Live circumstances of indigenous peoples in the urban space – the case of León de los Aldama

Abstract

This work shows the presence of indigenous peoples in the Mexican state Guanajuato, with special focus on the city Leon de los Aldama. It aims at showing the reasons of internal migration as well as the the live circumstances of autochthonous people living in Leon. After a description of vernacular languages spoken in Mexico, the topic of the indigenous population in Leon will be presented. First of all, an overview documents the external history of Indomexican peoples in the area. Secondly, internal migration in Mexico, which brings autochthonous groups to Leon, will be outlined. Thirdly, the new presence of indigenous people in Leon, which began 25 years ago and increases steadily, shall be outlined. Finally, three localities in Leon, where indigenous groups live, attend school and work, will be introduced, namely the 1) Centro de Desarrollo Indígena Loyola, 2) the intercultural school Nenemi and 3) the Mixtec Community.