Mayatek Brings Technology and AI Talks to Mérida, Entirely in Maya

Mérida, Yucatán — The first Mayatek conference, an event conducted entirely in the Maya language, will be held Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya in Mérida, bringing discussions of technology, innovation and artificial intelligence into a language spoken by hundreds of thousands of people across the Yucatán Peninsula.

Organizers Yúuyum A.C. and the Peninsular Movement for the Revitalization of the Maya Language, known as U Péekbal Waye’, say the gathering is meant to show that Maya is not confined to the past.

“The Maya language is a complete language — you can think about the future in it, you can program in Maya, you can have endless output in Maya in the technological field. All that is needed is that we give it space, that we give it an opportunity, and that is what Mayatek is looking for: to find a space for dialogue and conversation among Maya speakers who are already working in these areas,” said Yazmín Novelo, a member of U Péekbal Waye’.

Keynote on AI and Language Revival

Michael Running Wolf will deliver the keynote address. He leads artificial intelligence initiatives aimed at reviving lost languages and empowering indigenous peoples.

“We too can be part of the future, and that is a bit of what Mayatek is after — making visible the importance of using the language in these technological spaces,” Socorro Cauich said during the presentation of the event.

The program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and includes dialogues, panel discussions, talks and a hackathon conducted in Maya.

Among the highlights is a panel titled “Dialogue on Technology and Linguistic Revitalization in the Digital Age,” featuring Sásil Sanchez, editor of the K’iintsil section of La Jornada Maya, alongside Vicente Canché and Gener Llanes.

Those interested in taking part can call 999 504 2515.

The meeting will be held at the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya in Mérida, a venue that has sought to create more room for the Maya language, said Fidencio Briceño, director general of Museums and Heritage at Sedeculta, the state Culture and Arts Department.

“If we dream of the Maya language staying alive, it is not the Maya of the past — we are the Maya of now and the Maya of the future. That is why this museum has to live, has to show that the language and the culture are lived every day,” he said.