Pete T. Cenarrusa Papers, 1937-2008

This series features material connected with the Basques in the Basque Country and Spain. Information pertaining to the Basque and Spanish governments, including Basque political parties can be found in their respective sections. The Spanish government section also includes information on two other autonomous communities in the Spain, Navarre and Catalonia. Material on the banned Basque political party Batasuna can be found within the Basque section.

A critical part of Basque politics is the group Euzkadi Ta Askatasuna, or ETA (Basque Homeland and Freedom). Information, including communiqués, newsletters and propaganda put out by the group is a prominent part of the series. Also included is information on the peace process, as well as numerous peace movements and groups that have appeared in the Basque Country.

Human rights have been a longstanding issue within Spain and the Basque Country, and part of the series includes reports and examinations of human rights violations.

This series focuses on the Basque diasporas throughout the world. It also features material on relations between the diasporas and the Basque Country. Most of the information pertains to the Idaho diaspora, which is unique for its high involvement with homeland politics. However, Cenarrusa corresponded with other diaspora communities, especially in South America, and those activities are documented in the International Diaspora section.

The Basque diaspora within Idaho is highly involved in preserving Basque culture, and numerous activities are recorded within the material in this series. These range from the historic sheepherders balls, to the establishment of the Basque Museum and Cultural Center in Boise, the only one of its kind in the United States. Information (mostly in the form of press clippings) on individual diasporic communities within Idaho can also be found in this section.

Relations between Idaho and the Basque Country have been well developed. There have been trade missions between the two governments, and visits by a variety of government delegations. In 1980, a seedling from the Tree of Gernika, a historic Basque monument, was brought to Idaho and planted in front of the State Capitol Building. Records and a speech by Cenarrusa are found with the diaspora-homeland relations section. In 1993, Boise and the Basque city of Gernika became sister cities, details of which can be found in this series. Also a part of the series is condolences sent by members of the Basque government for the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center.

Diaspora communities formed a wide variety of organizations, most with intent of supporting or influencing Basque politics. Correspondence, newsletters, reports from these organizations are located within this series.

In 1972, Cenarrusa initiated a Joint Memorial within the Idaho Legislature calling for the Spanish Government, then led by Generalissimo Franco, to follow the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It passed the Idaho legislature and U.S. Senator Frank Church read the memorial to the United States Congress, where it was entered into the Congressional Record.

Following the visit of Spanish Ambassador Ruperez in 2002, Cenarrusa, working with State Representative David Bieter, sponsored another Joint Memorial, asking for greater autonomy within the Basque Country and a cessation to all violence. The memorial once again passed through Idaho legislature, although this time with a bumpier ride. Ambassador Ruperez and the Spanish government became involved, as well as U.S. National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. Changes were made, and the memorial was sent onto the United States Congress.

In March of 2006, ETA declared a permanent ceasefire, and the Idaho Legislature once again passed a memorial, this time applauding ETA and encouraging efforts at a real peace. All of these memorials demonstrate the unique place Idaho has had in attempting to influence a foreign government's policies and actions.

This series features information regarding Basque studies and education. It includes information on the Cenarrusa Center for Basque Studies, as well as the University of Nevada at Reno's Center for Basque Studies. Also featured in the series is information on the Ikastolas, or Basque preschools. Ikastolas focus on teaching the Basque language, keeping it alive for generations to come. Cenarrusa was influential in helping to establish these, both in the Basque Country and in Idaho. His notes and correspondence on this can be found here.

Pete Cenarrusa collected a variety of manuscripts, articles and books on the Basque Country, culture, and politics. He was sometimes sent drafts of writings for his commentary.

Pete Cenarrusa collected material on Basque art. He was part of the committee that commissioned the National Monument to the Basque Sheepherder, located in Nevada (a replica of which is included in the collection). Information on art for the Basque Block in Boise is included, as well as press clippings and brochures for a variety of Basque art exhibits.