And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- Date sent: Mon, 05 Apr 1999 10:31:34 To: (SUPPRESSED by Forwarder) From: Stephen Kishewitsch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Conference notice: Chiapas, indigenous rights, free trade *****Please read and forward******** RIDING THE BACK OF THE FEATHERED SERPENT The Zapatista Struggle; Transformation Through Alternative Communication. Presented by Food for Chiapas Ryerson Polytechnic University. And the Rogers Communication Center Date:May 8, 1999 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Location: Ryerson Polytechnic University, Eaton Theater, 80 Gould St. Toronto, Ontario Canada FOOD FOR CHIAPAS CONTACT NUMBERS Food For Chiapas Hotline:416-410-3713 http://www.ryerson.ca/chiapas [EMAIL PROTECTED] Food for Chiapas is a non-profit, aboriginal-directed organization formed to support the Mayan communities in resistance in Chiapas. CONFERENCE CONTACT NUMBERS: Primary Conference e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ALTERNATE CONFERENCE E-MAIL AND PHONE NUMBERS: Fernando Hernandez [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ilana Gutman at 416-536-7714 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Stephen Kishewitsch 416-920-6828 [EMAIL PROTECTED] *****FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION PLEASE SEE BELOW********* CONFERENCE FORMAT You are invited to participate in a bilingual English/Spanish Interactive Broadcast, Interactive Conference and Workshop Series between Mexico, Canada, and the United States. This conference will be broadcast worldwide and be available to all who can log on to the Internet.*THIS IS A FREE BROADCAST.* For a small fee you may join us in person in Toronto in order to have an opportunity to meet the panelists, participate in intensive workshops about issues outlined below, and to mingle and network with other supporters of Zapatista and related struggles. The workshops will not be broadcast. This conference is of interest to anyone who wishes to learn how to empower themselves and other people through effective and alternative means of communication. It will also be of interest to academics, journalists, activists, students of communications, cultural Studies, Latin American Studies, Indigenous Studies, New Media, in addition to people who wish to learn more about Free Trade, Chiapas and Indigenous issues. The broadcast will include a live audio and video feed of panelists, a live chatline so that those logged on can discuss issues with each other and pose questions to the panelists (In Mexico-La UAM, The Smithsonian-New York), and broadcasts of videos about Chiapas culture, social and political environment (by indigenous people in Chiapas addressing these issues and by other documentary makers). On location there will be live entertainment, food, posters, arts and crafts from Chiapas, T-Shirts and music, most notably our new CD recorded as a fundraiser called: RIDING THE BACK OF THE FEATHERED SERPENT: SONGS FOR CHIAPAS. WHY IS THIS CONFERENCE HAPPENING? This conference seeks to offer information about indigenous issues and to get the message out of both the oppression and the aspirations of the people of Chiapas, whose concerns echo the concerns of all peoples. This conference will also offer practical solutions for grassroots communications. The Zapatistas have used the Internet creatively to get their indigenous message out, to educate and to involve communities worldwide in their struggle and the struggles of all oppressed peoples. Their ideas and methods of activism and communication are important models that everyone concerned with social justice can learn from and use. Funds raised in the conference will be sent to Chiapas to assist Mayans forced into refugee camps by the low-intensity warfare of the colonial Mexican Army. INFORMATION ABOUT THE MAYAN PEOPLE OF CHIAPAS Many Mayan people of Chiapas have been conducting a campaign of indigenous resistance since first contact with the Europeans and more recently since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement in January 1994. They are demanding local autonomy, access to health care and education, and the return of traditional farming plots. The Mexican government has refused to implement negotiated treaties. The Mexican army now surrounds a large territory throughout the highlands and the rainforest regions inhabited by unarmed Mayans. Low-intensity warfare has included support of paramilitary squads who murder and "disappear" Mayan people, and many other tactics designed to intimidate the Mayans to leave their lands. The Mayan elders and leaders of the Zapatista movement have a spiritually-directed vision of a different world, one in which they have autonomy, justice, full political participation, full access to the means of communication, and the freedom to develop their communities as they see fit. Such a world would respect the rights and cultures of indigenous peoples. Other indigenous communities have similar goals. We want to share such visions and discuss creative solutions and strategies for supporting and realizing them. The panel will comprise Native political and spiritual leaders, indigenous and non-indigenous journalists, professors of communication and cultural studies, users of mainstream and alternative media, activists, and others involved in the struggle for human rights. ***If you would like to organize an event as a fundraiser in conjunction with this conference we suggest that you find a location in your area that can receive this broadcast and make it a community event. Contact us if you need information.*** Finalized agenda with panelists and workshop facilitators to be made available April 15, 1999 PANELS WILL BE DISCUSSING THE FOLLOWING ISSUES: *These Panels will be broadcast Live* ----------------------------------------------- 1.Indigenous rights, restoration and the situation in Chiapas. 2.Free trade and how it has affected traditional communities in Canada and Mexico; fair trade and how it can help. 3.Freedom of the press and accurate dissemination of information. 4.Alternative media/communications and their uses (including the Internet) WORKSHOPS: *The workshops will not be broadcast live* ---------------------------------------------- 1.Computer literacy 101: Working the PC, Introduction to the Internet. How to use browsers, e-mail, search engines, bookmarks, plug-ins. 2.Getting your message out and fundraising on the Internet, requirements and strategies. Topics include listservers, advanced e-mail, chat lines, broadcasts, e-commerce, e-zines, and Web page and other publicity strategies for grassroots organizations. 3.Alternative radio. Radio is still one of the lowest tech ways to communicate. What does it take to put together radio show? How to get it broadcast. Radio networks available for alternative shows. 4.The Indigenous rights mock treaty negotiation. Participate in a mockup of the bargaining table. By acting as a representative of either side; negotiating for cultural rights, limited political autonomy and land rights, you will have a clearer idea of the complexity of issues and strategies. 5.The fair trade bargaining table. Coffee is a hot commodity. Bargain for your rights to be able to make a living growing it. ----------------------------------------------------------- We are also announcing the release of a CD recorded as a Fundraiser called: RIDING THE BACK OF THE FEATHERED SERPENT; SONGS FOR CHIAPAS. Artists featured on the CD include Ulali, the aboriginal vocal trio that recently appeared on the soundtrack to the movie Smoke Signals, Kanatan Askii, Oneida comedian Charlie Hill; Juno-nominated singer Jani Lauzon, Chilean vocalist Alejandra Nu�ez, Mexican folksinger Emilio Capistran and many more. **TO REGISTER: THERE ARE TWO REGISTRATION PROCESSING FORMS PLEASE READ OPTIONS CAREFULLY. THIS MAY SAVE YOU MONEY. REGISTRATION PROCESSING FORM A: *********************************** - TO REGISTER WITHOUT ACCOMODATION (NO SERVICE FEE OR TAX) - TO PAY WITH VISA OR MASTERCARD (NO SERVICE FEE OR TAX) - TO PAY BY CHEQUE SENT IN THE MAIL (NO SERVICE FEE) - TO E-MAIL AS A NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO REGISTER TO SEND CHEQUE IN MAIL: Make cheque payable to FOOD FOR CHIAPAS Send to:Food For Chiapas c/o Ilana Gutman 24 O'hara Ave. Toronto, Ont. M6J-2P9 TO FAX REGISTRATION AND PAY BY VISA OR MASTERCARD: Development Education Center Tel: 416-516-2966 Fax: 416-531-3197 TO E-MAIL AS A NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO REGISTER: If for some reason you are unable to register in right away but are certain you will come let us know. It will help us plan. Just cut and paste REGISTRATION PROCESSING FORM A and e-mail to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] REGISTRATION PROCESSING FORM B: ******************************* *TO REGISTER WITH ACCOMODATIONS INCLUDED AND/OR TO PAY WITH VISA OR MASTERCARD ($7.00 SERVICE FEE AND 12% TAX APPLY) If you would like to register with accommodations included we have made arrangements with Ryerson Conference Services and Pitman hall residence. They can also register or take orders if you don't want accommodations but this will cost you more. IF YOU DON'T NEED ACCOMODATIONS PLEASE LOOK AT REGISTRATION PROCESSING FORM A: Pitman hall residence is located at 160 Mutual St. in downtown Toronto right next to the Rogers Centre. The modern dormitory- style accommodation consists of air-conditioned single rooms with daily maid service, in-room phones, shared washrooms, common rooms and 24-hour check-in. A group breakfast can be arranged in the cafeteria. Photos of the accommodations and the Eaton Theatre, scene of the conference, can be viewed at the conference centre website: www.ryerson.ca/conference TO FAX REGISTRATION AND/OR PAY BY VISA OR MASTERCARD: Conference Services Ryerson Polytechnic University Tel: (416) 979-5296 Fax: 416-979-5212 TO SEND CHEQUE AND/OR REGISTRATION IN MAIL Conference Services, Ryerson Polytechnic University 160 Mutual St., suite 101, Toronto, Ont., Canada M5B 2M2 Please note that if paying by cheque, a separate, certified cheque is required for accommodation payment. Please make cheques out to Ryerson Polytechnic University. No personal cheques accepted. For more information, contact Conference Services at (416) 979-5296 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] *Reservations should be made by April 30. **All rates are in Canadian dollars. ---------------------------------------------------------------- REGISTRATION PROCESSING FORM A: Please print, fill in and fax/mail or copy, paste and e-mail this form as per instructions for Registration Processing form A above *********************************** RIDING THE BACK OF THE FEATHERED SERPENT The Zapatista Struggle; Transformation through Alternative Communication. Date:May 8, 1999 9:00 AM Location: Ryerson Polytechnic University, Eaton Theater, 80 Gould St. Toronto, Ontario Canada Last name: ____________________First __________________ Address:____________________________________________ City: __________________State/Province: __________ Country _________ Post code ___________ Phone: home ___________________work________________ fax___________________e-mail ____________________ (please check) Early registration: attendance only $28.00 ( )or early registration + CD: $40.00 ( )or early registration + T-SHIRT: $38.00 ( )or early registration + CD+ T-SHIRT: $50.00 ( ) Advance order of CD only $15.00 ( )regular $20.00 Advance order of T-Shirt only $12.00 ( )regular $15.00 After April 30, 1999 registration $40.00 ( ) TOTAL $____________ PAYMENT : Visa ____ Mastercard _____ Cheque_______(please check) Number ___________________________________ Expiry ____________________ Signature: ______________________________________ Cardholder's name_______________________________ ---------------------------------------------------------------- REGISTRATION PROCESSING FORM B: Please print, fill in and fax or mail this form as per instructions for Registration Processing Form B above *********************************** RIDING THE BACK OF THE FEATHERED SERPENT The Zapatista Struggle; Transformation through Alternative Communication. Date:May 8, 1999 9:00 AM Location: Ryerson Polytechnic University, Eaton Theater, 80 Gould St. Toronto, Ontario Canada Last name: _________________First __________________ Address:____________________________________________ City: __________________State/Province: __________ Country _________ Post code ___________ Phone: home __________________work_________________ fax___________________e-mail _____________________ please check ( ) Early registration:attendance only $(28.00+7.00+12%) = $39.20 ( ) or early registration + CD: $(40.00+7.00+12%) = $52.64 ( ) or early registration + T-SHIRT: $(38.00+7.00+12%) = $50.50 ( ) or early registration + CD+ T-SHIRT: $(50.00+7.00+12%) = $63.84 ( ) or Advance order of CD only $(15.00+7.00+12%) = $24.64 ( ) Advance order of T-Shirt only $(12.00+7.00+12%) = $21.28 ( ) After April 30, 1999 registration $(40.00+7.00+12%) = $52.64 ( ) Note* Regular price CD $20.00 T-Shirt $15.00 TOTAL $__________ SECTION 2: ACCOMODATION REGISTRATION FORM arrival date ____________ departure date________________ No. of nights _________ @ rate _______= $ Cdn_________ Rates: 30.75 student, $44.75 non-student (tax included) Student ID: ___________________University ____________________ TOTAL ACCOMODATION $______________ SECTION 3: PAYMENT SECTION OF REGISTRATION PROCESSING FORM B: **PLEASE INCLUDE SECTIONS 1,2,3 FOR RYERSON CONFERENCE SERVICES** GRAND TOTAL DUE $______________ PAYMENT : Visa ____ Mastercard _____ Cheque_______(please check) Number ___________________________________ Expiry ____________________ Signature: ______________________________________ Cardholder's name_______________________________ -------END OF REGISTRATION SECTION----------- ********TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS TO LOG ON LIVE********* Minimum requirements for RealPlayer G2: 90MHz Intel Pentium processor or equivalent, 16MB of RAM, 14.4 Kbps modem (audio only); 28.8Kpbs modem (video), 16-bit sound card and speakers, 65,000-color video display card (video), Windows 95 (or Macintosh System 7.1 or higher) operating system, Internet connection and web browser, speakers. To download: http://www.real.com/products/player/ http://home.netscape.com/plugins/get_real.html http://www.real.com/products/player/downloadrealplayer.html?wp=dl0399&src= pr oductsmain&lang=en Site to download the Chat program so that you can pose questions to the panelists and have discussions with each other. http://www.icq.com/download/ Please have your computer RealPlayer G2/ and icq Chat enabled and tested beforehand to make sure that you can get the full benefit of our conference. For technical info questions please e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and cc: to [EMAIL PROTECTED] DETAILED INFORMATION OF THE PANEL ISSUES. SOME WORKSHOPS WILL EXPAND UPON THESE ISSUES. PANEL 1 * A summary of the indigenous history of the history of the Americas. * Mexico's particular relationship with indigenous peoples. * The history of dealings with people in Chiapas up to the present. * Equivalent attitudes in Canada and the US. * The vision of the San Andres Accords. * The Mexican government's response to plan Chiapas, other events since 1994. * What is involved in sovereignty / self-government? What would it mean to indigenous nations? * Initiatives toward the restitution of traditional government in other Native communities. What is being done? What could be done? PANEL 2 * What effect has NAFTA had on the land rights, culture, economy and health of Mayans and other indigenous peoples of Mexico? How has it affected others in those dimensions? * What is the trend to globalization? What does it do to the gap between rich and poor? * How are people in Canada and the U.S. implicated? What can we do? What alternatives are there? An introduction to fair trade, experiences with fair trade. * Working traditional ideas of trade into fair trade. PANEL 3 * Who drives the news? To what extent do we hear the "real" or the full story? * What agendas drive print, radio, TV? Who decides what gets published or produced? * Problems of reporting in Chiapas. How to get the story out? How does this compare to other war-torn areas, to Native communities in the rest of the world? * Dealing with censorship, in various forms. * How to get to the story in the first place. Approaching people who may be endangered by your approach. * What sources can be trusted, and how far? PANEL 4 * The use of alternative media to achieve information, mobilization, and transformation in Chiapas and elsewhere. How has it been used in aid of Zapatismo, others? * What makes communication for social change effective ? What kinds of alternative media are there? What models are there in Native society? * Successes and problems. * Avoiding co-optation by mainstream models and agendas. Infiltration of mainstream media to turn it toward social change. Is it a worthwhile effort? ROUGH ITINERARY (eastern daylight time) Videos will be screened throughout the day. Certain ones will be broadcast. 9:00-9:30 A.M.: Opening ceremony: In keeping with standard protocol around spiritual observances, this will not be broadcast. 9:30-10:30 A.M.: PANEL 1: Indigenous rights, indigenous restoration and the situation in Chiapas. BREAK 10:45-11:45 A.M.: PANEL 2:Free trade and how it has affected traditional communities in Canada and Mexico; fair trade and how it can help. 11:45-12:45 A.M.: LUNCH IN THE FOYER. Live Performances by Juno Nominated Performer Jani Lauzon and Emilio Capistran singing revolutionary Mexican Songs both artists are featured on our new CD. 12:45-2:30 P.M. Concurrent workshops #1,4,5 2:45-3:45 P.M.: PANEL 3: Freedom of the press and accurate dissemination of information. BREAK 4:00-5:00 P.M.: PANEL 4: Alternative media / communications, including the Internet, and their uses BREAK 5:15-6:45 P.M.: Concurrent workshops #2,3 7:00-7:15 P.M.: Closing Ceremony :-) Message Ends; Signature Begins; George(s) Lessard (-: Community Media Arts, Management & Mentoring A brief Survey, contact info, subscriptions, public keyword searchable archives and CAUTIONS, Disclaimers, NOTES TO EDITORS & (c) information may be found @ http://members.tripod.com/~media002/disclaimer.htm - 30 - &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
