In a recent episode of the Hammer Show, hosted by Dev Kumar Sunuwar, Bia’ni Madsa’ Juárez López, Program Manager of the Keepers of the Earth Fund (KOEF) at Cultural Survival, provided a compelling look into the lives and struggles of Mexico's indigenous peoples. López, who hails from the Ayuk and Binisa communities in Oaxaca, Mexico, highlighted the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of her country, while also shedding light on the ongoing challenges faced by indigenous communities.
Mexico recognizes 68 distinct indigenous peoples, though the actual number, considering linguistic variations within groups, could be closer to 400. This diversity, however, has been historically suppressed. López shared how Spanish colonization forced many indigenous people to adopt Spanish names, erasing their ancestral identities. She herself experienced this firsthand, recounting instances where government officials misspelled or even erased her indigenous name because it deviated from the "norm." This struggle for recognition extends beyond personal names to encompass language and cultural rights.
While the Mexican government has made some efforts to acknowledge indigenous languages, such as hosting the closing ceremony of the International Year of Indigenous Languages in 2020, López believes that true progress requires granting indigenous communities autonomy over language preservation and education. She pointed out that despite the existence of indigenous schools, Spanish and English continue to dominate, undermining efforts to revitalize native languages.
López, whose work with KOEF has brought her into contact with indigenous communities in over 30 countries, identified a common thread in their struggles: the pressure from governments and corporations to exploit indigenous lands and resources. She drew parallels between the challenges faced by communities in Nepal, Mexico, and Brazil, all of whom are fighting to protect their territories from hydropower projects, mining, and other forms of development.
Despite these challenges, López emphasized the resilience and strength of indigenous peoples worldwide. She praised the collective power of these communities, their deep-rooted traditions, and their invaluable environmental knowledge. She highlighted their unique systems of governance and land management as examples for the world to learn from.
López concluded with a powerful message of solidarity, urging indigenous communities to unite and learn from each other's struggles and victories. She emphasized the importance of community organization and utilizing international indigenous rights frameworks to advocate for their rights and protect their cultural heritage.