Chuy Varela Collection
This collection takes its name from Jesse “Chuy” Varela, a Bay Area radio host who frequently interviewed political, activist, and labor figures connected to issues affecting Latin and Central American communities. Topics includes immigration to the US, the 1994 NAFTA treaty, labor issues such as the activism of Dolores Huerta, Cesar Chavez, and the UFW, and related political developments affecting the region (1994 Mexican election, CA Prop 187, Sandinistas, Zapatistas, (EZLN) etc.) and others.
Documents
20th Anniversary of the Takeover of Alcatraz
This is a recording from the 20th Anniversary of the Native American takeover of Alcatraz. Chuy Varela interviews various people at this event on their perspectives of this non-traditional Thanksgiving event and the continued Native American struggle. Also includes Native American prayers, chants and flute music.
Carole Standing Elk & the American Indian Movement
Interview with Carole Standing Elk, a member of the American Indian Movement. She discusses prison rights, responsibility of tribal members, and the question of who is the American Indian Movement.
California Bear Flag Revolt
Date: 6/19/1996Call Number: CV 045Format: Cass A & BProducers: KPFACollection: Chuy Varela Collection
A large protest against Governor Pete Wilson and the 150th commemoration of the California Bear Flag Revolt of 1846 - an uprising and occupation of Sonoma, then Mexican territory. Shouts from the protest: "Deport Wilson!" and "We didn't cross the border, the border crossed us!"
Jose Barriero interview
Date: 9/10/1993Call Number: CV 113Format: Cass A & BProducers: Chuy VarelaCollection: Chuy Varela Collection
Author of book on Native cultures of the Caribbean. About recovering that history.
Ernesto Cardenal
Date: 10/14/1992Call Number: CV 125Format: Cass A & BProducers: Chuy VarelaCollection: Chuy Varela Collection
Nicaraguan Minister of Culture speaking on native peoples of the Americas. Interview coincides with 500th anniversary of Columbus invasion.
Poems for Native Peoples
Date: 10/14/1992Call Number: CV 128Format: Cass A & BProducers: Chuy VarelaCollection: Chuy Varela Collection
Ernesto Cardinal, Nicaragua's Minister of Culture, recites poems for Indigenous peoples of the Americas. On the occasion of 500th anniversary of Columbus invasion.
Interview with Dr. Ivan Van Sertima
He discusses his research on African anthropology and ancient African influence on Indigenous cultures of the Americas.
Indian Chronicles
Date: 9/10/1993Call Number: CV 202BFormat: Cass BProducers: Chuy VarelaCollection: Chuy Varela Collection
Author Jose Barriero discusses indigenous issues and his upcoming book "Indian Chronicles."
Dia de Los Muertos
Date: 11/2/1993Call Number: CV 253Format: Cass A & BProducers: Chuy VarelaCollection: Chuy Varela Collection
Poet, Piri Thomas, speaks about world unity. Dia de Los Muertos ceremony in SF, where Dolores Huerta, Native American elders, and others discuss death and ancestors. Includes discussion of NAFTA.
Day of the Dead
Call Number: CV 272AFormat: Cass AProducers: Juila HuttonProgram: Crossing Over: Death & Dying in AmericaCollection: Chuy Varela Collection
Explains the roots and significance of Dia de los Muertos - a fusion of Spanish Catholicism and Native American traditions - which honors deceased ancestors. Making altars and gathering families together is seen as a powerful way to reconnect with loved ones and as a consoling way to approach death.
