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Buenos Aires, Argentina. Magdalena Mignaburu has experience researching institutions in the Basque Diaspora in Argentina.  She was the author of the book that told the story of FEVA, published on the occasion of the Federation's 50^th anniversary.  So it was natural that she, a professor of political science, law and social sciences, with a degree in educational management, was approached to carry out this new project.

“In July of 2012, as part of the Centennial of the Zazpirak Bat Basque club in Rosario, I had the opportunity to present my exhibit of traditional Basque costumes as part of the activities organized by the Basque club to celebrate the anniversary.  At that time I met members of the institutions and among them was a relevant group from the EAJ-PNV (Basque Nationalist Party) that was created in Argentina with the Board of the Party that was founded in this city,” Magdalena Mignaburu explained to EuskalKultura.com.

Interest in the proposal

“That is how I met Fernando Lizarbe, the secretary of the party in Argentina, who--using my book on FEVA as a reference--asked me if i would be interested in writing about the 100 years of the PNV in Argentina.  I was already aware of the work of various men and women in the PNV at the heart of the Basque community in Argentina and I knew about their nationalism and commitment, in a way that I was immediately enthused by the proposal because it meant for me a great opportunity to make a documentary on the subject that was so worthwhile, especially for the younger generations who didn’t have the privilege to live and know many of these patriots, who can now get to know about them and undertake new research projects,” the historian added.

Sources and bibliographic material

The project requires the arduous task of research and that falls to Mignaburu.  The collection of material began in Argentina but will soon require travel to the Basque Country in order to gather documents necessary to complete the work.  “Although I am gathering information regarding the history of the PNV in Argentina, the first chapter deals with the same from an institutional point of view and an analysis of the changes from the modification of its statutes.  I count on the collaboration of the Consejo Directive de la Junta Extraterritorial of the EAJ-PNV in Argentina, and especially that of Fernando Lizarbe, who compiled material of great importance (including the complete archive of the Urazandi collection).  In addition, I have received great help from the people at the Sabino Arana Foundation who have allowed me to access to material of great historic value, that is only available there since the file of that institution has drawn on the documentary contribution of Basque institutions and has privately preserved, even in the most difficult stages, true treasures that are part of our cultural heritage.  Other sources that I have taken into account are the books of record of the party in Argentina, FEVA, and the Basque club files.  I have also done several interviews and may have to plan a trip to Bahia Blanca, Mar del Plana and Tandil, to fill in gaps,” explains the writer.

The book is presented in various historic stages, and each one begins with events of great impact in relation to the functioning of the party.  In addition to a significant photo selection, it will also include a documentary appendix and possibly a DVD with various archival material. 

Presentation and dissemination

The exact date that the work will be presented still hasn't been decided, but those involved have already outlined a possible timeline.  “We are counting on the support of the EBB (Euskadi Buru Batzar) and the Sabino Arana Foundation in order to have the book done by mid-2013.  The first official presentation will take place at the Foundation in Bilbao, most likely in November, and later we will present it in the other capitals where the party is found in Donostia, Gasteiz, Iruña and Baiona.  The Durango Book Fair would also be an important event as well as scheduling presentations at various batzokis that will take place depending on the interest in the work.  The dissemination in Argentina would come next. At the beginning of 2014 we are anticipating a book presentation at the Buenos Aires Book Fair, and later to visit other places, not only in Argentina, but also in other countries where presenting the testimony of this, the only 100 year-old organization of its kind, that is the BNP.”

History of the author

The author of the work, Magdalena Mignaburu, is a researcher who has close ties with the Basque community.  A descendant of Basques, the majority from Behe Nafarroa and Iparralde, she plunged into the active waters of the Basque Diaspora in 2000, after her first trip to the Basque Country.  Since then, she has successfully carried out various projects such as a book on the history of FEVA and her current exhibit, “Gure Arropa – Our clothes,” a collection of traditional Basque costumes that she has gathered and continues to gather from a number of the Basque clubs. Now, motivated by the admiration of representatives of the nationalist party, this project allows her to meet a goal that is both personal and professional.

"My connection to the PNV has motivated me in my research and the possibility of meeting some of its members, for whom I have great admiration and sympathy. On my trip to Rosario, for the club’s centennial, I got to know people face to face and very well, like Felipe Eyheragibel, Nélida Apesteguia, Cristina Aguirre, Alicia Igarzábal, Isidro Legarreta and Fernando Lizarbe.  Fernando has become a great promoter of this book and traveling companion. And even if it was an idea that I had for a long time, that was then that I decided to get involved and participate more actively in a political project with which I full agree,” summarizes Mignaburu.