Poetics and Politics of Indigenous-Language Literature in Mexico and Colombia: Forms of Protest and Resistance

This article explores the connections between the creative work and political action of five Indigenous writers from Mexico and Colombia, studying how they enact resistance in: poetry as rebellion; public scholarship in national newspapers; participation in mass marches; authoring of public letters; and promotion of Indigenous lifeways. The five, Ruperta Bautista (Tzotzil), Fredy Chikangana/Wiñay Mallki (Yanakuna), Hubert Matiúwàa (Mè'phàà), Mikeas Sánchez (Zoque), and Vicenta Siosi (Wayuu), have become important spokespeople and participate in a global social movement led by Indigenous communities in the defense of water and lands, and in opposition to corporate extraction of both natural and human resources.