The Xinka people have been living in what is today southwest Guatemala for ages before the Spanish conquest. Caught up in that conflict, they were labeled as Aztec and treated the same, facing a similar near-extinction as their neighbors to the north. This haunts the community to this day as they struggle to be recognized as an Indigenous group with distinct traditions and culture: none survive who speak their language, and their communities are scattered.
Another threat arose in 2010 when government corruption allowed unregulated mining projects to begin. The Xinka locals noticed quickly when their springs and wells stopped flowing or began spewing sludge fetid with toxic metals. In response, a community most heavily affected by the mines launched a community laboratory project, training youth volunteers to monitor the water and document the environmental impact of the nearby mines. These efforts have evolved over the years, forming a full-fledged resistance against the incursion of mining into the Xinka’s fragile lands.
Tekuanes – Xinka Water Guardians suffers from a dry documentary style, dampening its appeal among general documentary viewers. However, those specifically interested in Xinka culture, water protectors, grassroots activism, and anthropology will be thrilled by the dense mass of firsthand information available in this documentary. At just 63 minutes in runtime, Tekuanes – Xinka Water Guardians will easily fit into a standard class period. Any large enough university will want to have this title in their collection, especially if they have a bustling anthropology department. Public libraries building Spanish-language documentary collections to serve Central American immigrants in the community should consider this title most highly. Anyone studying the Indigenous cultures of South and Central America will want to have this title on hand. While other documentaries may be a better choice for film showings, Tekuanes – Xinka Water Guardians will be a perfect title for those interested in the subjects mentioned above. Recommended.
What academic subjects can use this documentary about the Xinka people?
Tekuanes – Xinka Water Guardians is an ideal fit for courses in environmental anthropology, Latin American studies, Indigenous rights, water justice, and environmental science. It also suits classes exploring grassroots activism, extractivism, and the socio-political legacy of colonialism in Central America.
Why is this a valuable documentary on Indigenous environmental activism?
This film offers a rare and compelling look at the Xinka people’s modern resistance against mining in Guatemala. Through firsthand accounts and on-the-ground footage, Tekuanes – Xinka Water Guardians provides an invaluable educational resource for anyone studying Indigenous environmental activism, community science, and postcolonial identity.