As many of you may know it is difficult to get Canadian visa’s for Indian artisans. We understand that there are many bureaucratic hoops and much paperwork involved in this process. But we have persevered over the years and been successful in bringing weavers from Bengal, embroiderers from the Kutch Desert, and blockprinters from Bagru and Kutch.

We begin this process in April in order to ensure a visa by October. We anticipate at least three rejections. You should know what is in the “Binder” that we provide for ALL artisans visiting from outside Canada. Three years of financial statements for Maiwa, letters from the Vancouver Museum, Welcome letters from the Governor General of Canada, The Minister of Culture, The Mayor of Vancouver. Three years of past Symposium books, promotional materials etc. The binder is about two inches thick when complete. We send a binder like that for each and every person we hope to visit Canada.

We were, however, quite shocked then when we were told that Mr. Ashoke Chatterjee, a man with impeccable credentials was denied a visa for entry to Canada. Mr Chatterjee spent 25 years as head of the India’s NID - National Institute of Design. He has been involved with institutional development at Shristi School of Design (Bangalore), Indus Valley School of Design and Architecture (Karachi), Royal College of Art (UK). He has been the director of Crafts Council of India and is currently honourary advisor. He holds a current US visa, a current UK visa and an expired Canadian visa.

The reasons given by the Canadian Government are that Mr Chatterjee has no business ties to Canada. Neither is the Maiwa Symposium considered a "legitimate business purpose." The denial is final and not open to appeal.

We had hoped to read welcoming letters sent to us from the Governor General of Canada and other political representatives and dignitaries. However, after this shocking and farcical refusal, we are too ashamed and embarrassed to accord that honour to a representative of the Canadian Government. The farce deepens when we read recent reports of the Canadian Government’s attempts to increase trade with India and Prime Minister Harper’s pending visit of November of this year.

We had gone through the application for the two Jawaja artisans – one a weaver and one a leatherworker. We knew this would be a challenge and were prepared. We’ve gone through three applications. Maiwa and the artisans met every question with an accepted answer and we both met every requirement - but still the application was denied.

This lecture tonight is really in two parts. To really understand the full scope of what is happening you must come back on the 27th to the Jawaja lecture. In my opinion this whole symposium is incomplete without the voice of the Jawaja group. It is, after all, for the artisans that we even have these discussions.

They have worked now for over a year preparing a workshop and a presentation. Next Tuesday when you will be priviledged to witness the multimedia presentation that they had hoped to present while they sat among us. This was created in collaboration with a team of NID students. This is part of their story. In addition they have prepared a lecture and samples of their work.
For the Jawaja group this was literally the opportunity of a lifetime. The first time ever that they were able to tell their story themselves.

We have organized a video conference solution to these problems. We have had a fantastic symposium thus far. We are mustering our strengths to overcome these difficulties. And I, personally am making a plea. We have all enjoyed an amazing program so far – we have learned, been moved, changed, been inspired, now I am asking you to come and support the Jawaja artisans next Tuesday. Tell your friends, tell your family, advocate. I assure you, you will not be disappointed – both tonight and the 27th will be very special evenings.

These are the issues of human development and trade. We are not speaking in the abstract. And so let me present Mr. Ashoke Chatterjee.

We encourage those who are indignant to express this in writing to any or all of the following:

Trade Minister Stockwell Day
Immigration Minister Jason Kenney
The Honourable Kevin Krueger, British Columbia Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
Your local Member of Parliment

Here are some links to support materials:

Canada: Globe and Mail Dec 4 Rick Salutin - Or you can play the Jewish Card


India: Times of India Nov 17 Avoid Canada. Our ties with the country will grow better.

Canada: Globe and Mail Nov 13 Opportunity Knocks - Time to Pursue Free Trade With India

India: DNA - Ahmedebad Oct 24 Denied visa. artisans miss global meet

Canada: Globe and Mail Aug 22 India is Booming - Trade with Canada Isn't

Here are the looms being set up for the workshop.

A "folded" Jane. This loom is named after Jane Stafford. It is an 8 shaft loom produced by Louet North America. The most versatile portable loom we've seen.





A Schacht Wolf Pup. A 4 shaft loom warped and ready to go.



The Maiwa table with two open Janes and a homemade loom at the far end of the table.

Photos of the new land ...