On this day, more than 60 years ago, the entire continent of America finally addressed itself to those who were present before the occidental colonization: the indigenous peoples. On April 19, 1940, Lázaro Cárdenas, former president of Mexico and of indigenous descent, organized a meeting attended by numerous Native American communities.
This first Congreso Indigenista Interamericano was held in Patzcuaro, Mexico, and its main goal was to preserve and protect indigenous cultures throughout the American continent. Participants discussed the social and economic situation of indigenous peoples, their needs, and the problems facing them. As a result of the conference, the Mexico City-based Instituto Indigenista Interamericano was created -- an organization dependent on the Organization of American States (OAS). The indigenous communities and their non-indigenous supporters have to this day marked the date of the conference, naming it the Dia Americano del Indio, or Indian American Day.
But not all indigenous peoples look to this date as a day of celebration. An online report posted just yesterday by the organization Pueblos Indígenas states that “in the beginning, the Institute pursued a policy of indigenous community integration. At the present time, and despite some good achievements, that stated policy no longer corresponds with the general policy of the member states, apart from a very few cases.”
The Instituto Indigenista Interamericano introduces itself as an organization that has for its main goals -- the collaboration in coordinating member states' indigenous policies, the promotion of scientific research, and the qualification and promotion of people engaged in indigenous peoples' development. Individuals hailing from Brazil, Guatemala, Bolivia, Mexico and the United Estates head the Instituto Indigenista Interamericano executive committee.
By way of celebrating Indian American Day, several communities throughout the continent will hold meetings and events. Indigenous communities from Salitre, Cabagra, Boruca, Rey Curré, Ujarrás y China Kichá in Costa Rica will participate within their territories in an exhibition of their cultural practices, by way of handicrafts, ancient healing ceremonies, and other culturally specific activities. They will also talk about the Boruca Hydroelectric Project, part of a national engineering plan threatening biodiversity in the indigenous lands of the Terraba-Boruca region. In addition, the Rankul and Daviaxaiqui community in Argentina will participate in events celebrating this special day.
