The Chicana/o Studies and Media Arts department hosted their Second Annual Indigenous Mexico Conference to learn about Indigenous Mexico on Film on Friday, May 2.
The conference consisted of performances from Danza Azteca Xochipilli, an Aztec dance group from East Los Angeles, and Sisters of The One Drum, inter-tribal women who share empowerment through the art of drums.
Danza Azteca Xochipilli was the first performance of the event. They wore bright and colorful indigenous costumes and used Aztec instruments such as a conch shell trumpet and ankle rattles.
They invited students and attendees to join them in a prayer as a way to start the event and show gratitude for the day.
Business Administration major Eric Sandoval shared what the Danza Azteca Xochipilli performance taught him about tradition.
“It just reminded me of the culture that has been and that has an origin from Los Angeles, especially East Los Angeles, which represents so much culture,” Sandoval said. “It’s important because it shows us as well that these practices have been here for a long time before us, and they’re going to be here long after.”
The conference also had presenters such as Ana Gabriela Badillo Sánchez, a graphic designer from Mexico City, to share her series of animated short films “68 Voices 68 Hearts.” There was a Q&A session at the end of the short films, where students were able to ask any questions they had for the presenters and their journey of sharing Indigenous Mexico on Film.
Nursing major Chrystopher Franco who attended the presentation of “68 Voices 68 Hearts,” shared what he learned.
“I learned a lot about cultural perseverance or to preserve cultures, because many of these cultures are getting lost,” Franco said. “Events like these make me look forward to coming to school. I feel like there’s a lot of inclusivity and it makes me feel more connected to the school with events like this.”
The conference had many opportunities for students to learn about the Indigenous Mexican culture, specifically to explore the work of those who share Indigenous stories through the art of creating films.
Psychology major Eros Rangel shared that it is cool to learn about other cultures and showcase them at school.
“I have a culture. She has a culture,” Rangel said. “It shows how perseverant we are and how diverse we are, especially when here in the community college, is that, no matter who you are, you have a chance to show where you come from.”
