In an attempt to combat the marginalization of the more than 26,000 Otomie and Nahuatl Indians living in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico, a forum was held in the municipality of Ocotelulco on June 14 to consult with the public in the creation of a state law that will protect indigenous rights and culture. Despite the importance of the issue, less than thirty people attended the meeting. While indigenous leaders believe the poor attendance is due to the poverty of Tlaxcala’s indigenous people (over 9,000 of whom live in extreme poverty), authorities claim that it is instead an indication that there is a genuine lack of interest among indigenous peoples in a law protecting their rights. Public consultation ends on June 20, after three forums in which leaders hope to analyze and discuss the viability of a state law protecting indigenous rights and culture.
