In the heart of Guanajuato, within the community of Misión de Chichimecas, lives the úza’ people. Known as éza’r among themselves, they are the last descendants of the Great Chichimeca, a millennia-old culture that continues to resist extinction.
Their history is one of resilience. From the time of the Spanish conquest, the Chichimeca Jonaz were fierce warriors, leading one of the longest battles against colonization. For over 200 years, viceregal authorities attempted to subdue them, and later, post-revolutionary governments stripped them of their ancestral lands, forcing them to adapt to a new reality.
Today, the éza’r preserve their identity through two vital elements: their language and their land. In the valley of Juágé-nánde’, where the semi-desert’s flora and fauna dictate the rhythm of life, the Chichimeca Jonaz have safeguarded their worldview, traditional medicine, and communal organization, while also adapting to changing times.
The úza’ language is critically endangered. With fewer and fewer speakers, the community has launched a revitalization project to encourage its use among younger generations. More than a means of communication, úza’ is a living expression of their worldview, their deep connection to nature, and their unique social structure. Its grammar reflects a distinct understanding of gender, the human body, and the relationship between people and their environment.
Life in Misión de Chichimecas follows an organized social structure, where political participation and communal roles are essential for cultural preservation. Both internal and interethnic relationships play a crucial role in the revaluation of their traditions and the development of productive and service-based initiatives.
The úza’ people are a living testament to endurance and adaptation. With every word spoken in their language, every ritual performed, and every step taken on their ancestral land, the éza’r affirm that they are still here. Their legacy endures, and despite the challenges, they remain unwavering in their determination to survive.
