June 11, 2009, Malaga, Spain: “Water, Rivers, and People” — an exhibit focusing on the impact of dams on local populations around the world — opens tomorrow, June 12, in Malaga, Spain.

A case study in the exhibit focusing on the Chixoy Dam and Rio Negro massacres was curated by former Advocacy Project Peace Fellow Heidi McKinnon. Ms McKinnon volunteered with ADIVIMA (Association for the Integral Development of the Victims of Violence in the Verapaces, Maya Achi)in Guatemala in 2008 and early 2009.

In 1975, the Guatemalan government’s decision to build a large hydroelectric dam on the Rio Negro River required the “resettlement” of Maya Achi villagers whose lands would be flooded. Overall, 477 indigenous villagers who refused to abandon their land for the Chixoy Dam were killed by paramilitaries in 1982. About 13,000 people in 28 villages remain affected by the dam, and ADIVIMA is currently negotiating with the government to secure reparations.

The exhibit will be on display until July 5. More information about the exhibit, in Spanish, can be found here. A larger version of the exhibit will open in Mexico City in September, and it is expected to tour at least three other cities.