. We hope to see you in September!
Refund Policy for Program Attendees
Up to 1 month prior to the event start:
Full refund
Up to 2 weeks prior to the event start:
50% refund
Under 2 weeks prior to the event start:
No refund.