A Childhood in Nature
I come from the Iximulew territory (Guatemala) of the Maya Kaqchikel Peoples. I grew up in the high mountains of this territory, surrounded by forests and rivers. My first words were in Kaqchikel, which I learned primarily from my mother. It is the language my ancestors spoke, and we still speak it today. I helped my parents work in the fields. I remember playing with my brothers and sisters in the forest after our chores were done. When I started school, interacting with non-Indigenous teachers and students for the first time and not knowing Spanish well, it was the first time I experienced racism. It was difficult, but I overcame those challenges over time while maintaining a strong connection with my family, the land, and the forest.
Modernity and Education
When new agricultural techniques were introduced, my father began to experience crop losses from using insecticides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers, and the unpredictable climate started to affect the farming cycle. I needed to pursue higher education because agriculture as a livelihood had become too difficult. Due to a lack of financial resources and guidance, I couldn’t study what I originally wanted to, but I have since specialized in a field that has opened doors to new opportunities and allows me to further specialize in other academic areas of interest. Now I can also better understand the political, economic, and social systems of my country and the world.
Miguel Cuc with his parents.
Joining the Cultural Survival Family
I started as a part-time consultant helping with the implementation of a new accounting system, and I began to learn about and understand the work that Cultural Survival does. After a few months, I was offered a full-time position, and it was so important to me because I knew I could be part of an organization that is faithful to its mission and vision. As I’ve spoken with the staff at CS and gotten to know their skills and personalities more, I’ve come to understand that they are key pillars of the organization; in them, I have found the spirit of struggle and
honesty in the organization’s activities.
Supporting Indigenous Peoples' Struggles
I am interested in the rights and livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples. I have witnessed how various institutions act without considering Indigenous rights, taking advantage of them. They use false narratives, promising development in the modern world and a better quality of life. In reality, it’s unequal development, and, most regrettably, development that involves destroying many of the traditional ways of life that our Peoples maintain. I am eager to learn how to defend our rights and livelihoods and to support solutions to the struggles Indigenous
Peoples face.
Inspiration and Interests
I admire the struggles of leaders from my community and country, and my father, who has been a courageous person and has contributed to efforts seeking social justice, especially for our Peoples. I enjoy walking in the forest alone or with my family, crossing rivers, and climbing mountains. I like taking care of a small garden I have at home. I love having time to watch the sunset anywhere and to go hiking. I enjoy traveling and getting to know Indigenous Peoples in Iximulew, observing their clothing, customs, ways of seeing and living life, and, if given the opportunity, learning about Indigenous Peoples globally. Personal and Professional Dreams I want to gain more experience and knowledge in my field and in other areas I would like to specialize in—to contribute to and help create a world where equality and equity exist, as all Peoples deserve, especially those whose rights have been violated, like Indigenous Peoples. I envision my path filled with happiness, well being, and harmony, but also with obstacles and injustices, so I must be brave and fight for a better world as my grandparents did. To keep their memory alive, I will walk with great courage, love, and hope throughout my life.
All photos courtesy of Miguel Cuc.
