The River Pierce Foundation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Values Statement

A tactical values document providing the guidance behind the vision and programming, the San Ygnacio Resolve states:

 

We urge a renewed commitment to the discovery of our ecology here on the border of Mexico and the United States. We seek a vigorous response to callous behavior and respect for our people, our histories, the places we inhabit, and where and how we work and love. We demand a future with real access to information, and a system of education that is predicated on the reasonable allocation and fostering of intellectual and financial resources. We call for the definition of a natural environment not shaped by the agendas of politicians and financiers, and a creative conservation of the resources of that environment. We intend to live in a place where the water is good to drink and the air is good to breathe. We want it to be possible that this place may be here and in our life time. We offer enthusiastic support for the enhancement of life along the river corridor through the encouragement of cultural activities, including historic preservation, restoration, and where appropriate, creative engagement with historic sites. We desire expressions of compassion and we advocate change and the practice of resurrection.

 

Programming

The Foundation feels it is imperative to explore the pre-settlement terrain as well as the pioneer technologies and cultures of peoples reflected in the vernacular of buildings. Currently, the Foundation is developing the following programs:

Archeology and Architecture programs include training, workshops and fellowships created for the study of the architectural techniques, materials and cultures of the time. Crossing Borders of Awareness programs explore the history of the settlers, indigenous Native Americans and New World pioneers in a remote terrain that is once again at the frontlines of today’s borderlands issues. Rewarding academic excellence in local students, the Foundation’s Youth programming provides extra-curricular activities at no cost to Hispanic youth offering a merit-based academic advantage, while seeking to identifying leadership and lowering local high school drop-out rates. An international Artists in Residence program for visual artists, writers, poets and musicians encourages exploration and creativity in supportive and beautiful surroundings. Environmental Activism engages participants in the planting and care for indigenous flora; protects riverbank native vegetation and wildlife sanctuary; hosts symposia and debate on such environmental issues as the contamination of the Lower Rio Grande Valley; and seeks to promote a thoughtful and proactive approach to utility infrastructure failures through alternative energy production and residential water harvesting. The Oral History of the families of San Ygnacio is documented, archived and made available through public presentations, publications and videos.

 

The Foundation seeks to continue to produce significant works such as the ambitious Sacrifice II, 13.4.90: The River Pierce (Rice University Press, 1990), a document of an international collaboration of artists and a symposium sponsored by the Foundation creatively exploring the bicultural history of the region. The 1998 video Culture, Water, Money: The Passion of the Frontier, concerning the contamination of the Rio Grande, was designated best economic documentary by the New York International Film Video Festival.

 

In addition to its programming, the Foundation will plan and present special events rooted in the spiritual, cultural and environmental climate of the region. The Foundation is currently planning a 25th Anniversary celebration in May 2015 in San Ygnacio to include symposia, cinema and music.