Building Community Across the Atlantic Ocean
We were surprised when in August 2008, our colleague Ibrahim Ouedraogo, coordinator of the Coalition for the Protection of African Genetic Heritage (COPAGEN), asked us when the monsoon season would end in Canada. We laughed, understanding how he felt after spending a few rainy weeks in Eastern Canada. Accompanied by staff members Erum Hasan and Caroline Boudreau, Ibrahim met Inter Pares supporters in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Quebec, engaging in lively discussions on issues we all care about.
At the Fredericton farmers’ market, teacher Kurt Schmidt gave us a brief taste of the depth of his community involvement. Accompanied by his wife Catherine and their baby, the Schmidts had a lot to share with Ibrahim, as both parents had had the opportunity to work in Africa. They were interested to learn more about how COPAGEN works across West Africa in so many different languages. Ibrahim explained that through collaboration with linguists, farmer leaders, and scientists, they have succeeded in translating complex ideas such as biotechnology and genetically modified organisms into local languages.
A few days later, in Halifax, Patricia Brennan-Alpert warmly welcomed us with freshly made bread. With her two grandchildren listening attentively, she told us about the taste of rice she remembers from her years in Liberia. Ibrahim then shared how COPAGEN works with rural communities to promote their rights over their own lands and genetic resources to ensure that rice, and other locally produced and consumed foods, are better valued and protected.
We then continued to Quebec City, where we met Jacques Gélinas, author of Freedom from Debt: The Reappropriation of Development through Financial Self-Reliance, and a collaborator and committed donor of Inter Pares. His questions about the impact of the recent food crisis on the African continent led to a lively discussion on how to connect the implications of international policies to the realities of urban and rural communities across Africa and Canada.
Talking with Ibrahim before his return to Côte d’Ivoire, we thought back to how warmly we had been welcomed in each place we visited. People were generous with their time, and expressed a deep level of confidence in Inter Pares’ work. Many were surprised when we reminded them that they had been donating to Inter Pares for 12 or even 25 years. In our discussions with donors about the importance of their financial support, it was obvious that money is only one part of their commitment; they also feel a sense of pride at being part of a larger movement of people who believe in acting for change. These encounters strengthened our belief that Canadians care about the struggles of people around the world, and are seeking new ways of building community.
Inter Pares would like to thank our thousands of supporters from all across Canada, including those who have taken the time to welcome us and our counterparts in their communities. If you would be interested in welcoming us for an individual visit or introducing our work to your friends and family, please get in touch any time.
| Reviewed February 02, 2009 |  |
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