Chalchiutlicue Environmental Project
In the year 2000, Danza Mexica Cuauhtemoc, a group of Aztec Dancers based in the Twin Cities, was given the task of hosting an annual Mexica (Aztec) water ceremony. As part of the preparation for the ceremony, the organizing committee had to ensure that the entire community was invited to attend and information about the current status of the water in Minnesota was provided to everyone. It was during those four years of preparation that it became apparent just how little our community was aware of our current environmental climate and how few environmentalists from our Native, Indigenous (includes Latinos), African and Asian communities were working in the field.
Since the first Chalchiutlicue Summit and Ceremony in 2005, we have seen the availability of accessible environmental educational materials increase exponentially, along with the awareness of our community members about air, water and soil contamination, conservation and prevention issues that affect us. We still need to continue to expand outreach and education work that improves availability of and access to culturally and linguistically appropriate environmental education and action tools. (see the first electronic resource on watershed management available in Spanish in Minnesota – insert link)
It is imperative that Native, Indigenous, African and Asian communities become more involved in environmental planning, research, assessment and management decisions that affect our communities, because it is our communities who bear a disproportionate burden of the costs associated with industrial pollution, contamination and environmental chronic health disparities (such as: asthma, cancer, low birth weight, miscarriage, developmental and reproductive difficulties).
The Chalchiutlicue Environmental Project is dedicated to addressing these issues by developing new grassroots environmental leaders, creating solutions, organizing and engaging the community, and by building collaborations and partnerships with other groups and communities involved in similar work. The Chalchiutlicue Summit, Ceremony and Celebration will serve as an annual gathering for friends and allies to highlight progress, share what has been learned and to celebrate the environment through a cultural community celebration honoring the water that flows through and connects us all. Everyone is invited and welcomed to participate in any or all of our events.
