Indigenous Communities in Yucatán Fight Back Against Real Estate Exploitation

On International Indigenous Peoples' Day, residents of Ixil and Kinchil in Yucatán, Mexico, shared their ongoing struggle for recognition as indigenous communities. They view the National Catalogue of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Peoples and Communities as their primary legal defense against exploitative real estate practices. They claim that local authorities, who should be protecting them, are instead colluding with these real estate groups. This collusion is leading to a rapid loss of Mayan customs and heritage. Being part of the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples' catalogue provides them with constitutional tools and international agreement protections for their territories.

Federico May Cuitún, a member of the Kinchil Community Council, expressed his community's frustration. "On International Indigenous Peoples' Day we have nothing to celebrate. We are still facing dispossession, discrimination, and lack of recognition as a native community," he said.

The Community Council estimates that around 5,000 hectares of land are being divided up by real estate companies for large-scale development projects. "These companies are committing ecocide, devastating the jungle with the complicit authorities, including the mayor and the ejido commissioner. They do nothing to protect our ancestral territory, which is rich in archaeological remains, water sources, cenotes, aguadas, and natural beauty," Cuitún added.

The community of Kinchil is also in the process of seeking recognition as an indigenous people. This recognition would provide them with legal representation to fight against the land dispossession they are experiencing. The council members see this registration as a symbolic validation that can support future generations. "With the catalogue entry, we hope to use this document as a legal instrument to defend our lands and territories against harmful development," they said.

Cristina Chim Chan, a member of the Ixil Community Council, highlighted the frequent disregard for indigenous communities by governments. "Many communities have managed to progress despite this, but it's important to organize Community Councils to defend our land and culture," she said. She added that the councils aim to gain more members to strengthen their struggles and value the legal representation that respects their rights.

However, these communities have faced obstacles in registering in the catalogue. "Ixil has managed to move forward despite opposition from municipal and state authorities. These authorities find it inconvenient for Ixil to be registered as an indigenous people," said Alejandra Kantun, another member of the Ixil Community Council.