Astero
International Basque Studies Conference /
Jim Jausoro "Gogoan" Memorial Tribute
Boise, Idaho: April 20-21-22, 2007
The dream of creating a Basque Studies program at the University level in Idaho began back in the 1970s. Now over the last two years, Boise State University and the Idaho Basque community have been at work making this dream a reality. Following an inaugural event in conjunction with Jaialdi 2005, Boise State now offers a minor in Basque Studies as well as a certificate program. Courses offered include Euskara (the Basque language) as well as numerous regular courses and weekend workshops in Basque culture. Now the program is further developing as marked by the upcoming events of the weekend in April. Boise State University and the Idaho Basque community have joined to provide educational, festive and commemorative events that are free and open to all.
The events stretch across three days April 20-22 as slated below, and they bring together various endeavors that begin with a meeting that includes representatives from ten universities that are interested in creating a Basque Studies Consortium that will be similar to a "NABO" or federation of schools and individuals engaged in Basque Studies to benefit from shared resources. As the image below of the Basque estropadak or row boat illustrates, a potential Basque Studies Consortium aims to get institutions and people working together for some common objectives. NABO will participate in this initial meeting to see what can be given and gained in relation to our motto of Recreate + Educate = Perpetuate.
Then that evening the first keynote address is given by Ibon Mendibelzua Madariaga who is the Delegate of the Basque Government in Brussels. He will be speaking on “The Basque Country within the European Union Today” that provides an insider's view of the relationship between the Autonomous Basque Government of Euskadi (provinces of Araba, Bizkaia & Gipuzkoa) that will be followed by a questions & answers session.
Then that evening the first keynote address is given by Ibon Mendibelzua Madariaga who is the Delegate of the Basque Government in Brussels. He will be speaking on “The Basque Country within the European Union Today” that provides an insider's view of the relationship between the Autonomous Basque Government of Euskadi (provinces of Araba, Bizkaia & Gipuzkoa) that will be followed by a questions & answers session.Then in the afternoon the second keynote address will be given by The Rev. Alec Reid, the Director of the Redemptorist Peace Ministry and Facilitator in peace talks in Northern Ireland and the Basque Country. He will be speaking on “Peacemaking in the Basque Country” providing an insider/outsider perspective. Then the evening's action shifts to the Basque Block in Boise, for a public Basque dance for everyone.
Sunday is the tribute to the late Jimmy Jausoro who made an extraordinary contribution to Basque culture across five decades as a tireless and dedicated musician. It begins with a Basque Memorial Mass at St. Paul's Catholic Center followed by a tribute program at the Boise State Special Events Center. To bring the weekend to a close there's a reception at the Boise Basque Center.
There's something for everyone be it educational or recreational. Make plans to attend!
