Ceremonial Journey of Baja California

Spiritual journeys have long been an ancient tradition of the native pueblos of this continent. The journeys are an essential part of life because they strengthen the solidarity among Indigenous Peoples as well as their traditions and culture. Just as well it creates an awareness of the need to reestablish a respectful connection with Mother Earth.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Participant communities

Salida de Tijuana ......................................................26 Febrero

Cuchuma, Tecate, Aguaje de la Tuna......................26 Febrero

Juntas de Neji.............................................................27 Febrero

La Rumorosa, Mexicali..............................................28 Febrero

Pozas de Arvizu( Se integra otra columna).............01 Marzo

Cucapa El Mayor........................................................02 Marzo

Arrollo de Leon (Ejido Kiliwas)..................................03 Marzo

Santa Catarina............................................................05 Marzo

La Huerta......................................................................06 Marzo

Colonia 89....................................................................07 Marzo

Otra Columna:Zona de San Quintin...........................05 Marzo

Zona de Maniadero.....................................................06 Marzo

Colonia 89....................................................................07 Marzo

San Antonio Necua......................................................08 Marzo

San Jose de la Zorra...................................................09 Marzo

Peña blanca.................................................................10 Marzo

Tijuana...........................................................................11 Marzo

At the moment, seventeen communities hosting the runners in spiritual ceremonies have been confirmed, they are the following: The Kumiai, Cucapa, Pai-pai, Kilia, Mixtec, Triqui, and Nahuatl Nations (the last three are migrant nations from southern Mexico). The communities of these nations are Cucapa el Mayor, Kiliwa, San Isidoro, Santa Catarina, La Huerta, Barrio 89 (Ensenada), San Antonio Nekua, San Jose de la Zorra, Valle de las Palmas and the cities of Tecate, Mexicali, Ensenada and Tijuana.

Other groups that live in more remote areas are yet to be confirmed. The coordinators of the ‘Journey for Native Dignity’ have dialoged with seventeen indigenous elders of the participating Nations in order to ask for permission to pass through their lands and to ask that the runners be received with the traditional songs and dances of each native community. The runners come from various indigenous communities of Baja California and Sonora. (Participation of runners from the communities Kumiais, Cucapas, Kiliwas, Mixtecos, Triquis, Zapotecos, Nahuas, Mayos, Yaquis, Coo'm caacs is confirmed.)

Support groups from several independent organizations (who help indigenous communities as well as migrants) will be organized in order to aid with lodging, meals, setting up press conferences, and organizing cultural events to inaugurate and announce the journey before it begins and when it arrives. The cities that have been assigned for these activities are Tecate, Mexicali, Ensenada and Tijuana.