Waldo Briño, the Gentle Warrior
(Chile, August 29, 1961 - Canada, September 19, 2013)
Waldo Briño was a man of many talents and accomplishments. However, one single goal guided his passage through life: social justice. Towards that end, he battled with the fierceness of a warrior and the gentleness of a dove.
Waldo was born into a family of committed trade unionists and supporters of the Salvador Allende government. After the 1973 military coup, the Briños experienced persecution and Manuel, Waldo’s father, endured long months of confinement as a political prisoner. Soon after his release, the family left their homeland and found refuge in Canada. In the following years, Waldo collaborated in myriad ways with the Resistance Movement to the dictatorship.
Later, he dedicated most of his efforts to creating cross-cultural endeavours in Vancouver. Together with his wife, María Soledad Sara, he formed Brisa Productions and presented concerts by Latin American musicians; published Milenio, a Spanish-language newspaper; and launched Cine Chile, which screened Chilean films and fostered the development of Canadian-Chilean productions. As well, he was a member of the Board of Directors of Collingwood Neighbourhood House; helped establish the Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre Society; and was part of the City of Vancouver’s Multicultural Advisory Committee. In that capacity, he was instrumental in establishing outreach and support initiatives for the homeless and promoting dialogue among different communities. His contributions garnered him the City of Vancouver’s Diversity and Inclusion Award, and its Cultural Harmony Award.
Waldo Briño’s momentous life was cut much too short by cancer. But the legacy of this gentle warrior will live on for many years to come.
Carmen Rodríguez