Central American Refugee Assistance records

Central American Refugee Assistance records, 1967-1992

Overview of the Collection

Creator: Central American Refugee Assistance
Title: Central American Refugee Assistance records
Dates: 1967-1992 (inclusive)
19671992

1985-1991 (bulk)
19851991
Quantity: .25 linear ft.
Collection Number: XOE_CPNWS310CARA (collection)
Summary: This collection documents the activities and concerns of the Central American Refugee Assistance (CARA) network in Whatcom County, Washington. CARA provided safe housing and support for refugees from Central American countries seeking entry into Canada.
Repository: Western Washington University, Center for Pacific Northwest Studies
Goltz-Murray Archives Building
808 25th St.
Bellingham, WA
98225
Telephone: (360) 650-7534
cpnws@wwu.edu
Access Restrictions: The collection is open to the public.
Languages: English.

Historical NoteReturn to Top

The Whatcom County-based interdenominational network Central American Refugee Assistance (CARA) was active from 1984 to 1992, offering assistance to political refugees from Central American countries seeking entry into Canada. Their goals were to provide food, temporary housing, legal aid and other support needs to refugees, to prepare them for legal entrance into Canada when necessary, to offer the Bellingham community educational programs on Central America, and to network with other sanctuary/refugee assistance groups. (Source: CARA information brochure, available in the Central Amerian Refugee Assistance records at the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies.)

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The Central American Refugee Assistance (CARA) records include correspondence, meeting minutes, pamphlets, newsletters, activity fliers and newspaper clippings documenting the activities and concerns of the group. Also included are informational materials for refugees as well as program donors and refugee hosts. Among the records are promotional and organizational materials for a 1989 speaking tour by Serena Cosgrove of Witness for Peace. Also included are FBI reports on Western Washington State College Campus Christian Ministry from 1967 to 1970 concerning support for draft evasion.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

Central American Refugee Assistance records, Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, Western Libraries Archives & Special Collections, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 98225-9123.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Processing Note

About Harmful Language and Content

To learn more about problematic content in our collections, collection description and teaching tools (including how to provide feedback or request dialogue on this topic), see the following Statement About Potentially Harmful Language and Content

Acquisition Information

Donated by Tim Baker, date unknown.

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

Political refugees--Central America--History--Sources
Religious institutions--Washington (State)--Whatcom County--History--Sources

Corporate Names

Central American Refugee Assistance--Archives
Witness for Peace (Organization)--History--Sources

Geographical Names

Canada--Emigration and immigration--History--20th century--Sources
Whatcom County (Wash.)--History--Sources

Archives West Finding Aid

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