Commemoration Of The International Day Of Indigenous Women

September 5th marks the International Day of Indigenous Women, a date dedicated to honoring the women of indigenous peoples who have played a fundamental role in preserving cultures, traditions, and ancestral knowledge. This day also serves as a reminder of the struggles and challenges these women face in their daily lives. In Puerto Vallarta, a tourist destination that, beyond its beaches and landscapes, holds a rich cultural heritage linked to indigenous peoples, it is essential to reflect on how we can meaningfully celebrate and honor this date.

The International Day of Indigenous Women was established in 1983 during the Second Meeting of Organizations and Movements of the Americas in Tiahuanaco, Bolivia. The date was chosen in honor of Bartolina Sisa, an Aymara indigenous heroine who fought against Spanish colonization in the 18th century. Sisa is a symbol of resistance and courage, and her legacy endures as an inspiration to many indigenous women who, to this day, continue to face marginalization and discrimination.

Indigenous women experience double discrimination: for their gender and ethnicity. This translates into challenges such as lack of access to education, poor healthcare services, gender-based violence, and the struggle to preserve their lands and natural resources. Despite these obstacles, indigenous women have proven to be the guardians of culture, traditions, and ancestral languages. Their role in passing on cultural knowledge and practices is invaluable, not only for their communities but for all of humanity.

Puerto Vallarta, located on the Mexican Pacific coast, is mainly known as a tourist destination. However, the region has a deep connection with indigenous communities, especially the Huichol (Wixarika) people, who live in the mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental. These peoples have maintained their traditions and customs despite modernization and external pressure. The International Day of Indigenous Women offers an opportunity to recognize and value the contributions of Huichol women and other indigenous women to the cultural richness of the region.

Commemorating the International Day of Indigenous Women in Puerto Vallarta is not only a way to acknowledge the crucial role these women play in their communities but also an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges they face. Through this commemoration, we can promote greater respect and appreciation for the cultural diversity that enriches the identity of Puerto Vallarta and, more broadly, all of Mexico. Since the Puerto Vallarta government only offered a panel discussion last year six days after the celebration date, Vallarta Today presents various ideas and alternatives on how this day should be commemorated:

Workshops and Educational Talks: Organize workshops and conferences where indigenous women can share their stories, knowledge, and experiences. These activities can include talks about their struggles for land, the preservation of their languages and customs, and their role in the family and community. Involve local schools and universities so that students can learn directly from these women and better understand their reality.

Indigenous Art and Culture Exhibitions: Set up exhibitions in Puerto Vallarta's cultural centers showcasing the art, crafts, music, and traditional dances of indigenous peoples, with a particular focus on the work and creativity of women. These exhibitions will not only serve as a tribute but will also allow tourists and locals to appreciate the cultural richness that indigenous women bring.

Craft and Traditional Product Fairs: Organize fairs where indigenous women can sell their handmade products and traditional foods. These events will not only contribute to the local economy but also promote knowledge and appreciation for the traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Ancestral Ceremonies and Rituals: Allow indigenous women to lead ancestral ceremonies and rituals in public spaces in Puerto Vallarta. These rituals can include blessings for the land, the sea, and the communities, connecting participants with indigenous spirituality and worldview.

Screening of Documentaries and Films: Organize film series that address the realities and challenges of indigenous women. These documentaries can be followed by discussion panels where the topics presented are explored in-depth and indigenous voices share their perspectives.

Support for Indigenous Projects: Use the commemoration of this day to launch or strengthen projects that directly benefit the indigenous communities of the region. This could include the creation of scholarship programs for indigenous women, funding for cultural preservation projects, or support for health and wellness initiatives.

The International Day of Indigenous Women is a date to honor women who have been historically marginalized but possess a legacy and knowledge vital to humanity. In Puerto Vallarta, celebrating this day is not only a matter of social justice but also an opportunity to be culturally enriched by learning about and valuing the indigenous traditions that are part of the region's identity.

The commemoration of this day in Puerto Vallarta must go beyond a simple symbolic act. It is a call to action to support, protect, and empower indigenous women, recognizing that their well-being is fundamental to the well-being of their communities and, therefore, society as a whole. With respect, solidarity, and a focus on justice, Puerto Vallarta can become an example of how to celebrate cultural diversity and promote equity for all women, especially those who have been the silent pillars of our ancestral cultures.