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Happenings in the Keweenaw Peninsula October 26, 2001 Text © 2001 Michele Anderson

International residents to speak at Finlandia Forum Oct. 30

HANCOCK -- Finlandia University will host an open public forum on "Views of America from other places" at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at the Finnish-American Heritage Center in Hancock.

The Rev. Bucky Beach, Finlandia University chaplain and assistant professor of religion and philosophy, will moderate the forum. Beach said the event is an attempt to allow further conversation in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attack and the recent involvement of the United States military in Afghanistan. The public will have the opportunity to hear short presentations from a number of Houghton County residents from the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Iran, Sudan and other places around the world.

"Because it is important for all present not only to listen but to speak, anyone who wishes to share thoughts will be encouraged to do so," Beach said.

The Finlandia Religious Life Committee has planned the open public forum because of the types of questions people have been asking since the terrorist attacks, Beach explained.

"The question asked frequently, 'Why do they hate us?' can be addressed by seeking to understand how America is viewed from a variety of countries," Beach noted, "and questions and thoughts about religion, history, politics and culture are all welcome."

Beach added that several local groups have helped in the thought process leading up to the forum. These include the Copper Country Peace Alliance; the Copper Country Guatemala Accompaniment Project; Keweenaw Friends Meeting; various local clergy and congregations; and Veterans for Peace, Chapter 80.

Visiting Guatemalan family to attend forum

A Guatemalan family from the town of Fronterizo de Mayo will also participate in the forum. The Copper Country Guatemala Accompaniment Project (CCGAP) is sponsoring the family's visit to local groups and homes in the area.

Sue Ellen Kingsley, CCGAP director, said the family will attend the forum "as representatives of a Third World country who have experienced war first-hand." Kingsley has spent time as an accompanier, or human rights observer, in Fronterizo.

"They (the family) were refugees from bombing by United States weapons given to the Guatemalan military to fight communism during the early 80s," Kingsley said.

CCGAP is a local group that has established a sister-city relationship with Fronterizo de Mayo, a community of relocated refugees.

Suzanne Van Dam, CCGAP board member, said the group is hosting the family's visit "in an effort to promote international awareness and understanding."

Van Dam will accompany the family back to Guatemala in early November. She is also planning to attend a Spanish language school and live with a Guatemalan family during her short stay in the country.

Editor's correction: Please note that the Forum, originally announced for 7 p.m., is now scheduled for 8 p.m. on Oct. 30. The discussion on Guatemala will be just one part of the Forum.