Events

Jared Orsi is professor of history at Colorado State University, specializing in environmental and borderlands history.  His book is: "Peoples of a Sonoran Desert Oasis: Recovering the Lost History and Culture of Quitobaquito." 

Join us for a presentation and Q&A about the nonprofit Borderlands Produce Rescue, with Executive Director, Yolanda Soto.
Borderlands Produce Rescue was founded in 1996 by Yolanda Soto, a native of Nogales, Arizona. Growing up in the border community of Ambos, Nogales Yolanda was well aware of the enormity of the produce industry in her local community, as well as the food waste generated as a result of produce being disposed of in the landfill. Ms. Soto believes that the most basic of human rights is food and that it is also affordable nutritious food. So - living in the center of the produce industry - we decided to rescue fresh produce that was unsellable and get it to families.
Free Event - Donations Welcome

Nogales, Sonora Day tour. Visit our partner nonprofit organizations in Nogales, eat lunch at Burrito Hass, learn about the city of Nogales, Sonora and have coffee & dessert at La Roca. Tour fee: $95/ members; $105/ non-members

10:00AM • Thurs, Sept 26, 2024. BCA Office • 8 Burruel St, Tubac • FREE Event - Donations Welcome
The conquest of Mexico is one of the greatest stories in the history of western civilization. The seismic clash between two of the most advanced cultures of their time, the late medieval world of Hernan Cortez and that of the Mexica, the Aztec world of Montezuma, would echo through the centuries and permeate the modern world of both Mexico and the United States.
The syncretization of historic Spanish cultures and the many cultures of Mexico has created a fascinating, colorful and complex variety of peoples living in the country today.
Born and raised in Ohio, Marshall migrated to Arizona in 1989 by way of New York, Alaska, and Colorado. For the last 35 years, he's been exploring in Latin America, developing and conducting cultural tours with his wife, Cathy Husted Giesy, while engaging in a deep interest in history, ancient and modern cultures and collecting many stories. At last count, they have nine godchildren scattered amongst the Tarahumara, Zapotec, Yaqui, and various mestizo communities of Mexico. The conquest of Mexico still resounds in each of their lives. In one way or another they are all the children of Cuauhtemoc.

The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of Saint James, is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that lead to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. In August 2023, Danny Valenzuela, a former BCA board member, walked the "Camino" via the French route, carrying a 22 lb. backpack. He did it in 31 days with just one day of rest. Join us as he shares his beautiful video presentation of his experiences on the Camino de Santiago. Free Event, $10 Suggested Donation. Location: United Methodist Church of Green Valley, 300 W Esperanza Blvd.
CLICK ON TITLE ABOVE FOR MORE DETAILS

Discover the rich history of Tucson's oldest neighborhood. The Barrio Viejo Walking Tour takes you on a journey through time as you explore the largest collection of historic adobe houses in the United States. This neighborhood was almost completely destroyed during the urban renewal of the 1960s, but we'll show you the beauty and significance that remains. Learn about the architecture, people, and events that were the foundation for Tucson’s culture. We'll finish the tour with an optional, no-host, lunch at historic El Minuto Cafe. Mauro Trejo, 7th generation Tucsonan, is our expert historian guide. Please wear comfortable WALKING shoes and be prepared for uneven surfaces as we stroll the streets of the barrio. $30/members - $35 non-members.

Nogales, Sonora Day tour. Visit our partner nonprofit organizations in Nogales, eat lunch at Burrito Hass, learn about the city of Nogales, Sonora and have coffee & dessert at La Roca. Tour fee: $95/ members; $105/ non-members

16 October: BORDERLANDS FORUM; Welcome Quilts Presentation.  This beautiful exhibit and Forum highlight a series of quilts that were stitched together as messages of hope. The patches are drawings by migrants, students from Patagonia, and folks across Arizona and the US. Meet Gale Hall and India Aubry as they tell the story of the inception of this touching project, how it developed and has carried on.  FREE EVENT, $10 Suggested Donation.

Nogales, Sonora tour. Visit our partner nonprofit organizations in Nogales, eat lunch at Burrito Hass, learn about the city of Nogales, Sonora and have coffee & dessert at La Roca. Tour fee: $95/ members; $105/ non-members

Drop in to learn about BCA’s fall program lineup, meet and mingle with BCA community members, and see our office. Short program at 2:30pm.
Location: BCA office, 8 Burruel Street, Tubac, AZ.

October 26, 2024: "Shura: The Road Is Never Paved" Film at Oasis Cinema, Nogales, AZ. "Shura" is a 2023 Oscar-qualified and award-winning documentary short film that follows Shura Wallin, co-founder of the Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritans. She is an octagenarian woman who provides humanitarian aid to migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, the deadliest land crossing in the world, in the Sonoran Desert in Southern Arizona.

BCA invites you to become acquainted with the landscape, history, culture and foods of the unique Rio Sonora Valley through daily field trips, lectures and conversations with the people of the area. Spend 5 days with cultural anthropologist & photographer, Bill Steen of The Canelo Project, and Dr William “Bill” Doolittle, geographer & archeologist of the University of Texas. We will visit several towns, including Arizpe, which was once the capital of New Spain in the 1700s.
We will stay at the gracious Hotel Posada del Rio Sonora in Banámichi, adjacent to the historic town plaza. We'll also be treated to a private performance by the nationally-awarded Folklorico Grupo Danza Masehua. The price of the tour includes 5 days/4 nights lodging, all meals, and ground transportation.
$1500/BCA members; $1600/non-members
$500 DEPOSIT DUE AUGUST 1. FINAL PAYMENT DUE SEPTEMBER 1.
CANCELLATION POLICY: If you cancel after the deadlines, we will not be able to refund your money unless there is a waiting list and your place on the trip can be filled by someone else. In this case, there is a $100 administration cancellation fee. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE IN CASE YOU NEED TO CANCEL THIS TRIP.
BCA has the right to cancel the tour at any time based on safety or concerns in the Río Sonora area. If the trip is canceled, a full refund will be made.
To see trip itinerary, click on tour title above.

BCA invites you to become acquainted with the landscape, history, culture and foods of the unique Rio Sonora Valley through daily field trips, lectures and conversations with the people of the area. Spend 5 days with cultural anthropologist & photographer, Bill Steen of The Canelo Project, and Dr William “Bill” Doolittle, geographer & archeologist of the University of Texas. We will visit several towns, including Arizpe, which was once the capital of New Spain in the 1700s.
We will stay at the gracious Hotel Posada del Rio Sonora in Banámichi, adjacent to the historic town plaza. We'll also be treated to a private performance by the nationally-awarded Folklorico Grupo Danza Masehua. The price of the tour includes 5 days/4 nights lodging, all meals, and ground transportation.
$1500/BCA members; $1600/non-members
$500 DEPOSIT DUE AUGUST 1. FINAL PAYMENT DUE SEPTEMBER 1.
CANCELLATION POLICY: If you cancel after the deadlines, we will not be able to refund your money unless there is a waiting list and your place on the trip can be filled by someone else. In this case, there is a $100 administration cancellation fee. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE IN CASE YOU NEED TO CANCEL THIS TRIP.
BCA has the right to cancel the tour at any time based on safety or concerns in the Río Sonora area. If the trip is canceled, a full refund will be made.
To see trip itinerary, click on tour title above.

In the arid Southwest, ranching has dominated agriculture, with historically large ranches and a vibrant cowboy culture. This tour begins with a visit to the Santa Fe Ranch near Nogales, and an introduction to the many challenges of arid ranching by Dean Fish, Ph.D, Ranch Foreman. He will charm you with his humor and in-depth knowledge, with many a tall tale to tell. Next we'll travel to eastern Santa Cruz County to the Sonoita-Elgin wine appelation; where the landscape dramatically changes to vast grasslands with gently rolling hills dotted with oak trees ... and VINEYARDS. In the past 30 years the wine industry has taken a prominent place in Arizona's economy. We will visit Sonoita Vineyards where Arizona's first commercial vineyard and winery began. There you'll learn all about the history of the wine industry in southern Arizona and how it has become internationally renown; all while enjoying a catered authentic "ranchero" lunch. Optional wine tasting $20/person (not included in tour fee). Tour begins at BCA Office in Tubac, 8:15am. We will travel by van for the day, returning by 4:30pm. Parking available at the Tubac Presidio, 1 Burruel Street.

Tour price includes roundtrip transportation from Tubac, catered ranchero lunch at Sonoita Vineyards, and BCA tour guide. Wine tasting available for an additional fee): $95 (members); $105 (nonmembers). Wine tasting is extra ($20 pp)

Nogales, Sonora tour. Visit our partner nonprofit organizations in Nogales, eat lunch at Burrito Hass, learn about the city of Nogales, Sonora and have coffee & dessert at La Roca. Tour fee: $95/ members; $105/ non-members

Nogales, Sonora tour. Visit our partner nonprofit organizations in Nogales, eat lunch at Burrito Hass, learn about the city of Nogales, Sonora and have coffee & dessert at La Roca. Tour fee: $95/ members; $105/ non-members

"The largest and most exciting city of Latin America. One with an incredible archaeological background intertwined with an unbelievable history, magnificently creative art work, and amazingly friendly people."
$3,960/BCA members • $4,060/non-members (Double occupancy. Single occupancy + $675). Airfare not included. Deposit of $1,500.00 with the signed release form to reserve your space due October 1, 2024. Final Payment due October 12, 2024.

Refunds 90 days or more in advance of departure - full refund less $500.00 and any deposits made to hotels that we cannot retrieve. Less than 90 days before departure, no refund can be issued.

Stay in this unique, small village and enjoy the atmosphere and culture. Visit the homes of a few primary artists, experiencing how pottery is created in Mata Ortiz. Watch the magic of clay coils being pinched into a graceful form. Observe how the fine lines are painted with a brush made from a child’s hair. Feel the excitement of firing the finished work and watching as it is finally uncovered from the ashes. Explore the fascinating Paquime Ruins at Casas Grandes. The culture of the Paquimé thrived from AD 900 to 1450 and their recovered pottery inspired the revival at Mata Ortiz. Walk through the delightful museum and then tour the massive ruins.
$1,150/Members.  $1250/Non-Members. $200 single supplement. Deposit of $500 due by December 15, 2024. Final payment due by January 2, 2025 
REFUNDS: No refunds unless we can fill your spot. $100 cancellation fee.

Border Community Alliance and Conect@Oaxaca invite you to explore the true heart of Mexico’s vibrant arts traditions with us in Oaxaca. Oaxaca is a land of tradition, ancient arts, creativity, and change. The villages of the Central Valleys are deeply rooted in ancient Zapotec communities. You’re invited to explore the history, cultural significance, and creative vision with us on this unique week-long journey through Oaxaca.
The price of the tour includes accommodations, group breakfasts and some lunches, ground transportation, entrance fees, and multilingual guides for both city and villages. Tour size limited to 10 people.
$2995/BCA MEMBERS • $3095/NON-MEMBERS (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) • $600 single supplement
$500 deposit due November 27. Final payment due January 28.

Border Community Alliance and Conect@Oaxaca invite you to explore the true heart of Mexico’s vibrant arts traditions with us in Oaxaca.
Together we will meet the master artists who sustain and illuminate Oaxaca’s creative soul, touching on important issues of authenticity, ingenuity, and innovation. Each day will bring you closer to the creative people whose lives are devoted to mastering art forms that are appreciated around the world. Together, they are the soul of Oaxaca.

Oaxaca is a land of tradition, ancient arts, creativity, and change. The villages of the Central Valleys are deeply rooted in ancient Zapotec communities. You’re invited to explore the history, cultural significance, and creative vision with us on this unique week-long journey through Oaxaca.

The price of the tour includes accommodations, group breakfasts and some lunches, ground transportation, entrance fees, and multilingual guides for both city and villages.
Airfare, dinners, tips, alcoholic beverages and discretionary personal purchases are not included.
People arriving or departing outside of the trip dates will need to pay for their own airport transfers.
Tour size limited to 10 people.

BCA Members: Double room $2995/Single room $3595
NonMembers: Double $3095/Single $3695
$500 deposit due November 27. Final payment due January 28.
To reserve your spot, please submit a $500 hold fee when you register at www.bordercommunityalliance.org or call Suzy at (520) 398-3229.

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you cancel after the deadlines, we will not be able to refund your money unless there is a waiting list and your place on the trip can be filled by someone else. In this case, there is a $100 administration cancellation fee. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE IN CASE YOU NEED TO CANCEL THIS TRIP.
BCA has the right to cancel the tour at any time based on safety or COVID concerns in the Oaxaca area. If the trip is canceled, a full refund will be made.

During this tour, participants will experience the Bahía de Kino region and learn about many different cultural, economic, environmental, and ecological perspectives. This experiential education opportunity focuses on community-based conservation initiatives, species monitoring, indigenous knowledge, and bio-cultural history. Located on the edge of the Sonoran Desert and shores of the Gulf of California, this region contains incredibly rich, diverse, and unique desert, marine, and island ecosystems. This tour is in partnership with the Prescott College Kino Bay Center for Cultural & Ecological Studies.
BCA Members $1500 / NonMembers $1600 Tour price includes: Lodging, round trip transportation from Nogales to Kino Bay; all meals except Lunches first & last day (travel days); and Kino Bay Center guides and itinerary for three days.