The Company

BACKGROUND
The creation of hand-crafted goods is a great source of pride and has a long and continuous history in the Mayan communities of Guatemala. The weaving of the Mayan women is particularly noteworthy and recognized internationally. To this day many women still proudly wear hand-woven cotton 'traje' (clothing) this is distinctive of their community and culture.

The Maya, though they make up about 50% of the Guatemala population of 12 million, are marginalized economically and socially. The economic role that hand crafted 'artesanias' play in Guatemala is comparatively small in an economy that is based on agricultural products- mainly coffee, sugar cane, bananas and, equally, the output of 'maquila' factories, which are basically sweat shops for the US clothing market. However, cottage industry weaving and other tradtional crafts have an enormous local impact in Mayan villages, town, and regions where they have been developed by the artisans - often with outside help from foreigners. Most indigenous families rely on subsistence farming and wages from agricultural labour. The income from weaving, that women usually do at home while caring for their families, can make the difference that provides a more dignified life with better health care, nutrition and education. In a country where the Maya exprience all of the ill effects of poverty, discrimination and historical oppression, the self-respect and confidence gained from a successful co-operative or small business enterprise is actually very significant in improving their lives.

MISSION
Casa Corazon strives to build trusting ongoing relationships with the artisans that supply our high quality goods.

All product lines are personally chosen from small enterprises and cooperatives that we visit annually.

Our responsibility is to provide a sustainable, long term market in Alberta for the artisans' work.

Casa Corazon supports and practices the principles of 'fair trade'.

CHARITY SUPPORT
We support the excellent charity, family support and community work done by Mayan Families.