The indigenous Tarahumara people of the Copper Canyon region of Chihuahua have long been nearly ignored by the Mexican government and all but a few agencies fighting what, at times, has been a losing battle trying to save them from starvation, tuberculosis and abject poverty.
Ironically, a lie perpetuated by scam artists has drawn national attention to the Tarahumaras’ plight. Utilizing the brink of starvation of these proud people due to recent profound drought and total crop failures, those who would profit from this destitute situation have sent out emails with links to websites proclaiming mass suicides of the Tarahumara people — seeking to escape the misery of certain starvation — and asking for funds.
According to governmental officials and others who work daily in the region, there have been absolutely no suicides linked to the lack of food. However, that doesn’t make the plight of the Raramiri (the Tarahumara’s name for themselves) any less serious.
According to the Director of the Commission of Solidarity and Defense of Human Rights, Javier Avila Aguirre, who has worked in the region for decades, “There have not been any suicides because of famine; however, the situation is grave.”
Chihuahua Governor Cesar Duarte Jaquez said recently that there is no evidence of a mass suicide, but the drought is horrible and food supplies are diminishing.
“I profoundly deny any such suicides,” says State Coordinator of the Tarahumara, Jesus Velazquez, “and I work every day in the 24 municipalities that make up the Sierra Tarahumara.”
Father Jose Guadalupe Gasca Aguirre, leader of the Santa Teresita Health Care Clinic (CACSTAC), A.C., says “The information about the suicides is a lie; but maybe the good part is that it has brought attention to the famine. It’s wonderful that so many wish to help; but they must be careful not to donate to any person or groups who are just asking for money—that’s a sign that they might not be legitimate. One thing is true—the clinic has been taking care of people with malnutrition for a long time; but recently, some of those making it to the hospital have so little left that there’s no place to attach an intravenous needle. That’s why we lost little three-year-old Margarita.”
One way those who wish to help the situation is to donate directly to the CACSTAC bank account at Banamex. The account number is 70619, sucursal (branch) 838.
Libby Townsend, longtime advocate for the Tarahumara, is holding an event to collect sweaters, blankets, sweatshirts, winter coats, beans, rice and cash to buy food in Chihuahua on Sunday, January 22, noon to 5 p.m. at La Bodega Restaurant, Calle 16 de Septiembre 124 in Ajijic. The event will feature a traditional Chihuahuan meal for 100 pesos, Mexican music by harpist Javier Raygoza and friends, free raffles for those eating the special meals and/or those who bring donations. Beautiful handmade crafts by the Tarahumara will be on sale and Jose Melendrez will be on hand with his jewelry, soaps and pottery. Townsend will carry everything collected to Creel, Chihuahua, by truck, leaving Ajijic January 25.
Those who can’t make it to Townsend’s event are welcome to drop donations off at the Guadalajara Reporter office in Plaza Bugambilias. Reach Townsend at 766-3338 or 766-1167.