New book by UNBC researchers document Canadian mining company-linked human rights violations

The book, Testimonio: Canadian Mining in the Aftermath of Genocides in Guatemala, is based on the research by UNBC Geography Professor Dr. Catherine Nolin and Grahame Russell, Director of Rights Action and UNBC Adjunct Professor and their direct community support in Guatemala since 2004.

The book’s 30 contributions and unflinching testimonies are authored by Indigenous leaders, journalists, filmmakers, activists, lawyers, documentary photographers, and academics who document the violence of and resistance to Canadian mining operations linked human rights violations, forced evictions, repression, health, and environmental harms in Guatemala.

“These are not just Guatemalan problems, these are very much Canadian problems,” Dr. Nolin said. “What we are trying to do is shine a light, not just on Guatemala and issues there, but the Canadian decisions, decision-makers and policy to support the Canadian extractive industry at all costs.

“We call on Canadians to hold our government and companies fully to account for their role in enabling and profiting from violence in Guatemala. The opportunity offered to us by publisher Between the Lines was to gather the work of the many people we’ve worked with over the years into one volume, making the evidence both damning and irrefutable.”

Testimonio is being launched during a virtual book launch on Monday, Oct. 25 at 4 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend the event by registering on the launch's website.