INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY AFFECTED BY EARTHQUAKE IN MEXICALLI

In particular the Cucapa indigenous community of El Mayor which is located 10 miles away from the epicenter of the earthquake have reported that the ground split open in the community and water has been gushing out of the splits since Sunday, to the point where they have had to abandon their homes due to major flooding. They have confirmed that there are no human losses but they are unable to return to their homes and they do not have access to food and water. Their major food and employment source is fishing, but due to the dangerous situation they are unable to fish. They have not received any help from the government, and it is very unlikely that they will receive help from the government.

The Cucapa is one of the remaining native Baja California tribes (They have lived in the region for thousands of years) that continue resisting to preserve who they are as indigenous people including their physical survival (population of approx 304), culture, and traditional way of life (including fishing). The government has attempted to stop their survival many times. In particular they have banned the tribe from fishing which is their ancestral tradition and legal right. They have suffered from harassment, intimidation and physical attacks on behalf of the government because they refuse to see their way of life disappear. Due to this situation, in 2007 the EZLN’s (Ejercito Zapatista de Liberacion Nacional) Other Campaign held a Peace Camp (for convocation to the peace camp by the EZLN see: http://detodos-paratodos.blogspot.com/2008/09/ezln-communique-on-atenco-prisoners.html) in the community where people in solidarity with the Cucapa visited from Mexico, the U.S. and different parts of the world to serve as a human rights observation brigade, accompanying the Cucapa on their fishing trips to document government abuse and let the government know that the Cucapa are not alone.

Today the Cucapa also need our support due to the difficult situation that this earthquake has caused for them. Among the community are many women, children and elders. Some supporters are heading out there this weekend and again in the following weeks. We are asking that you please help with money, food, basic necessities and/or with spreading the word.

Following you will find a list of websites to get some background info on the Cucapa, a list of food and basic necessities and drop off sites, and info. on a bank account and pay pal account where money can be deposited/donated.