Historical Act of Dignity and Social Justice Advances Indigenous Land Restitution
La Yesca, Nayarit; 8th May 2025. On Thursday, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo conducted a working visit to Nayarit, accompanied by Governor Miguel Ángel Navarro Quintero. Together, they led the presentation of the Wixárika People’s Justice Plan: Land Restitution to the San Sebastián Teponahuaxtlán Community and its Annex, Tuxpan, in the Mesa de Huanacaxtle community, La Yesca municipality.
Governor Navarro Quintero’s Welcome and Progress Update
In his welcome speech, Governor Navarro Quintero acknowledged President Sheinbaum for her commitment to indigenous communities. He highlighted the restitution of nearly 6,000 hectares to San Sebastián Teponahuaxtlán and its annex, Tuxpan. Over 1547 million pesos have been allocated to address this historical debt by restoring lands, recognizing traditional authorities, providing infrastructure such as roads, water, housing, healthcare, education, and respecting sacred sites. He also mentioned the paving of roads where there were once mere dirt paths, bringing electricity and water to the area, and establishing schools, clinics, cultural centers, and spaces for indigenous women.
President Sheinbaum’s Decree and Commitment
President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo signed the Decree acknowledging and confirming the restitution of 5,956 hectares to the San Sebastián Teponahuaxtlán and Tuxpan communities. She emphasized that this action addresses a historical debt dating back to colonial times, when lands were unjustly taken. She also pledged to recognize all sacred sites and ensure continuity in addressing community requests for education and infrastructure improvements, promising to return for the remaining 10,000 hectares.
The Wixárika People’s Justice Plan
This initiative, led by the Mexican government in collaboration with state governments including Nayarit’s under Governor Navarro Quintero and Wixárika traditional authorities, aims to rectify historical injustices against indigenous communities. The plan recognizes their rights, territory, culture, and autonomy through respectful, intercultural, and participatory dialogue.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of this event? This historical act marks a crucial step towards social justice and dignity for the Wixárika indigenous communities in Nayarit, addressing a long-standing land restitution issue.
- Who are the key figures involved? President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and Nayarit Governor Miguel Ángel Navarro Quintero are central to this initiative, working together with Wixárika traditional authorities.
- What specific actions have been taken? Over 6,000 hectares of land have been restored, and more than 1547 million pesos have been allocated for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and respecting sacred sites.
- What future commitments have been made? President Sheinbaum pledged to establish a Well-being Store in Mesa de Huanacaxtle, address community education requests, and complete pending road projects. She also committed to delivering the remaining 10,000 hectares.
