Maya Council Backs Xcaret Agreement, Reaffirms Autonomy Ahead of Supreme Court Ruling

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The Great Maya Council of Quintana Roo (GCM), representing indigenous communities in the region, issued a statement today outlining its official position on a draft ruling to be reviewed by Mexico’s Supreme Court. The case involves the use of Maya cultural heritage by private companies, a topic that has sparked intense debate.

The GCM reported that, despite initiating administrative proceedings with the National Copyright Institute (INDAUTOR), the conflict has been resolved through a historic Transition Contract established with Grupo Xcaret. This agreement is based on the principles of autonomy and self-determination for indigenous peoples and aims to create mechanisms for collaboration, respect, and protection of Maya cultural heritage.

In its statement, the Great Maya Council highlighted several key points regarding the agreement:

• Formal Withdrawal: The GCM announced that, after reaching constructive dialogue, it formally withdrew the proceedings against Grupo Xcaret as of August 18, 2023. This decision was recognized and accepted by the relevant administrative authority, marking a significant step forward in the relationship between the Council and the company.
• Recognition of Grupo Xcaret: The Council emphasized that Grupo Xcaret has demonstrated a commitment to promoting the cultural values of Maya communities, showing respect for their traditions and fostering their preservation.
• Legitimacy and Representativeness: The GCM underscored that its representative character is supported by the Law of Rights, Culture, and Indigenous Organization of the State of Quintana Roo. Throughout the process, public calls ensured adequate participation from communities, validating the legitimacy of the Council’s approach.

The GCM stressed the importance of handling the protection of indigenous cultural heritage with responsibility and respect for community organizational forms. It also expressed confidence that the Supreme Court justices will consider these precedents, particularly the withdrawal and collaboration agreement, when issuing their ruling.