The Phoenix

The Phoenix

" In Nochantzin, In Mochantzin "


 

There is a fire that burns eternally within the being of humanity at the global level, the light of which does not cast shadow but reveals the integrity of all.  We, the Indigenous Peoples who are the caretakers of this hearth of community, hold the fireplace of this world of mysterious beauty and power to be our home planet, our mother, the Earth.  In this sense, from this perspective we are all originally and eventually, Indigenous Peoples.  The question is, what value do we assign to this ecological principle of human and cultural identity, the origination of all our societies without exception, and why is this even important.

As community members of the Valley of the Sun, we have a unique opportunity to dialogue regarding this question.  Our presence and participation in the demographic and ecological transformation which is evident across the territory bestows a responsibility to act strategically in furtherance of the community development goals which unite us here today.

What are the elements of our community development initiatives? What is the historical and geographic context?  What are the ecological and territorial imperatives if we are to view community urban development as integral to community sustainability over generations?

There is a meter in the community development process that is paced and best served when the body of the organization has achieved the internal maturity necessary to grow and sustain the next phase. This strength is only captured as an asset when challenges are honestly met and effectively addressed.  An issue of relevance usually ignored is that the nonprofit model of community development corporation depends on the for-profit corporate model for its point of reference in terms of identity.

With the form comes a process that must be dealt with, but where is the allegiance?  This is a broad question, and it is meant to be so.  Today we speak of the global economy at the drop of a dollar without ever considering or mentioning the psychology of globalizing communities. And not just as jornaleros (day laborers), migrant workers, economic refugees or transnational corporates and government politicos.

Somewhere there is a myth or a fairy tale or a horror story (take your pick) told about the NEW WORLD, and what happened to people when they crossed over into the territory. 
Of course, it always was a global economy.  It has always been one land, one water, one air, and all of the fullness and richness of life are integral to the reciprocal processes which include ourselves - the human beings - as part of the family of the web of life.

And to BE HUMAN? Do we have the courage to enter the fire of the hearth of humanity, to reemerge with the social skills and necessary organizational strategy to renew societies of sustainability and mutual respect?

The bottom line exists, but it is not a line. It is a discovery of reality, a recognition of the economic principles which are sustained by the currency of caring. It is the foundation of individual understanding and cultural infrastructure that reminds us where it all began, so that we may be guided in our pursuit of true community wealth and prosperity, and not remain lost and wandering for another five hundred years.

TONATIERRA

www.tonatierra.org

tonal@tonatierra.org