Full Description
Strangely, Friends delves into the rich, often overlooked history of personal and cultural connections between Cubans and Canadians. From the early days of the Cuban Revolution to the present, this book uncovers the stories of Canadians who were drawn to Cuba—teachers, artists, development aid workers, filmmakers, and activists—who left an indelible mark on the island, and Cubans, especially the musicians, who found a home in Canada. Through intimate portraits and serendipitous encounters, Karen Dubinsky explores how these relationships transcended political ideologies and state policies, revealing a shared humanity that defies borders. From the classrooms of Havana to the jazz clubs of Toronto, this book captures the enduring bonds forged through music, education, and mutual curiosity, offering a fresh perspective on the power of people-to-people connections.
Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Friends
of Convenience?
Chapter
One
"Cubanized,"
Internationalistas, and the Curious: Some Portraits of Canadians in Cuba
Chapter
Two
CUSO's
Técnicos: Canadian Development Comes to Cuba in the 1970s
Chapter
Three
After
the Crisis: NGOs, Skateboards, and Hospital Equipment
Chapter
Four
What
Do Cubans and Canadians Actually Know About Each Other?: Educational
Exchanges, Research, and Teaching
Chapter
Five
Cuban
Music in Canada: An Extremely Partial Introduction
Chapter
Six
Making
Music, Making Meaning: What Do Cuban-Canadian Musical Exchanges Do?
Conclusion
Harry
Tanner's Legacy
Notes
Select
Bibliography
Index
