Lanzamiento de Libro en Canadá

Con la presencia del autor Dr. Hermes Benítez se realizó con gran éxito el lanzamiento del libro Las Muertes de Salvador Allende, en la ciudad de Edmonton. El libro es una investigación crítica de las principales versiones acerca de los últimos momentos del Presidente Allende y fue publicado en Chile por RIL Editores.
El evento literario efectuado en el Centro Internacional de la Universidad de Alberta, el mes de noviembre del 2006, concitó la entusiasta asistencia de un gran número de latinos y canadienses.
Académicos de dos universidades canadienses participaron en el lanzamiento compartiendo, con la audiencia, diversos puntos de vista. El Profesor de Antropología de la Universidad de Alberta, Dr. Hugo De Burgos, desarrolló una perspectiva latinoamericana. El Profesor de Ciencias Políticas de la Universidad de Alberta, Dr. Fred Juckson, expuso una perspectiva canadiense. Y el Profesor de Trabajo Social, de la Universidad de Regina, Dr. Miguel Sánchez, presentó una perspectiva chilena del libro.
El escritor Benitez, por su parte, dialogo y respondió preguntas del público y al término de evento estuvo disponible, para dedicar y firmar su libro a quienes se interesaron por comprarlo.
El evento cultural estuvo organizado por el Latin American Research Institute (LARI) y auspiciado por el periódico digital PiensaChile.com. Los organizadores destacan y agradecen la importante contribución de todas las voluntarias y voluntarios, que con su trabajo aseguraron el éxito de la actividad.

Research Project

The Latin American Research Institute (LARI) is currently working on an investigation project about the Chilean Immigration to Canada. The executive summary provides you a brief description of the project.
Executive Summary
The objective of this project is to carry out an investigation on the issue of Chilean immigration to Canada. This investigation will study the Chilean immigration phenomenon from a historical, political, and sociological perspective. It will also analyze the multiple barriers that this ethnic group has faced along its settlement process and its contributions to Canadian society. The working title for the research proposal is “Chileans in Canada: A Historical, Political, and Sociological Study of the Chilean Immigration”.
There has been very little research done to document and study the distinctive characteristics of the Chilean immigration process since its beginning in Canada 30 years ago. The lack of information, resources and studies on this topic and other aspects of the Chilean ethnic group are apparent. Therefore, there exists a need for undertaking this type of investigation.
To the Chilean Canadians across the country, the accomplishment of this investigation represents both a tremendous challenge and a fundamental commitment to future generations. As a community it is our responsibility to start recording and writing down our history in order to pass it on to the upcoming generations, so that they can learn from the past and to continue contributing positively to Canadian society in the present and in the future.
The investigation will address two important objectives of the Multiculturalism Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage: the participation of ethno-racial minorities in public decision-making; and the engagement of communities and broad public in informed dialogue and sustained action to combat racism.
The investigation will provide valuable data regarding the Chilean Canadian communities across the country. This data will assist government agencies at different levels, such as the Canadian Heritage department, to develop strategies and policies to encourage the full and active participation of these specific communities in Canadian society. In the process, the project will increase public awareness and understanding about multiculturalism, racism and cultural diversity issues. In doing so, it will certainly inspire the Chilean Canadian across the country to generate initiatives to respond more effectively to ethnic, racial, and cultural conflicts existing in their communities.

Mural “Presencia de América Latina”

El mural, de 40 x 8 metros, fue realizado en la Casa del Arte Universidad de Concepción en el año 1965 por el artista mexicano Jorge González Camarena.

En su paño derecho surgen los símbolos mexicanos con que se representa el pasado prehispánico de América.
El muro central se inicia con lo que el maestro denominó La Pareja Original, que avanza sobre las figuras que representan las riquezas minerales y sobre las cuales se levanta el desnudo que personifica la agricultura; la pirámide muestra los aportes técnicos y científicos.
El motivo central, nos muestra la fusión de las razas con el símbolo de los tres rostros ensamblados, donde la mujer desnuda simboliza Latinoamérica.
El costado izquierdo contiene la alegoría de las plantas representativas de México y Chile que abrazan a los antepasados que las nutren.

Our Mission

The Latin American Research Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and development of Latin American values; and – as a main focus – is committed to preserving the historical and cultural values of Chilean Canadian communities through the investigation and study of economic, social, political, health, and cultural topics. It also has the mission of educating Canadians on multicultural issues through various types of seminars and workshops, and working closely with educational institutions by providing services and resources.

Our Objectives

The Objectives of the Latin American Research Institute are:

1. To foster and develop Latin American cultural values in the context of Canada’s Multiculturalism Act.

2. To promote the investigation and study of economic, social, political, cultural, and linguistic topics in order to increase the knowledge and understanding of issues related to the development of Spanish speaking communities in Canada.

3. To contribute in the development of strategies that facilitates full and active participation of Spanish speaking communities in Canadian society.

4. To educate Canadians under the values of multicultural education to make possible international communication and respect among different cultures.

5. To encourage new generations to effectively use and express themselves in English and Spanish.

6. To procure the delivery of diverse lectures on social, education, economic, and cultural issues.

7. To carry out workshops, seminars, conferences, forums, and exhibits.

8. To become a resource and information centre for the Hispanic communities and educational institutions involved in the teaching of Spanish language programs.

9. To promote the understanding of Spanish speaking communities and its contributions to the Canadian society.

10. To establish and maintain a library and provide a suitable meeting place for the various activities of the community.