Recognizing and Honoring the Rights, Tradition and Cultures of Indigenous People
by Natalie Taylor
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is celebrated on August 9th. Established by the United Nations, it recognizes and honors the rights and cultures of indigenous peoples worldwide. Approximately 476 million indigenous people live in 90 countries around the world, with at least 70 different indigenous populations in México. In San Miguel de Allende and its environs, OtomÃes represent the vast majority of the natives who were the original re- sidents of these territories.
The identity of any people is their language and traditions. No ethnic group can survive if those are taken away; all that remains then is memories, which slowly fade away. A population without its culture, without its language, is lost forever. This is one of the greatest challenges that faces indigenous people everywhere, and so it is for the Otomà population of the BajÃo region.
