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News Archive - Summer 2005
Oteiza exhibit visit funded by grant Juan Arana, Basque Studies Ph.D. student, attended the exhibit of Basque sculptor Jorge Oteiza’s work in New York City, “Oteiza: Myth and Modernism.” His visit was funded by a grant from the University of Nevada, Reno Graduate Students Association. The exhibition, organized by the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, was featured in the Solomon Guggenheim Museum. Text for the exhibit states that “Oteiza: Myth
and Modernism is the most comprehensive retrospective of the work of
celebrated Basque artist Jorge Oteiza (1908–2003) to have been presented
in the last 15 years, and the first to be mounted in the U.S. One of the
leading Basque artists of the 20th century, Oteiza is an important
figure in the history of late Modernism and international postwar
sculpture.” | |
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Basque Oral History sites reviewed The Basque oral history web sites were reviewed by Troy Reeves for the Oral History Review (March 2004, Vol. 31, No. 1: 73–75), in the article, “Oroitzapenak–Memories: Basque Oral History Project produced by the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, and Oroitzapenak–Memories: Voices from Basque America produced by the Center for Basque Studies.” Oral History Review is the official publication of the Oral History Association since 1973.
Reeves states, “These web sites are a great starting point for those
ignorant about the Basque presence in the Intermountain West region...
Both web sites demonstrate how a group can use the internet to give
interested individuals access to oral history information. Both web
sites include audio clips, allowing people to hear the power of oral
history: the person telling his or her stories in his or her own words.” | |
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Sandra Ott publishes essay in Memory and WWII CBS faculty member Sandra Ott’s chapter on “Remembering the Resistance in Popular Theatre: A Basque Controversy,” was published in Memory and World War II: An Ethnographic Approach, edited by Francesca Cappelletto (Oxford: Berg, 2005), pp. 65–85. | |
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David Rio article published David Rio, Professor of American Literature (Catedratico de Literatura Norteamericana) at the University of the Basque Country and Adjunct Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, published the article “Consent and Descent Relations in Contemporary Basque American Literature” in Euskonews and Media (No. 309, July 15–22, 2005). | |
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Basque Film Series presented in San Francisco area The Basque Educational Organization, in conjunction with the Basque Cultural Center in South San Francisco, presented the Basque Film Series, which showcased three feature-length films along with a couple of film shorts, to give the audience a taste of Basque cinema. The series was hosted by Pedro Oiarzabal of the Center for Basque Studies, University of Nevada, Reno, who introduced each film and gave background information on the directors and on the historical context. He also moderated a discussion session after the screenings.
Tasio (Spanish with English subtitles) was shown Friday, August 26
at 7:30 pm; A Los Cuatro Vientos (Lauaxeta) screened on Friday, September
23 at 7:30 pm; and El Misterio Galindez (English) was shown Saturday,
October 22 at 7:30 pm. All screenings were held at the Basque Cultural
Center, and admission was free. | |
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Center for Basque Studies Lecture Series The Center for Basque Studies once again presented its summer Lecture Series featuring our visiting scholars. On August 9, we presented “Archivo de Ramón Goñi (Basque Studies Library): testimonio del primer franquismo en Navarra (1936–1947)” by Maria del Mar Larraza, a professor in the History Department of the University of Navarra (Pamplona). She was at UNR to research the Franco era, utilizing letters in the archives of Ramón Goñi and Huarte de Jáuregui found in the Basque Studies Library. Also on August 9, Alvaro Baraibar, associate professor at the University of Navarra (Pamplona) in the History Department, gave a talk on “Los discursos de la identidad navarra del franquismo a la democracia.” His research on Navarrese Basques involves researching Basque identity as revealed in the publications of Basque centers in the U.S. during the period 1936–1982. On August 16, we heard from two other visitors who were sponsored by the University Studies Abroad Consortium. Itziar Aguado of the Department of Applied Economy, University of the Basque Country, spoke on “La Agenda 21 local en Euskadi: un programa para el desarrollo sostenible.” Also, Gaizka Arrizabalaga of the Department of Financial Economy, University of the Basque Country, presented his research on “La inversión colectiva inmobiliaria en España y EE.UU.” | |
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Jaialdi 2005 celebrated in Boise, Idaho Basque President presents Lagun Onari Award to State of Idaho Jaialdi 2005, a huge Basque festival celebrated every five years in Boise, Idaho, was held July 27–31. This is the fifth Jaialdi event, and over 30,000 people are expected to attend this year. Besides the traditional displays of dance, song, sport, and Basque cuisine, this year’s event was also highlighted by the attendance of Lehendakari Juan Jose Ibarretxe, President of the Basque Country. He marked this visit by a number of official acts including the signing of an agreement with Boise State University that offers $150,000 in support for the newly established Basque minor there, and inauguration of their Basque Studies Program. They also renewed an agreement of collaboration among BSU, the Cenarrusa Center for Basque Studies, and the Basque Government. On July 28, Ibarretxe presented the Lagun Onari (“good friend”) award to the State of Idaho for its support of the Basques and preservation of the Basque culture in Idaho. A reception was held on July 29 at the Basque Center, where the Lehendakari met with numerous Basques from all over the U.S. and the Basque Country. The delegation from the Basque Government included Miren Azkarate, Minister of Culture; Iñaki Aguirre, Secretary General of Foreign Affairs; Josu Legarreta, Director of Relations with Basque Collectivities; and Benan Oregi of the same department. | |
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Center faculty give presentations at Jaialdi An important element of Jaialdi 2005 is a series of cultural presentations given by representatives of important Basque organizations and scholars of Basque culture. The featured presentation was given by Center for Basque Studies Director, Joseba Zulaika, who presented a History & Culture Seminar at the Egyptian Theater in downtown Boise on July 27. His talk was on “Moving from Gernika to Boise, from Santimamiñe to Bilbao: We Are All Basques and Amerikanuak.”
On July 29, Dr. Joxe Mallea, adjunct faculty with the Center, gave a
presentation on Basque tree carvings in the American West as part of the Jaialdi Symposium. His lecture was entitled “Basque Arborglyphs.” Dr.
Mallea has researched and recorded Basque aspen carvings in the
mountains of California and Nevada for many years, and published a book
on the subject, Speaking through the Aspens. Basque Tree Carvings in
California and Nevada (Reno: University of Nevada Press, 2000). | |
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Representative from Iparralde institute visits American West Pantxoa Etchegoin, director of Euskal Kultur Erakundea, or Basque Cultural Institute of Iparralde (northern Basque Country), was in the U.S. during July to establish contact with several Basque organizations here and to familiarize the Basque American community with the Institute. During his visit, Etchegoin travelled to San Francisco, Reno and Boise, and met with representatives of all the Basque clubs and institutions in those areas. In Boise, he represented the Institute at all the Jaialdi functions. On July 29, he also gave a presentation at the Jaialdi Symposium, speaking on “Iparralderen Egoera: Cultural Challenges in the French Basque Country.” Euskal Kultur Erakundea is the only official Basque cultural institution in Iparralde. Their activities include development of the Basque language and culture in the region, and supporting various projects carried out by individuals and associations. One hundred cultural associations are members of the organization. They receive support from the French government, regional government (Aquitaine), the province of Pyrénées Atlantiques, as well as from several municipalities and Basque cultural associations working in Iparralde. | |
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Two new publications by Dr. Totoricagüena Nationalism and Ethnic Politics (published by Routledge) has published an article by Gloria Totoricagüena in its latest issue (11:2, 2005). Dr. Totoricagüena’s work on non-central governments in global politics has been recognized in various international academic networks. Her article, “Diasporas as Non-Central Government Actors in Foreign Policy: The Trajectory of Basque Paradiplomacy,” discusses “high” and “low” politics in international affairs and analyses the postdiplomatic activities of non-central governments using their ethnic diasporas as protoembassies. Also, Revista Internacional de Estudios Vascos (RIEV, 48:2) features an analysis of the Third World Congress of Basque Collectivities, including the keynote speech given by Dr. Totoricagüena to delegates at the Lehendakaritza. RIEV published the original Spanish language version of the address in which Totoricagüena raises issues of political representation for the Basque diaspora, the relationship between globalization and increased transnationalism among Basques, and the opportunities for updating and educating international audiences in regards to today’s Basque culture. | |
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New book initiates Basque Classics Series The Center presents the first of their Basque Classics Series, The Old Law of Bizkaia (1452): A Critical Edition which is compiled, edited and annotated by Gregorio Monreal Zia. The text includes a redaction of the laws and customs, or fueros, approved by Bizkaians in 1452 beneath their sacred Oak of Gernika. The author provides an extensive introductory study showing the evolution of the Law and its relationship to medieval custom, Roman law, and Castilian royal law. Included is a Preface by William A. Douglass, who co-translated the work along with Linda White. Support for the publication of this work was provided by the Provincial Government of Bizkaia. The book was officially presented at a ceremony at the Palacio Foral in Bilbao on July 26, presided over by José Luis Bilbao, deputy general of the Provincial Government of Bizkaia. Also present were the author of the work’s Critical Study, Gregorio Monreal Zia, and translator William A. Douglass of the CBS. The Basque Classics Series seeks to provide in English translation key texts and authors in the cultural development of the Basque Country. | |
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Australian fieldwork completed by G. Totoricagüena CBS faculty member Gloria Totoricagüena has returned to Reno after two months of fieldwork in Australia preparing for a publication regarding the Basque experience. She gave various invited lectures at universities and to academic researchers’ seminars, and is serving as a consultant to Prof. Peter McPhee for a Melbourne University research project comparing Basque and Catalan nationalisms. She also conducted archival work at the State Library of Victoria, investigating Basques that migrated to Ballarat during the Australian Gold Rush of the 1850s. | |
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Basque Scholar position available The Center for Basque Studies announces the opening of a professional position at the University of Nevada, Reno. The official advertisement of the position follows: Tenure track position (12-month contract) at Assistant Professor level in the Center for Basque Studies, University of Nevada, Reno. Qualifications: Ph.D. in relevant discipline within humanities in social science; demonstrated record of scholarship, including formulating, conducting and publishing original research regarding Basque society and culture. Available July 1, 2006; for full consideration apply by November 1, 2005. For information and complete position requirements, contact Center for Basque Studies/322, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno NV 89557. (775) 784-4854 x 254. Or refer to http://jobs.unr.edu. EEO/AA. | ||
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Totoricagüena lecture in Australia On July 12, Dr. Gloria Totoricagüena spoke at James Cook University in Townsville, North Queensland on “To the Opposite End of the Earth: Contemporary Basque History, Diaspora Formation, and Identity Maintenance in Australia.” Her lecture presented a history of the Basque Country during the 1900s, including the Spanish Civil War and the following exile of hundreds of thousands of Basques to various countries, including Australia. She also discussed Basque identity preservation in Sydney, Melbourne, and North Queensland. A reception followed at the local Basque Club. | ||
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W. Douglass interviewed in Basque Country Dr. William A. Douglass, Professor Emeritus and former director of the Center, was interviewed in June by Jesús Iribarren in Pamplona. The interview was published June 26 in Diario de Noticias de Navarra, and was also reported by Euskalkultura.com. “Douglass visited the Basque region for the first time in the ’60s when he lived in the Basque villages of Echalar and Murelaga. His fieldwork there resulted in publication of a book, Death in Murelaga. Forty years later he has many more titles in his lengthy bibliography and quite a few memories as well.” | |
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Dr. Totoricagüena honored at Italian celebration Gloria Totoricagüena was invited as the guest of honor at the 24th anniversary celebration of the Federazione Lucana of Australia, the equivalent of an Italian euskal etxea in Melbourne. Dr. Totoricagüena gave a brief talk at the June 17 event, and enjoyed the camaraderie and delicious cuisine offered by her hosts. | |
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Center receives gift of house The Center for Basque Studies is pleased to announce a most generous gift from the Peter Echeverria Family Partnership, which has donated a house located in the historic district of Reno, honoring their parents Peter and Frances Echeverria. Proceeds from the sale of the home benefit the Center for Basque Studies Quasi Endowment, a fund established to support the Center’s mission to further Basque-related study through research and instruction. Family member John Echeverria, who also serves as the Center’s Advisory Board Chairman, said, “Our family is proud to be able to make a significant contribution to the Center for Basque Studies Quasi Endowment Fund. Our parents were committed to the preservation of the Basque culture. We wanted to honor their memory by insuring that future generations will be touched by the Basque way of life.” Director Joseba Zulaika said in gratitude, “In these times of change and transformation, the Center has had the great fortune that the Echeverria family from Reno, following the steps and inspiration of their parents, has taken the lead in helping our various fundraising and expansion activities. …Because of their unparalleled generosity in both financial investment and personal involvement, the Echeverria family has become a cornerstone of the Center.” An interview with John Echeverria and siblings Mike Echeverria, Teresa Maloney, and Cris Welmerink appears as the main article in the Spring 2005 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter, which can be read online. | |
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CBS presents Ikasi 2005 – Basque Culture Program The Center again presented the popular Ikasi program for adults to learn about Basque culture. Held June 29–July 1, the agenda included classes on Basque Culture and Memory (Sandra Ott), Basque Music and Dance (Lisa Corcostegui), Genealogy and Cuisine (Marc Ugalde), History (Joxe Mallea), and Language (Linda White). This brief course on Basque culture was first offered in 2003 as an opportunity for adults, whether Basque-Americans or others, to learn about Basque heritage. Dr. Linda White has been the key organizer of the program. An article about Ikasi 2005 has been published by Euskal Kultura, Boletín de Cultura y Diaspora Vasca (Basque Culture and Diaspora Newsletter) in their online version. | |
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Totoricagüena lecture in Melbourne Basques in Australia is the current research project of Gloria Totoricagüena. She was invited by the Globalism Institute of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology to give a guest lecture on June 20. Dr. Totoricagüena presented an investigation of the Basque diaspora’s nationalism including the Basque Government’s para-diplomatic use of Basque communities around the world, participation in homeland elections and political movements, identity maintenance in Australia, and the crisis of return from Australia to the Basque Country. She has been invited to collaborate on future projects with Professor Tom Nairn, and with Paul James, the Director of the Globalism Institute. For more information please go to globalism.rmit.edu.au | |
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P. Oiarzabal book review published The journal Ethnic and Racial Studies has published in its latest issue (Vol. 28, No. 4, July 2005) a book reviewed by Ph.D student Pedro Oiarzabal on a recent title of the University of Nevada’s Basque Book Series: José Manuel Azcona Pastor, Possible Paradises: Basque Emigration to Latin America (Reno: University of Nevada Press, 2004). | |
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S. Ott publishes Basques entry in reference series Sandra Ott contributed a piece on the Basques, particularly in Iparralde and the Americas, for the work France and the Americas: Culture, Politics, and History (vol. 1). The book is part of a multidisciplinary encyclopedia edited by Bill Marshall as part of the Transatlantic Relations Series published by ABC–CLIO. | |
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Lisa Corcostegui completes Basque Ph.D. degree Basque Ph.D. student Lisa Corcostegui completed her degree, with an emphasis in Anthropology, after her oral examination on June 9. Her studies centered on Basque dance and its role in identity maintenance. Dr. Corcostegui, along with her husband Enrike, has led the Zenbat Gara Basque Dance Ensemble in Reno for many years, and also teaches Basque Dance as part of the Center’s curriculum at UNR. Her dissertation is entitled “To the Beat of a Different Drum: Basque Dance and Identity in the Homeland and the Diaspora.” Zorionak, Dr. Corcostegui! | |
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Basque Database now available! The Basque Database that has been in process at the Basque Studies Library for the past two years is now available on the web for use by researchers. The database provides access to information about Basque topics published after 1994. Formats included are articles, books, chapters of edited books, and dissertations, as well as Basque-related videos and DVDs, musical recordings, maps, and other media. Core journals are indexed completely while other journal articles appear in the database when they fit its scope. Approximately ten percent of the indexed articles are available in full text format. The site provides a search interface in three languages. Funding for the project was provided by a generous grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Project staff are Kathryn Etcheverria and Donnelyn Curtis (co-directors), Juan Arana, Molly Beisler, Urko Colomo, Lisa Foley, Gotzone Garay, and Michelle Rachal. The database can be located at http://innopac.library.unr.edu:81, and will also be linked from the Center and Basque Library home pages for easy access. The site is still in “test mode,” so we welcome users’ comments and suggestions for improvements or corrections. | |
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New book in Conference Papers Series! The Center’s latest publication is Learning from the Bilbao Guggenheim, edited by Anna Maria Guasch and Joseba Zulaika. It consists of the 16 papers given at the conference of the same name held April 22–24, 2004, at the University of Nevada, Reno. The conference focused on discussion of the “Guggenheim effect” five years after the opening of the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, and reflected on its influence on art, architecture, museums, and urban renewal. (Reno: Center for Basque Studies, 2005) This is number 2 in the series, which features papers presented at conferences sponsored by the Center for Basque Studies. | |
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Gloria Totoricaguena publishes in Argentinian journal Center faculty member Gloria Totoricagüena published the article “La Identidad Vasca Diaspórica Contemporánea” in the first edition of a new academic journal Guregandik, published by the Arturo Campion Center for Basque Culture and Nationalism Studies in La Prida, Argentina. It presents an analysis of today’s political relations between the Basque Government and the Basque communities abroad, and includes statistical data regarding homeland political party support from Basques living outside Euskal Herria. This publication initiates a relationship with the Universidad de la Plata in Argentina, with collaboration from scholars in various different countries. | |
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Visiting professor Inma Astorkiza presents lectures Dr. Inmaculada Astorkiza of the School of Economics, University of the Basque Country (Bilbao) presented two lectures in early June. “Charge and Transfer Policies in the Management of the Fisheries Sector” was presented June 6, and “Prestige’s Oil Spill and Its Short-term Economic Impact on the Coastal Fleets of the Basque Country” was given on June 9. Prof. Astorkiza conducts research in the field of rural and environmental economics. She has been in Reno for a year, working on two projects: policies related to the sustainable management of fisheries (both in the U.S. and Europe); and land use for residential purposes within the United Nations Biosphere Reserve of Urdaibai (in Bizkaia, Spain). Dr. Astorkiza is a coordinator of the UNESCO Chair for the Urdaibai reserve. She received partial funding for her stay from USAC. | |
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