In our search for the government’s position with regard to the indigenous people’s demands we came upon a government agency created to aid the needs of the indigenous.

The following is an interview with Juana Lopez Gonzalez, who occupies the post of technical secretary at the Government Agency of Indian Townships.

Could you explain what the purpose of the Department of Indian Townships is?

To give attention to the indigenous settlements. The department was created in 1997, but it was not until 2000 that it was raised to department status. This means the person in charge deals directly with the governor. Presently, there is a greater interest in attending the needs of the indigenous people.

Actually the department head, Porfirio Encino, is an indigenous Tzetzal, and he is very interested in raising the quality of life of the indigenous.

We could say that this department is a front-runner on the work being done with the indigenous communities. This is to say, there is a before and an after the department with regard to the level of attention given to indigenous people. Currently all of the department’s programs are generated through the communities.

What do the programs consist of?

Well, first the needs and demands of the indigenous are analyzed, and projects are designed. Once approved, we take them to the communities. For example, there was a community that was divided along religious lines, there were traditional Catholics and Evangelicals; this generated a great problem that culminated in the displacement (relocation) of many families. The department participated by fostering dialogue within the community in order for the problem to be solved. And if, or when, the families decide to return, the department will help them move back.

How are your relations with the Zapatistas?

They have their independent territory, and it is called Autonomous Municipalities. They have their own municipal authorities, judges of peace, rural agents (who are moral authorities).

This way of doing things makes them closer to their customs and practices which have been done for years.

The State government recognizes the free-determination of the communities. They have their own way of organizing, their way of designating representatives and their way of assembly decision-making and popular referendum.

They have done all of this for years.

Do you believe that Zapatismo contributed to an increase in attention placed on the demands of the indigenous communities?

I believe it did, and proof of it is in the existence of the department. The Governor agrees with the San Andres accords, but unfortunately Congress did not approve them.

We cannot impose our help. If the indigenous communities ask for our help we will give it to them. But in the autonomous municipalities it is different. They work in a very independent way.

Do you not think that the autonomous municipalities are outside the law?

Yes, but we avoid confrontation. If they don’t ask for our help, we won’t give it to them.