The Sad State of Chiapas

Mexico calls itself Los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, the United States of Mexico. Chiapas is the southernmost and poorest state. It borders Guatemala and at one time was part of Guatemala. Chiapas has a higher percentage of indigenous people than any other state in the country. The Mexican government, in conjunction with paramilitary groups, has been waging war on the indigeneous population. These people have a long history of resistance to the Mexican government and outsiders in general.

They are now fighting for not only their way of life, but their lives themselves.

There are fewer than 500 of them left. They have been pushed into the most remote areas of the country. But the Lacandones have a website. This site has annoying geocities advertisments, but offers a rare look into a culture and a way of life that is disappearing.

Original art courtesy of Lester Doré

Mainstream Chiapas news.
News from the region. Mostly in Spanish, but some in English.
More accounts from San Cristobal
Pictures from San Cristobal
Understanding Chiapas
Chiapas, the Land, the People, the Struggle
The indigenous people of Mexico have traditionally been low tech. They won't get favorable coverage from government controlled Televisa so they have developed remarkable sophistication in modern communications. The Zapatistas and the Electronic Fabric of Struggle
North East Zapatista Solidarity Network

Animated gif courtesy of
Glenn Welker
Indigenous Peoples' Literature

A Mayan Life chapter 1 of the first novel written by a Mayan writer
Online Mexican Newspapers from University of Texas, San Antonio
What the Mexica have to say
Juan Valdez is a myth created by an advertising exec, try Majomut instead.
Mexican Solidarity Network
CALA Community Action on Latin America



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Updated 5/07/2001