Group Proposes Migrant House to Help Indigenous Arrivals in Cancún

Cancún, Quintana Roo — A local association is proposing to create a migrant house in Cancún to guide indigenous people arriving from other Mexican states, saying they continue to face discrimination in both the workplace and public institutions.

Javier Alarcón, president of the Association of Older Adults and Indigenous Peoples in Quintana Roo, said prejudice against members of indigenous communities who come to Cancún remains widespread across different areas of daily life.

He explained that many people from other states arrive in the city in search of work and better opportunities, but do so without any knowledge of the services, institutions or communities that could support them — a gap that can leave them more vulnerable.

Discrimination Persists in Cancún, Organizer Says

Alarcón said he experienced discrimination himself during his first years in Cancún, including while working as a tour guide in the Hotel Zone. He recalled that even when he dressed in keeping with his roots, he faced rejection because of his appearance and origin.

To address the problem, he is pushing for a migrant house focused on internal migration — that is, Mexicans arriving from other parts of the country. The space would orient newcomers on sources of work, temporary housing, medical care and legal advice.

The proposal also aims to keep people from having to abandon or hide their roots in order to fit into life in Cancún. According to Alarcón, the goal is for them to maintain their native languages, clothing and traditions while learning about their rights.

He argued that training should begin with the authorities as well, since a lack of understanding of the customs, traditions and rights of indigenous peoples can lead to institutional discrimination.

“If we don’t know where we come from, we won’t know where we are going,” he said, stressing the importance of preserving the identity of the communities that have contributed to Cancún’s growth.

The migrant house has not yet been established and remains in an early stage of work with local communities.

Cultural Celebration Planned for Sept. 27

Meanwhile, organizers will hold a civic and cultural celebration on Sunday, Sept. 27 at the El Crucero esplanade to mark the 202nd anniversary of Chiapas’s annexation to Mexico.

The activities will begin with a walk from El Parián at 5 p.m. and continue with cultural performances, food and crafts.

The gathering also seeks to show that behind every person who arrives in Cancún there is a story, a culture and an identity that form part of the city’s diversity.