Macehualli Project
The Macehualli Project represents the continuity of the struggle for social justice that gave birth to TONATIERRA a generation ago in the farmworker struggle for human dignity in Arizona. Now organized under the formation of Los Comités de Defensa del Barrio, families from the four directions of the greater surrounding community gather in weekly Community Assembly at the Nahuacalli. Here the ongoing issues of systemic persecution and discrimination are addressed, and priorities established to move forward effectively and proactively towards solutions. The families of the Comités de Defensa del Barrio approach the struggle for human dignity as an intergenerational battle in defense of Civil Rights – Human Rights – Indigenous Rights and in defense of the Territorial Integrity of Mother Earth. Once a week, a Spanish language radio program is produced and broadcast on a local AM station which reaches some 30,000 listeners. Exchanges on this program include live call in dialogue from the local community and reporting from other struggles of Indigenous Peoples from throughout the continent. The families of the Comités de Defensa del Barrio support the radio program with food sales and fundraising by organizing ongoing community cultural events.
Navagating through the pandemic has been especially hard for our Macehualli/Day Laborer Families. These are families who were not afforded the same types of relief/assistance that many others were given through governmental entities. With the support of our partners, Tonatierra was able to provide over 250 families with both food and financial assistance to help them navigate their families need through this tough time.
