A BRIDGE TO THE HIGHLAND
MAYA IS ESTABLISHED IN THE USA
The Mayan Connection brings truth and cultural sharing
Caban Alliance was very happy and privileged, last December, to play a small part in supporting the dedicated work and arduous journey of two advocates for justice who have sought through their work to shed the light of truth on the plight of the Maya in Guatemala, and in particular, the community of Los Cimientos. Tek Itzep Pasa, a Quiche Mayan man and member of the Los Cimientos community has traveled throughout the West Coast and has had the opportunity to speak with officials in Washington D. C. over the past many months through the sponsorship of Francia Ala's Mayan Connection. Their work has been to share, through story, song, Mayan tapestry, and weavings, the culture of the Maya of Guatemala. By the same token they have offered a firsthand witnessing to the American people regarding the genocidal wars of the 1980's and the ravaging of family and culture suffered by the Highland Maya as a result. Tek has traveled as emissary to advance his people's cry for support and understanding. This brief story offers to you an example of how this has been accomplished by two people operating on the most modest of means, and gives an example of the effects and energy generated from their dedicated efforts.
Tek and Francia were invited last Fall to share their presentation with the fourth grade class at Taft Elementary/Middle School in Lincoln City, Oregon. No one would have even guessed at the time what would happen to this group of youngsters by the end of the school year as a result of this visit. Members of the class of predominantly low-income families were so inspired and motitated by the message that Tek had brought to them that they began an effort to help the Mayan children and their families in the Guatemalan Highlands. Tek had informed them that he had come to tell them of the the suffering of his people and their struggle to keep their culture alive. The children were stunned to hear that kids like themselves had been forced to work in pesticide-laced fields for 30¢ per day, and that families being resettled in their homeland didn't have food to eat, couldn't go to school, and now continue to live in terror of a government-sponsored militia.
By contrast Tek also played his guitar and sang for the children, taught them songs and told stories from his homeland. He had won their hearts and as a result they were moved to raise $800 to buy food and art supplies for the children of Los Cirnientos. As an afterthought their teacher realized that their worthy efforts certainly qualified them for entry in the Scholastic News "Kids Care" contest. They entered and wondered if they would hear. On May 22, the children departed for an all-expense paid week in New York... they had won first prize.
Note: In New York, Tek and Francia had an opportunity to enlighten UN officials about the struggles of the indigenous in Guaternala. Though conditions for the people have improved, the negotiations between rebels and the government, in which the World Bank has assumed a role, have not included indigenous people mainly because they had not participated in the armed struggles of the last many years.
The following is a copy of a letter received from Tek. I urge all to consider the message and to give as you are able...
Thank you for your support for my community of Los Cimientos. In June I return to my country. There is something I must ask of you. When I arrive in Los Cimientos again I must build a house for my family, plant corn for us to eat and find a way to have an income for me and my community. Please could you help with a donation that will make it possible to do this. All the funds I received during the tour went directly to the council of Elders. I will have to work in the Finca to earn my personal money, and I ask you to help me start my life again in Los Cimientos. I will leave Lincoln City on June 1st, 1995, and travel south. For this reason I need your help right now, morally and economically. Thank you for your kindness to me.
Buen suerte. Buen vida, y buen amor con sus familias.
Tek Iztep Pasa
Mayan Connection
Los Cimientos Alliance