Indigenismo facts for kids

Indigenismo is a political idea found in many Latin American countries. It focuses on the connection between a country's government and its native groups.

Today, Indigenismo often means working for more social and political fairness for indigenous people in Latin America. This can happen through changes across a whole country or through groups working together in different regions. The main goals are to celebrate indigenous cultures and languages, protect their rights, and get recognition or help for past wrongs done by colonial governments.

Indigenismo in Mexico: A Look Back

In Mexico, Indigenismo became an important part of Mexican nationalism after the Mexican Revolution. This idea praised some parts of indigenous culture, but often saw them as something from the past.

The Mexican nation was seen as a mix of European and native cultures (called mestizaje). Indigenismo helped build this national identity. It was a way to reclaim a sense of freedom after Spanish rule.

Leaders and Changes in Mexico

During the time of President Plutarco Elías Calles (1924–1928), a man named Moisés Sáenz helped put Indigenismo ideas into public education. Sáenz first thought that indigenous people should simply fit into modern society. But after living with the Purépecha people in Carapan, he changed his mind. He started focusing on the daily lives and needs of indigenous communities.

Sáenz influenced President Lázaro Cárdenas (1934–1940). Cárdenas created a special government department in 1936 called the Department of Indigenous Affairs. This department worked on improving the economy and education in indigenous areas. Cárdenas truly valued indigenous cultures. In 1940, Mexico hosted a big meeting in Pátzcuaro about Indigenismo, where Cárdenas spoke.

Later, President Miguel Alemán created the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples (INI). This institute continued to work on government policies for indigenous people. While these policies aimed to help and protect indigenous people, they sometimes still tried to make them fit into modern Mexican society.

Indigenismo in Peru: Political Movements

In Peru, Indigenismo was first linked to the APRA movement, started by Víctor Raúl Haya de la Torre in 1924. This left-wing APRA party was very strong in Peruvian politics for many years.

Some people believed APRA wanted to take control of foreign-owned businesses and stop the unfair treatment of indigenous people. Others thought it was about mixing modern economics and technology with the old traditions of the countryside and native groups. The goal was to create a new way for society and the economy to grow.

Ethnocacerism: A Unique Movement

Ethnocacerism is a political movement in Peru that focuses on ethnic nationalism among indigenous people. It is connected to Antauro Humala, whose brother Ollanta Humala was a former president. Antauro Humala was involved in a failed attempt to take over the government called the Andahuaylazo.

See also

In Spanish: Indigenismo para niños