Resistencias, Reivindicaciones y Reorganización: El Rol de las Comunidades Indígenas en los Casos de Colombia y México

Abstract

The end of the 20th cent., in Latin America, was the beginning of important changes for the development of democracy. Among them are: citizen participation socio-political events; achievements in the effort to respect human rights; and, the use of public spaces for public debate. The same happens with a redefinition of the concept of citizenship and a notable increase of social movements, which were creating a collective desire placing the perspective of democracy beyond free and legal elections.

A clear example of this is the collective action of regional indigenous groups. Due to their large protests and acts of civil disobedience, they have achieved important changes for the wellbeing of their communities. Their success clearly shows the tight social cohesiveness when a group unites, organizes, works with courage, creativity and consistency against limitations imposed by modern States. This paper will show and analyze, in a succinct manner, such actions and results through the experiences of Colombian and Mexican indigenous communities, two countries which have experienced considerable increases in citizen participation during the end of the 20th century.