The greatest obstacle that faces the survival of the Wixárika people at this moment in time is the disharmony that exists between members of the tribe from different geographical regions. The Huichol Center envisions a plan to foster a new peace paradigm for the Wixárika people, with the establishment of a non-governmental think-tank, the Wixárika Nación de la Paz, A.C. The creation of this new guidance model should help solve inter-tribal conflicts and ensure their culture survives as a unified and globally esteemed indigenous nation.
The solution to the imminent threat that is endangering the core of traditional Wixárika beliefs and spirituality is to implement an inter-tribal peacemaking strategy to mend the differences between rival communities. The creation of a well-organized platform to foster and restore good relations between antagonistic factions should mitigate the threats facing the cohesion of the Wixárika Nation. The outcome should also fortify the odds in each community for cultural survival and its right to self-determination.
The governing body of the organization will consist of a restricted number of people from among those Wixárika communities where traditions and ceremonial centers have remained intact and strong.
Modern day Huichols and the current generation of Wixárika young people are challenged to make huge strides forward to insure the longevity and endurance of their ancient culture. Their struggle is thwarted by the on-going and increasing animosity between the disjointed sectors of the Huichol homeland which stretches out over a geographical area that spans four neighboring states. Their fragile communities suffer from the lack of central leadership and the absence of unified tribal voices to stand their ground against the negative consequences of modernization that affect them all, namely the destruction of their sacred sites and interference from the outside world. Land disputes and long lasting feuds between neighboring villages incite the infighting that remains an ominous threat to their peaceful co-existence.
This dynamic has undermined the authority of their leaders and revered elders, the shamans and traditional wisdom keepers, who are faced with the increasing irrelevancy of their spiritual ways among a new generation that is losing its cultural roots. The officials in charge live in communities plagued by unspeakable poverty and often govern without the consensus of its members. Women and children are ultimately the ones to suffer the brunt of the struggles for survival, which lead to high rates of alcoholism, domestic violence and lack of opportunities to pursue a decent livelihood.
The proposed Wixárika Nation organization will accomplish its peacemaking and empowerment mission by fostering the means by which gender balanced dialog and collaboration will pacify the divisive hostilities. It must set the stage for viable strategies that will address issues that face individual communities and the Wixárika population at large . |
