The indigenous community in Campeche is resuming efforts to secure the rights and economic support they need to develop like the rest of the population. Rufino Cruz Cruz, Indigenous Pluricultural Governor in Campeche, emphasized the importance of conducting a community census to formalize their status and ensure they receive support from various levels of government.
National Needs and Services
Cruz Cruz highlighted that indigenous peoples across the nation have significant needs, not just for budget allocations but also for services such as translators to access education, health, and justice. He mentioned that there has been an approach with President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo to continue the foundations laid by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Legal Framework and Recognition
Cruz Cruz pointed out that there is a legal framework for both the state and municipalities to support these communities, which have often been treated as “third-class citizens.” He stressed that indigenous peoples are the foundation of the country, contributing traditions, culture, music, and gastronomy, and it seems efforts are being made to marginalize them.
Electoral Exclusion
He expressed regret that the National Electoral Institute (INE) denied several of his colleagues the opportunity to run for elected office in the last elections. Despite the presence of indigenous communities throughout Campeche, no members were included in the local elections.
Urgent Need for Representation
In the Cabildo of Carmen, there is no municipal commission to address the specific needs of the indigenous community, which includes residents of 64 communities. Cruz Cruz emphasized the urgency of recognizing these people, who have the same rights as any other citizen but often lack access to justice, education, and health services due to language barriers.
Census and Advocacy
To address these issues, Cruz Cruz will promote a census to identify the indigenous population and present this information to government entities, demanding the services and support they are legally entitled to. He stressed the importance of accurate data to ensure effective advocacy.
Trust in Leadership
“We trust President Claudia Sheinbaum to guide us towards an agreement that respects the autonomy of indigenous peoples and ensures we receive our rightful support. In the June 2024 elections, the indigenous vote was greater than in 2018, with over seven million people. We will continue to advocate for our rights and refuse to be treated as third-class citizens,” Cruz Cruz concluded.
Source: Por Esto
