Resisting Canadian Mining in Guatemala: The Xinka People's Struggle for Self-Determination

CERLAC Presents:

Resisting Canadian Mining in Guatemala:

The Xinka People's Struggle for Self-Determination

with

Xinca Leaders: Marisol Guerra and Marta Muñoz

Moderator: Randy Pitawanakwat, York University

Discussants: Carlota McAllister, York University

Earlier this year, the Xinka Indigenous People of Guatemala delivered the result of a historic consultation process, denying consent for the restart of Canadian Pan American Silver’s Escobal mine in southern Guatemala. They are now calling for its permanent closure.

At this event, two visiting Xinka leaders, Marisol Guerra and Marta Muñoz, will share the latest on their struggle for self-determination and the health of their communities. They will present their concerns about the silver mine, the threats and attacks that are being endured by the Xinka People, the challenges they have faced during the seven-year court-ordered consultation process regarding the mine, and their hopes for the future.

Thursday, September 18, 2025,

5:00pm - 6:30 pm

Kaneff Tower 519

York University

Co-Sponsored by: Common Frontiers, Centre for Indigenous Student Services

Bios:

Aura Marisol Guerra is an Indigenous Xinka woman and human rights defender from the community of Santa Rosa de Lima. She is the President of the Xinka Women’s Commission and  was named by her community to participate in the seven-year consultation process over the future of Pan American Silver’s Escobal mine.

Marta Muñoz Montenegro is an Indigenous Xinka woman and human rights defender from the community of San Antonio Las Flores, Mataquescuintla who was named by her community to participate in the seven-year consultation process over the future of Pan American Silver’s Escobal mine.