Understanding the Rights of and Unique Challenges Faced by Indigenous Migrants

Community Resources
Publication Date

This webinar was recorded on October 22, 2021 and moderated by Carolina Martin Ramos (Mexica/Ani'-Yun'wiya Kin), Esq., Co-Executive Director, Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim (CMPI), and Director of CMPI Maya & Indigenous Human Rights Program and Legal Services.

During the webinar, community leaders shared their experiences and perspectives as Indigenous people on Indigenous rights, sovereignty, migration, and ways to better serve Indigenous migrant clients.

Panelists included:

Luis Marcos (Q’anjob’al Maya), Founder & Co-Executive Director, Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim and Ambassador, Q’anjoba’al, Popti, Chuj, & Akateko Nations

Miguel Villegas Ventura (Ñuu Savi, Mixteco), Program Coordinator, Centro Binacional para el Desarrollo IndÍgena Oaxaqueño

Dr. Jonathan Hook (Cherokee), Former USCIS Immigration Services Officer and Community Relations Officer; Inaugural Director of EPA's Environmental Justice and Tribal Affairs Office in Dallas; former research professor of international Indigenous issues; Indigenous rights advocate and educator

Cindy Toledo (Maya Q'anjob'al), Legal Assistant at Law Offices of Randy Alexander and Associates; Board Member of Centro Cultural Techantit; Volunteer Legal Advocate, Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim; and Coordinator of Social Support Commission, National Council of Indigenous Peoples/CONPID

Domingo Alvaro (Q'anjob'al Maya), Paralegal, Legal Orientation Program (LOP - Otay Mesa), American Bar Association (ABA), Immigration Justice Project and Previous Migrant Shelter Case Manager, Jewish Family Services (JFS), San Diego