The Government of Mexico has sentenced the Indiginous Cucapá to extinction by refusing to recognise their traditional and cultural right to fish in the Gulf of Mexico, while at the same time granting permits only to multi-national corporations and tourists for sports fishing.
www.stopthegenocidecampaign.blogspot.com
INTRODUCTION:
On January 1st 1994, before the champagne could be uncorked and the neo-liberal feast begin, the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) fired the first post cold war shots of rebellion. Since then, the EZLN has mobilized millions in many non-violent demonstrations for the rights of Indigenous people in México. The most recent expression of this non-violent movement has been The Other Campaign (La Otra Campaña).
Since its inception, La Otra Campaña has shown itself to be an alternative movement for Mexican people; indeed, a new way to do politics that is based on non-violence and respect for differing lifestyles and points of view; including differing philosophies and political persuasions.
THE GENOCIDE CONTINUES:
As part of The Other Campaign, Sub-Comandante Marcos, or Delegado Zero, visited all 32 states of México and listened to the many marginalized communities detail their problems. The Sub also visited Baja California from the 16th to the 20th of October 2006, and saw first hand the mistreatment and discrimination that Indigenous people face in Baja California.
One such community is the Cucapá, who have lived in the Mexicali Valley for about 9,000 years. Their subsistence comes from fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, however, the government of Baja California refuses to recognize their traditional and cultural right to fish in these waters, and has refused to grant them the permits needed by using the excuse that this is a protected biosphere. The reality though, is that the government issues licenses only to multi-national corporations and tourists for sports fishing, while at the same time, sentencing the Cucapá to extinction.
CAMPAMENTO DE RESISTENCIA:
In response to this egregious injustice, Sub-Comandante Marcos and The Other Campaign, have pledged to set-up a Resistance Camp during the months of February thru May 2007, and accompany the Cucapá during the fishing season and stand with them against this injustice.
The idea is to go out with the Cucapá fishermen to show the government that they are not alone and that we will stand in solidarity with our Indigenous Sisters and Brothers to defend their right to exist. As the Sub stated during the meeting with the Cucapá, "We might not have been able to do anything about the original genocide of 1492, but there is no excuse for us not to mobilize today."
WHAT WE WANT WHAT WE NEED
We are calling on all freedom loving people to join this very important campaign for the dignity and survival of our Indigenous Sisters and Brothers and to stand against the planned genocide of the Cucapá.
You can participate in this historic effort by visiting the camp personally during the months of February-March 2007, and, or by joining the Campamento de Resistencia Support Commission of La Otra en el Otro Lado and donating any of the following items:
Preferred List of Items:
Tax deductible contribution ( or more)
Canned Foods
Soups: Broth, Chicken, beef etc.
Tuna, sardines
Crackers, tortilla chips
Uncooked Foods
Rice, Beans, Nopales, dried jerky
Dried Fruits, trail mix, granola bars,
Potato's, onions, garlic, spices etc.
Amenities
Pots, Pans, forks, spoons, knives, napkins, zip-lock bags, Aluminum foil etc.
Toilet Paper
Soap, shampoo
Drinks
Water
Juice
Powder drinks: iced-tea, coffee, tea etc.
Camping Equipment
Tables, chairs
Ice Chests
Tents
Sleeping Bags, blankets
Lamps, Flashlights & Batteries, Walkie Talkies, Radios
Firewood
Stoves
Duct tape, trash bags
Rope, string
Clothing
Jackets, clothes, shoes, gloves
First Aide Kit
Slings, Bandages etc
Medications
Aspirin, ointments, cold & flu
Other camping related materials
*We will be distributing a list of Drop-off Sites with Addresses shortly. If you are interested in establishing a collection site contact (951)288-8319 or write to hector@mudp.org
Original: SUPPORT THE CUCAPÁ IN MEXICALI