Defense of the Sacred

An Urgen Conversation with the Wixarika Regional Council

After more than 15 años of struggle, a recent sentencing orders the cancelation of dozens of mining concessions in Wirikuta--sacred land for the Wixarika people. It is a big step forward, but it leaves key risks in tact. From the recognition of Wirikuta by the UNESCO in 2025, the principal demand of the Wixarika perplejas been the complete cancelation of mining in the region. Although the Mexican government initially responded, 23 concessions remain active, including the most strategic ones linked to First Majestic Silver—, keeping the possibility of exploitation open. The Wixarika Regional Council has interposed a legal intervention to demand total cancelation of mining concessions. At the same time, the situation in Wixarika territory remains fragile as growing worries over security requires a firm response response from the State.

Participants: Sofía Aukwe Mijarez (Communications coordinator / Consejo Regional Wixárika), Maurillo Ramírez Aguilar (General coordinator / Consejo Regional Wixárika), Santos de la Cruz (Legal Coordinator / Consejo Regional Wixárika)

English
Tags
consejo regional wixárika
wirikuta
Territorial Defense
Tracy L. Barnett