Vías recognizes that the territory in which the organization develops its activities is indigenous territory, which has never been ceded by any agreement or treaty, between any indigenous nation and colonizers. Tiohtià:ke, also known as Mooniyang by the Anishinaabe, or as Montreal by many others, has historically been a gathering place for many First Nations, who contributed to its foundation. The Kanien'kehá:ka have a strong historical and continuing presence on the territory, and this nation is therefore recognized as the guardian of the lands and waters on which we stand.
Grateful for the possibility to create on this territory, Vías is committed to contributing to social justice and reconciliation for First Nations as well as to the respect and protection of the land, waters, air and all beings that inhabit the area.
To learn more about First Nations or to support an Indigenous organization, see the resources below. If you have any suggestions to expand our resources list, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Resources (click each for more info):
Vías is in solidarity with the people of Palestine against colonial occupation, apartheid, ethnic cleansing, ecocide and genocide. In response to the call from the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, we commit to operate in accordance with guidelines of the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI).
What is PACBI?
PACBI was founded in 2004 as the first component of the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which was initiated through a call to action by the Palestinian Civil Society. BDS aims to impose non-violent punitive measures until Israel meets its obligation to recognize the Palestinian people's inalienable right to self-determination and fully complies with the precepts of international law by:
Ending its occupation and colonization of all Arab lands and dismantling the Wall
Recognizing the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality; and
Respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194.
BDS is inspired by the South African anti-apartheid movement. In 1958, the African National Congress called for an international academic boycott of South Africa. The boycott gained grassroots traction internationally, expanded to include art and culture, and was endorsed by the UN in 1980. It played a significant role in ending apartheid.
Why art and culture?
Historically, art has been used by many oppressive governments to curate a more positive international image. Israel stands out today for its investment in “artwashing” as part of its 21st century “national branding” strategy. A cultural boycott is a refusal to support art as a prop for oppression, it uses the visibility of artists to raise political awareness and build momentum towards a wider economic boycott. Simply put, it is the most effective and material strategy of solidarity that artists can uphold, starting with ending complicity.
What does a commitment to PACBI require?
PACBI targets institutions, not individuals and complicity, not identity. It means boycotting the following:
Israeli cultural institutions that have not ended all forms of complicity in Israel’s regime of oppression and that have not endorsed the comprehensive rights of the Palestinian people under international law. This includes theaters, performing arts companies, orchestras, bands, etc.
Israeli cultural products (ie, plays) that are state commissioned in order to serve Israel’s propaganda efforts, particularly its “Brand Israel” effort.
Cultural events or activities that are partially or fully sponsored by an official Israeli body, a complicit institution, or an Israel lobby group.
Normalization projects: Cultural activities, projects, events and products involving Palestinians and/or other Arabs on one side and Israelis on the other that are based on the false premise of symmetry/parity between the oppressors and the oppressed.
Fact-finding missions and study tours
PACBI defines complicity as follows: “As a general overriding rule, Israeli cultural institutions, unless proven otherwise, are complicit in maintaining the Israeli occupation and denial of basic Palestinian rights, whether through their silence or actual involvement in justifying, whitewashing or otherwise deliberately diverting attention from Israel’s violations of international law and human rights.”
Sources (to learn more about PACBI)
We encourage other organizations and collectives of all sizes and structures to commit to PACBI. Contact dancersforpalestine@gmail.com
Coming soon!