• Registered government of Belize CBO (Community-based Organization)

• Benefits numerous families in Indian Church Village, located in northern Belize in the Orange Walk District

• Started and developing since 2000

• Grants and help from Canadian Funds for Local Initiatives (CFLI), British High Commission, S.H.A.R.E, Social Investment Fund (SIF), and International Rotary

• Volunteers from Peace Corps and BESO (British Executive Services Overseas) and numerous independent volunteers

• Craft Center built in Indian Church in 2003

• Center houses four different studios

• Village adjacent to the third most visited Maya archaeological site in Belize: Lamanai

Our goal is to help residents link to the ever- increasing tourism industry right in their own back yard!

ARTISANS – STUDIOS AND GROUPS

• Metal Artists (Jewelry) – Handmade necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, in copper, brass, and silver Work utilizes ancient Mesoamerica and Maya motifs and designs Emphasis placed on designs recovered from Lamanai Archaeological Site Most developed group but still learning and working on providing quality products
   

• Sewing Group – Handmade purses, glasses cases, book bags, and screened T-Shirts Emphasis placed on Maya motifs and designs as well as the rich Natural History of Belize (hummingbirds, butterflies, howler monkeys) Many items hand embroidered and stenciled Still learning and working on producing high quality products
   

• Ceramic Group – Handmade figurines, vessels, masks, and pottery vessels Clay gathering and processing done on-site Emphasis on Mesoamerican and Maya motifs and designs Replicas of material from Lamanai Archaeological Site Primarily hand-building with some throwing Development needed but workshops carried out regularly
   

• Slate Stone Carving Group – Create plaques, necklaces, and figurines Slate recovered from or purchased from southern Belize Emphasis on Mesoamerican and Maya motifs and designs Emphasis placed on designs recovered from Lamanai Archaeological Site Interestingly this group is primarily self taught, still working to develop quality products