In the past decade or so Latin Americans, and many of their governments, have been forging new ways in which to address poverty, injustice, and environmental crises.
This lecture, which took place at SFU's Vancouver campus in October 2010, began with Mexico and went down the continent, highlighting inspirational alternatives that are being implemented across the region. Personal stories peppered throughout the lecture offered insight into what Latin Americans can teach us all.
Topics included the following: (1) Ecuador is asking the international community to pay them, NOT to take oil out of a national park. (2) Bolivia has proposed a global referendum on climate change. (3) The Catholic Church in Guatemala is denouncing the actions of Canadian mining companies.
Jessie Rain Anne Smith, the speaker, is the coordinator of Latin American studies at Langara College, where she has been teaching since 2001.
This forum was sponsored by the SFU Seniors Program and SFU Seniors Lifelong Learner's Society. To find out more about liberal arts courses and events at SFU Continuing Studies, visit www.sfu.ca/liberal-arts
