California residents respond to crisis of drought and famine in Northern Mexico, home to the Tarahumara Indians
OXNARD— The LUCHA-Tarahumara Relief Fund is still accepting donations to benefit the Tarahumara Indians, the organization reported recently.
Tax-deductible donations can also be sent to 716 N. Ventura Road, Suite 214, Oxnard, CA 93030.
Daniela Ramirez
Daniela Ramirez, who appeared on Friday, Jan. 27 on the David Cruz bilingual radio program “La Voz” on KOXR AM-910, said after unfounded news reports of multiple suicides of Tarahumara Indians were released last week, citizens nationally and internationally immediately began to organize food banks in an unprecedented response of individuals coming to this indigenous groups aid whom are most well know for their resistance running.
As the undeniable dire conditions of extreme cold and hunger caused by the worst drought in 70 years have been confirmed, the citizen mobilization has continued. California residents join this effort.
A group of concerned citizens are asking the public to make monetary donations that will be sent to Chihuahua, Mexico where the relief aid is being sent. A non-profit group LUCHA of Ventura County fiscally sponsors the Tarahumara Relief Fund. The Tarahumara, although well known for their foot races and endurance running few are aware that they consider themselves “guardians of the world” as our annual rituals help to bring rain not only for our crops but for everyone, said Chunel Palma, Tarahumara Indian, current resident of California.
The Tarahumara estimated about 80,000 live in the forested mountain areas and canyons of Chihuahua, Mexico where they have always struggled to produce corn and beans on small plots of land. That area has historically struggled with drought conditions, “this year is harder” explains Chunel Palma “ because normally there is production in some communities and they can share or trade with those who didn’t produce”.
Global warming and deforestation of the region have provoked this food shortage. This group acknowledges that long-term solutions need to be applied, although in the short term it is important to assist in the immediate crisis.
Call Ramirez at 805.824.4413 for more information.
Los Angeles Times: In Mexico, false suicide reports shine light on Tarahumara plight