The Maya Book Project and indigenous language revitalization in Guatemala

Dr. Andy Carter will present "The Maya Book Project and indigenous language revitalization in Guatemala." 

The printing and distribution of his book, "El Bosque de Don Margarito" (Margarito's Forest), is part of an effort to promote cultural preservation. The book is written in Spanish and K’iche', a Mayan language.

The book is an account of the life of Don Margarito Esteban Álvarez Velázquez. It is a story of the Maya cosmovision of reverence for all of creation being passed from one generation to the next.

Dr. Carter is professor emeritus of mathematics at Roosevelt University in Chicago. In 2007 he made his first trip to Saq Ja’ Guatemala where he became inspired by the true story of Don Margarito and his forest.

Since its 2016 publication, the book has won a 2017 commendation from the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP), was awarded “Most Inspirational” book of 2017 by Latino Literacy Now, and has been included on the Bank Street College of Education’s 2017 list of Best Children’s Books of the Year.

This event is sponsored by Augustana's Latin American Studies program.