Xinca people facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 264,167 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Guatemala |
264,167 |
| Languages | |
| Spanish, formerly Xincan languages | |
The Xinka, also called Xinca, are an indigenous people from Mesoamerica. They live in southern Guatemala, near the border with El Salvador. You can also find Xinka communities in the mountainous areas to the north.
Their languages, known as the Xincan languages, are special. They are not known to be related to any other language family. However, they have borrowed many words from Mayan languages. The Xinka might have been some of the first people to live in southeastern Guatemala. They were likely there before the Maya and the Pipil arrived.
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How Many Xinka People Live Today?
In the 2018 National Census, 264,167 people identified themselves as Xinka. This means they make up about 1.8% of Guatemala's total population. A movement led by two main Xinka groups helped more people identify as Xinka. Because of this, the number of Xinka people grew a lot. It went from 16,214 in 2002 to 264,167 in 2018.
Xinka History: From Ancient Times to Now
Before the Spanish arrived in the early 1500s, the eastern part of Guatemala's Pacific plain was home to the Pipil and Xinka people. The main Xinka lands were east of the Pipil, in what is now Santa Rosa department. There were also Xinka people in Jutiapa.
The Spanish Arrival and Early Conflicts
In 1524, a Spanish leader named Pedro de Alvarado met people in Guazacapán who were not Maya or Pipil. They spoke a different language. These people were likely the Xinka. Alvarado's army had 250 Spanish soldiers and 6,000 local allies. Most of these allies were Kaqchikel and Cholutec.
Alvarado and his army fought and took over the most important Xinka city, Atiquipaque. This city is thought to be in the Taxisco area. Xinka warriors fought bravely using spears, stakes, and poisoned arrows. This battle happened on May 26, 1524. It caused a big decrease in the Xinka population.
After the Spanish took control of the Pacific plain, the people had to pay them. They paid with valuable goods like cacao, cotton, salt, and vanilla. Cacao was especially important.
Many Xinka people were forced into slavery. They were made to help in the conquest of modern-day El Salvador. This is why a town, river, and bridge in the Cuilapa area of Santa Rosa are named "Los Esclavos" (The Slaves).
After 1575, the Xinka culture began to disappear faster. Many Xinka were sent to other regions. This also led to fewer people speaking the Xinka language. One of the oldest mentions of the Xinka language was by Archbishop Pedro Cortés y Larraz. He wrote about it during a visit to Taxisco in 1769.
Modern Xinka Recognition and Challenges
In 1995, an agreement called the "Accord on Identity and Rights of Indigenous Peoples" was signed in Guatemala. This agreement recognized that Guatemala has many different ethnic groups. It specifically named the Xinka as one of these important groups.
Once officially recognized, the Xinka started to get involved in politics. They joined groups like the Permanent National Land Commission. This commission is part of the Coordination of Organizations of the Maya People of Guatemala.
The first Xinka political group was formed in Chiquimulilla, Santa Rosa, in 1994. It was called the Consejo del Pueblo Xinka de Guatemala (COPXIG). This group was very important during the talks for the Guatemalan Peace Accords. They helped negotiate the Accord on Indigenous Rights and Identities, signed in 1995.
In 2002, a new political group was created. It was named Consenso por la Unidad del Pueblo Xinka de Guatemala (CONXIG). The CONXIG was started by nine Xinka communities and the COPXIG. With help from Norway and the United Nations, CONXIG became the first indigenous parliament in Guatemala. It was named Parlamento del Pueblo Xinka de Guatemala (PAPXIGUA).
In 2010, a Canadian company opened the Escobal mine on Xinka land. This mine is in San Rafael Las Flores. In March 2013, Xinka leaders protested against the mine. Four Xinka community leaders were kidnapped, and one was killed. Since then, the Xinka have blocked roads in Casillas. This stops supplies from reaching the mine.
Some local businesses were helped by the mine. A restaurant owner, Yanet Pozuelos, said her business dropped 60% after mining stopped. She said the mine created many jobs and helped young people stay instead of leaving for other cities or countries. However, many local communities have shown they do not want the mine. At least five local mayors have refused payments from the company.
Guatemala's highest court has stopped the mine's operations. In April 2018, about 2,000 Xinka people protested in Guatemala City. They demanded the mine be closed permanently. These events have led the Canadian government to consider watching how Canadian companies operate overseas. The mining company has lost a lot of money and had to lay off many workers.
See also
In Spanish: Pueblo xinca para niños
