In the heart of the northeastern highlands of Puebla, Mexico, lies a beacon of hope and resilience: the indigenous cooperative Tosepan Tetataniske (which in Náhuatl translates to “United We Will Overcome”). Amid the rugged terrain and the challenges of poverty that plague many indigenous communities in Mexico, Tosepan Tetataniske stands as a testament to the power of an indigenous solidarity economy and collective action. Poverty among indigenous communities in Mexico has been a longstanding issue, characterized by limited access to necessities such as food, housing, health care and education. For the Nahua and Tutunaku groups who form the backbone of Tosepan Tetataniske, the struggle against poverty has been an enduring one, marked by resilience and a deep-rooted desire for change.

Rooted in the vision of its founders, Tosepan Tetataniske emerged as a response to the pressing need for basic provisions among the indigenous population. Comprised of eight regional cooperatives, Tosepan Tetataniske has become a lifeline for 34,000 families across 29 municipalities. At its core, the organization embodies the principles of an indigenous solidarity economy, where community resistance is not merely opposition but is accompanied by practical proposals for alternative economic practices. The cooperative movement has improved the quality of life for families and fostered sustainable development within the region.

Award-Winning Cooperatives

One of Tosepan Tetataniske’s flagship projects, the Tosepantomin (Everyone’s Money), was awarded the prestigious European Microfinance Award in 2017 for its innovative approach to “Microfinance for Housing.” This initiative targets rural communities in marginalized areas, offering savings and loans for housing improvements and construction. With a focus on ecological sustainability, the cooperative promotes eco-friendly building techniques and renewable energy solutions, ensuring long-term resilience for its members.

In tandem with its housing program, Tosepantomin has expanded its reach to provide financial services to its cooperative members through initiatives like the “Yolchicaualis” (strength energy) credit product. Additionally, the cooperative has embraced the Year of Youth and Recovery of Values, launching programs to empower young people through job training, life plan development and social ventures. Tosepantomin is transforming individual lives and revitalizing entire communities by investing in its youth’s future.

Mitigating Risks

One of the Tosepan cooperatives, the Maseual Xicaualis (Indigenous Force), has revolutionized the local coffee industry while navigating complex financial markets with finesse. By pooling resources and expertise, the cooperative shields itself from market fluctuations by estimating crop sizes and locking favorable prices on New York’s ICE Futures exchange. However, this journey to financial resilience was challenging, requiring more than a year of intensive training with Mexican firm GAMAA Derivatives to navigate the intricate world of derivatives markets dominated by significant hedge funds and multinational importers.

Despite the challenges, Maseual Xicaualis’s partnership with GAMAA proved invaluable, enabling the cooperative to avert potential disasters such as the price slump experienced in 2009. Through strategic hedging, the cooperative ensures stability and prosperity for its members, underscoring its unwavering commitment to the well-being of indigenous coffee growers and the sustainability of their livelihoods. Maseual Xicaualis exemplifies the transformative potential of collective action and financial acumen within marginalized communities, setting a precedent for resilience and empowerment in the face of systemic challenges.

Indigenous Alternatives

In conclusion, cooperatives that comprise Tosepen Tetataniske, like Tosepantomin and Maseual Xicaualis, exemplify the transformative power of an indigenous solidarity economy within marginalized indigenous communities. By fostering collective ownership, mutual support and sustainable practices, these cooperatives offer improved quality of life and increased economic opportunities for their members. As beacons of hope amid adversity, they demonstrate the potential for grassroots initiatives to effect positive change and build brighter futures for future generations.

– Spencer Springob
Photo: Flickr