Guatemalan defender of indigenous rights receives the Bartolomé de las Casas Award in Spain

Three Latin American women defenders of the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples in Mexico, Bolivia, and Guatemala have been honored with the prestigious “Bartolomé de las Casas” Award in Spain. The award recognizes their outstanding contributions to the advancement and protection of indigenous rights in their respective countries.

Alma López Mejía, a Mayan-Quiché leader from Guatemala and a member of the Alliance of Indigenous Women of Central America and the Caribbean (AMICAM), was awarded the prize this year. She has been at the forefront of the fight for indigenous rights for nearly three decades, advocating for the specific rights of women, individuals, and indigenous communities.

María Liria Fabiola May Canul, a Mayan leader from Mexico and the coordinator of the Alternative Center for Integral Indigenous Development (CADIN) in the state of Yucatán, was also honored with the award. CADIN focuses on the prevention and care of gender violence against women, girls, and boys, particularly in the municipalities of Halachó and Maxcanú.

Paula Saldaña Fernández, the executive director of the Research Center for Craft Design and Cooperative Marketing (CIDAC) in Bolivia, was the third recipient of the award. CIDAC was established in 1980 by two courageous women who sought to investigate the state of crafts in the lowland region of Bolivia. They were inspired by the diversity of techniques and the need to preserve disappearing traditions.

The awards ceremony took place at the Casa de América in Madrid and was attended by the Secretary of State for International Cooperation of Spain, Pilar Cancela. During the ceremony, the leaders emphasized the importance of establishing ties and a common agenda among women in the region to further advance the rights of indigenous peoples.

The “Bartolomé de las Casas” Award, which has been presented for over thirty years, is a collaboration between the Spanish Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Casa de América. It aims to recognize individuals, institutions, or organizations that have dedicated themselves to fighting for and defending the rights of indigenous communities in the Americas.

The recognition of these three remarkable women and their organizations highlights the ongoing struggle for indigenous rights and the importance of their work in promoting social justice and equality. Their dedication and commitment serve as an inspiration to others in the fight for indigenous rights worldwide.

How has the work of AMICAM, led by Mejía, contributed to the recognition of indigenous land rights and cultural preservation?

Cating for the recognition of indigenous land rights and cultural preservation. Through her work with AMICAM, Mejía has helped empower indigenous women and mobilize their communities to demand justice and equality.

In Mexico, Marichuy Botón, an indigenous Zapotec woman, received the prestigious award for her tireless efforts to defend the rights of indigenous peoples. Botón is a founding member of the National Indigenous Congress (CNI) and the spokesperson for the Indigenous Government Council. She has been a vocal advocate for indigenous autonomy and self-determination, fighting against the marginalization and discrimination faced by indigenous communities in Mexico.

From Bolivia, Tania Pariona Tarqui, a Quechua leader, was honored with the “Bartolomé de las Casas” Award for her remarkable dedication to protecting the rights of indigenous peoples. Pariona Tarqui has been actively involved in promoting indigenous political participation and representation, particularly advocating for the inclusion of indigenous women in decision-making processes. She has played a critical role in raising awareness about the issues faced by indigenous communities and has fought for their rights and recognition at the national and international levels.

The “Bartolomé de las Casas” Award, named after a Spanish Dominican friar who defended the rights of indigenous peoples during the colonial period, aims to recognize the significant contributions made by individuals or organizations in the protection and advancement of indigenous rights. It serves as a platform to highlight the struggles and successes of defenders of indigenous rights, shedding light on their invaluable work.

The recognition of Mejía, Botón, and Pariona Tarqui with this prestigious award reinforces the importance of indigenous rights in Latin America and beyond. Their relentless efforts to defend the rights of indigenous peoples in Mexico, Bolivia, and Guatemala have made a tangible impact on their communities and inspire others to continue the fight for justice, equality, and cultural preservation. They stand as role models for future generations of indigenous leaders and advocates, reminding us of the power of collective action and the necessity of protecting the rights of all marginalized communities.