Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence 2026 Annual Gathering - Day Pass
June 27 - 28, 2026
Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence (BTS) Network 2026 Annual Gathering
Rooted in resistance, continuing our solidarity!
Join BTS’s AG at our new location, Dorje Denma Ling, for the day Saturday, or Sunday, or both!
Saturday’s program includes updates from our staff on the ground in Guatemala, an overview of what’s happening within the BTS network in the Maritimes, a guided reflection on the changes at Tatamagouche Centre and how that impacts BTS, ceremony, and of course, our fiesta!
Sunday’s programming–which goes until 4pm this year–will centre on a facilitated exercise to sketch a roadmap for BTS for the next five years. We hope you will join us for this important work!
We also hope you will join us for our Friday evening public talk. BTS is incredibly privileged to have, as our 2026 Guatemalan guest, exiled Judge Miguel Angel Gálvez, presently based in Costa Rica and a Fellow of the Guatemalan Human Rights Commission in Washington. Judge Gálvez is recognized for his leadership and courage as a judge who presided over cases that were key to fighting for democracy, judicial independence and against impunity in Guatemala.
Judge Gálvez has ruled on charges against former dictators, sitting presidents, death squad operators, oligarchs and drug cartels. Notably, he served as an investigating judge against former military leader and dictator José Efraín Ríos Montt, who became the first former head of state to be convicted of genocide by a domestic court; and ordered the arrest of former president Otto Pérez Molin, who is being tried on corruption charges related to a major customs fraud scam.
In November 2022, he was forced to flee into exile. After four years in exile, he courageously put his name forward to serve as a judge of the Constitutional Court, the highest court of Guatemala, although ultimately he was not chosen.
We are delighted that BTS’s Guatemala Coordinator, Javier López; Cooperant and Intern Program Coordinator, Martha Schmitz; Maritimes Coordinator, Arturo Ezquerro-Cañete; and Interim Maritimes Coordinator, Sheena Cameron, will be with us. Along with Judge Gálvez, they will update us on this critical and conflictual period in Guatemala, where it is hoped that the present corrupt Attorney-General, Claudio Porras, will be removed from her post.
Our present Cooperant at the New Hope Foundation, Meara Donovan, will Zoom from Rabinal to share her experience at the New Hope High School. We will meet online our new Interns who head to Guatemala in August.
As always, we’ll have time for community building and a Saturday night fiesta! Please start to think about your contributions to our Silent Auction too!
We will have significant time this AG to do some important maintenance on our network. Former BTS intern Nelly Marcoux will lead us through an exercise to sketch a roadmap for BTS for the next five years. This exercise will take up most of Sunday’s programming, which goes until 4pm. We hope as many people as possible can stay into Sunday afternoon!
For more than three decades, the Annual Gathering has been fundamental to building and sustaining BTS solidarity. This year, we hope to have as many BTS members and supporters attend as possible. Your presence matters — so please come to reconnect, build new relationships, learn about Guatemalan struggles, and be inspired by ongoing support and action.
To register for a day, click on the Day Pass Information & Registration button.
Would you also like to attend the Free Friday Evening Public Talk by Judge Miguel Angel Gálvez? Register here:
Would you like to spend the night? Use this link and register for a Weekend Pass:
Weekend Pass Information & Registration
Who May Attend
The Breaking the Silence Annual Gathering is open to all!
DDL gatherings are sustained by helping hands
This event will include a small contribution of your time to help support daily operations — we call this rota.
- Dishes
- Food Prep
- Child care
- Your strengths and availability will be considered when creating the schedule
- If you have physical limitations that may affect your ability to participate, note this in the registration form and we’ll accommodate you
Cost
A Day Pass includes onsite meals and access to the day activities.
We welcome family with children. Children 12 and under will get their own discounted pass. Infants 3 and under will stay for free.
You will have the option to pay in full or place a 30% deposit to hold your spot.
Generosity Policy
We understand the reality of financial barriers. That’s why we offer bursaries to help lower program costs. Throughout the year, our dedicated volunteers sell BTS coffee and Guatemalan crafts to ensure that everyone who supports BTS can attend our Annual Gathering. Please do not stay away because of a lack of funds! We need you! If you can afford to, it’s helpful that you contribute all or a portion of the cost.
As always, child care will be coordinated. We will have some people committed to child care for the duration of the AG. To cut back on costs, we will be asking parents to assist with child care for one or two sessions so that all can participate. Feel free to request a bursary as compensation if you’re willing to take on some child care!
You will have to opportunity to request a bursary at registration.
BTS-bursary$50
BTS-bursary$100
BTS-bursary$150
BTS-bursary$250
BTS-bursary$320
Other Useful Links
What to Bring & Transportation
Categories : On-Land Programs & Events, Public Program