ENCUENTRO  CULTURAL

CHARCO  DE  ARUAJO

MAY 7, 2016

About 250 campesinos gathered today in Charco de Aruajo to celebrate the culture of the Cuenca de Independencia and talk about the “defense of the territory” and other problems facing the rural inhabitants of our region. Over 20 communities were represented from San Miguel, Dolores, San Diego Union and San Luis de la Paz. All are members of either UCCANG or COCIRA – grassroots campesino organizations working together to protect their land, their rights and their water.

Fifty-seven members of the San Miguel based COCIRA arrived by bus that was generously supplemented by a special donation of the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise. 8 promotors and Chela from CEDESA were in attendance. All the rest were members of UCCANG.

We began at 10 am with an indigenous ceremony that recognized the four winds and the four elements of life. After that a panel of three persons, Chela (CEDESA), Araceli (UCCANG) and Jesusa from San Miguel. They spoke about the importance of protecting the “territory”, using native seeds in the planting of corn, fighting to have agua “limpia” and the other outside influences that are degrading the life in the rural areas. After that four work tables (discussion groups) were set up to discuss: Water and Health, Defense of the Territory, Saving the native planting and over 60 varieties of corn and saving the flora and fauna of the campo. Each group was instructed to devise specific activities that could be taken immediately to save the cultural roots of the communities.

After this several persons offered entertainment in the form of songs, poems and special “felicidades” to the mothers in honor of Mother’s Day. Many wonderful story boards were present showing the history of UCCANG, CEDESA, the Northern Guanajuato Beekeepers Association

As always a wonderful lunch was served by members of the community. (75 miles)

       

Submitted by Lee Carter