Ix Liv

PRIMARY GOALS

• Preservation of ancestral traditions

• Intercultural harmony

• Decolonization

• Buidling Pride in Maya heritage

• Combating violence, bullying, racism

• Female Empowerment

• Connecting to Nature

• Sustainability & Eco-Literacy

• Connecting to Self (Mindfulness)

• Language Strengthening / Exchange

Mission Statement: To empower the children of the Lake Atitlan region of Guatemala to embrace their intuitive, empathetic, and sensitive qualities while honoring their Maya heritage and connection to nature through an Enrichment Program focused on mindfulness, the arts, cultural exchange, and eco-literacy.

Vision Statement: Our vision is to create a sustainable and transformative Enrichment Program that fosters a generation of conscious, culturally proud, and environmentally aware children. By bridging the wisdom of Maya heritage with holistic education and ecological understanding, we seek to build a harmonious and resilient community, offering a model of empowerment for vulnerable populations around the world.

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Hello reader,

It is a profound privilege to live in this stunning region of the world, especially as a foreigner, and it is essential that we integrate deeply with the land and its rich cultural heritage. This means learning the history, language, and customs, and practicing right relations with the local and Mayan communities. Our goal is not to impose foreign ways, but to create a space where diverse cultures coexist in harmony, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and support.

The Earth and Indigenous traditions face immense challenges, primarily from the unconscious and destructive actions of humanity. I believe one of the most powerful ways we can change this narrative is by nurturing a deep connection to Nature within our children, encouraging them to recognize their intrinsic bond to the Earth and to one another. Every individual has a role to play in this global shift of consciousness, and I see one of the most hopeful solutions as uniting future generations to heal from the disruption we have experienced and to grow together in joy and community.

In a world increasingly affected by climate change, the wisdom of Indigenous peoples is a critical key to the survival of both the Earth and humanity. Indigenous communities understand how to live in harmony with the land, sustaining themselves without disturbing the natural balance of ecosystems. Though Indigenous people represent less than 5% of the global population, they protect 80% of the world’s biodiversity.

In Guatemala, the Indigenous population faces particularly difficult challenges due to centuries of colonialism and genocide, which have displaced them from their ancestral lands. Indigenous people, who make up 43.75% of the population, experience staggering levels of poverty, with recent data showing that 79% of Indigenous communities live in poverty. This systemic disenfranchisement has led to profound losses—cultural erosion, psychological trauma, and a lack of adequate mental health support. Having lived here and worked closely with local children, I am deeply committed to building relationships with these communities, ensuring their heritage is preserved, and that their unique sensitivities are honored through enrichment educational opportunities.

Maya culture is rooted in agriculture, connection to the land and ancestors, and the practice of traditional arts like weaving and embroidery. These crafts require a mindful, meditative approach, cultivating patience and a deep appreciation for the process. However, with the rise of technology and the scars of a painful history, this beautiful culture is at risk of fading. Without more programs that nurture and protect these traditions, the flame of Maya life could be extinguished. While international visitors are often touched by the vibrant textiles, charming villages, and lush landscapes, the commitment to long-term support is lacking. There is an urgent opportunity to nourish the children of this community, preserving what could serve as a living example for the rest of the world of how to restore harmony in a community in need.

There is a scarcity of enrichment programs in this region, and those that exist are often either unaffordable or difficult to access due to transportation and safety challenges. The small villages around Lake Atitlan lack opportunities for children to expand their hearts and minds, and to take pride in their heritage. The influence of social media and the idealization of emigrating to wealthier countries perpetuate the idea that leaving one’s culture behind in search of a "better life" is the only path forward. This mentality leads families to abandon their roots, chasing the promise of a brighter future abroad.

Questions, Inquiries, Proposal Document Request

2023 SUPPORT

Thank you for your support in 2023 to the following:

FOUNDING FLOWER

10 in the sacred calendar (Chol Q’ij) represents community and societal laws. Imagine two hands (five and five), coming together in a harmonious agreement for the betterment of the whole that is being considered.

Ten sponsors are being called to action, to be a part of the founding flower of UMA.

The following organizations have committed to a minimum of $30 a month to help support the efforts of UMA…

The following organizations have offered to open their space for sessions to be held…

Thank you to IXTARA for sponsoring UMA through this project:

May 2023 Crowdfunding:

Aya Araki, Grace DeGeorge, Phoebe Priel, Sunny Dayna, Stefan Evans, Tiffany Kelly, Jose Lopez, Noemi Biel, Melissa Hardy-Trevenna, Chloe Ford, Andres Castano, Tom Hardy, Annie Persons, Anonymous, Anna Martinez, Christina Beason, Madeline Wootten, Sarah Smits, Amber Atkey, Lily Dueren, Kyle Kesterson, Sophia Trevenna, Shawna Laychuk.

[1] https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/can-indigenous-land-stewardship-protect-biodiversity-

[2] https://www.iwgia.org/en/guatemala/3622-iw-2020-guatemala.html

[3] https://www.fao.org/3/I8357EN/i8357en.pdf