Fair Trade
MayaWorks is a nonprofit social venture that empowers indigenous women of Guatemala to achieve economic security by providing markets for their handcrafted products, such as bags, accessories, beaded jewelry, children’s items, home decor, and holiday ornaments. Giving women an opportunity to earn an income from their skills gives them self-confidence and hope for themselves, their families and their communities. Enter DFW as the coupon code (under Discount Codes) at check-out to receive a 10 percent discount, and to have Dining for Women receive 10 percent of the proceeds from sales. Visit MayaWorks here. Offer expires 10/5/17.
Friendship Bridge empowers impoverished Guatemalan women to create a better future for themselves, their children and their communities through microfinance and education. Friendship Bridge has created a “Tipica Market” online to showcase the artisans in their Microcredit Plus program, increase their access to North American markets, and ultimately bolster incomes. All Friendship Bridge products, including hand bags, scarves, jewelry, and ornaments, are made in accordance with Fair Trade guidelines. Enter DFW20 as the coupon code (under “Have a coupon?”) at check-out to receive a 10 percent discount, and to have Dining for Women receive 10 percent of the proceeds from sales. Books and sale items are excluded. Visit Friendship Bridge here. Offer expires 3/31/18.
Books
Non-Fiction
Guatemala Journey Among the Ixil Maya
By Susanna Badgley Place
Recommended by Limitless Horizons Ixil
(From Amazon) Explore the mountains and minds of the Ixil Maya and the three Ixil-speaking townships of Nebaj, Chajul, and Cotzal in the Guatemalan department of Quiche. A journey into the ancient Ixil Maya homeland offers unforgettable opportunities to explore this traditional Maya culture and stunning geography on an unusually personal level. Illustrated with alluring photographs and hand-drawn maps, this guide provides: up-to-date logistics of travel and accommodation; critical insight into Ixil-Maya history and culture; portraits of Maya professionals; and detailed explorations of markets, local enterprises, archaeological sites, and ecological wonders.
Traditional Weavers of Guatemala: Their Stories, Their Lives
By Deborah Chandler (Author), Teresa CordĂłn (Author), Joe Coca (Photographer)
Recommended by Limitless Horizons Ixil
(From Amazon) Against the backdrop of Guatemala, this book presents portraits of artisans working in the ancient traditions of the Maya paired with insights into the creation of the textiles and the events that have affected their work. Weaving, spinning, and basket making have sustained the Maya economically and culturally against the pressures of change and a 36-year civil war that decimated their population. Their persistence in continuing traditional art has created some of the loveliest, most colorful textiles the world has ever known. Artisans share their personal histories, hopes, and dreams along with the products of their hands and looms. Their stories show determination in the face of unimaginable loss and hardship which instill an appreciation for the textiles themselves and for the strong people who create them.
Films
In a forgotten massacre during Guatemala’s decades-long civil war, a young boy was spared, only to be raised by one of the very soldiers who killed his family. Nearly 30 years after the tragedy, it will take a dedicated team – from a forensic scientist to a young Guatemalan prosecutor – to uncover the truth and bring justice to those responsible by finding the missing boy named Oscar. Watch the trailer.
This film is currently available in limited screenings but will be available on Amazon’s streaming service in the summer of 2017. A version of this story was published in 2012 as “Finding Oscar: Memory, Massacre and Justice in Guatemala” at ProPublica.org.
Recommended by Limitless Horizons Ixil
Documentary about the 36-year civil war in Guatemala. Available on DVD and for digital rental or purchase from Amazon.
Recommended by Limitless Horizons Ixil
Movie by Jayro Bustamante, an award winning movie describing rural indigenous Guatemala life and gender inequality. Available on DVD and Blu-Ray and for digital rental or purchase from Amazon.
By Gaby Moreno
Recommended by Limitless Horizons Ixil
Available for digital streaming or on audio CD ($8.99)