Indigenous Rights and Conservation Program

All indigenous people have the rights to their traditional territory, natural resource base, traditional culture and knowledge.    They also have the right to self-determination.  The Mexican government by law and international treaties, is obligated to respect their right to free, prior and informed consent.

Tierra Nativa programs are designed by indigenous people to meet their needs and advance towards their collective cultural vision.    Ralámuli communities make decisions and plans by consensus in their traditional assemblies.   The needs, urgencies, strategies and vision vary in different communities and regions of the Sierra Tarahumara, but respect for their fundamental rights is a universal value.

Tierra Nativa associates offer decades of experience in providing technical and legal services and facilitating and strengthening community self-diagnosis, planning, organizing and action in defense of Tarahumara lands, forests, and the right to free, prior and informed consent.