Today

--Rigoberta Mench'u Tum, winner of the 1992 Nobel Peace Prize.

Former Dictator of Guatemala, Rios Montt, found guilty of genocide against Mayan people.

During 1980s, the government of Rios Montt massacred thousands of Maya “suspected of supporting leftists.” UN reports estimate 200,000 Maya killed.

Rios Montt had the support of the US Government (Ronald Reagan) and CIA provided logistical assistance.

“Today there is dancing in the street!”

Peasant Maya farmers were caught in the middle of global geopolitics.

Maya make up 515 of population in Guatemala. Some 8 million live in Mexico and Central America.

Although the indigenous peoples of Mexico, MesoAmerica and South America are often relegated to second class status and endured centuries of repression, they have managed to maintain many aspects of their culture.

Recently there has been a revitalization of cultural identity through arts, education, indigenous rights movements, and tourism.

Mexican heritage renewed

At Cesar Chavez Plaza (1995)

Those of Aztec heritage are beginning to assert renewed identity as Aztec through names and festivals.

Traditional ways are blended with new.

Dance as a vehicle of cultural transmission.

Inca Inti Raymi festival

Festival

Celebrations intended for tourists have stimulated a sub-text of cultural awakening.

Music