There has been a movement across North America toward a “way of life” rooted in indigeneity called Mexicayo. Mexicayo encompasses participation and belief in a contemporary Indigenous spiritual practice that embeds the individual in a community. It entrenches the individual in forms that express a return to indigeneity. Mexicayo is a dynamic expression of beliefs, spirituality, rituals, rites, teachings, songs, and dances culled from five-hundred-plus-year-old codices, the conchero tradition, music, song, poetry, healing practices, and old religious beliefs. Atekpatzin’s book by the same name gives credence to contemporary oral teachings that validate Mexicayo as a viable response to five hundred years of colonization by the largest Indigenous community spanning the United States and Mexico; the Mexica.
Atekpatzin (Genízaro Apache) is a consultant, scholar, writer, artist, and musician. He has worked in radio, television, and theater. He has worked as an educator, prevention specialist, psychotherapist, mediator, and traditional healer serving diverse populations. Atekpatzin has had the distinguished honor of presenting workshops and trainings at local, national, and international conferences. He has worked as a consultant to the Office of Minority Health, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Center for Disease Control, National American Red Cross, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and Denver Public Health. In addition, Atekpatzin has consulted with several museums and libraries to improve their representation of Indigenous communities. He is the founder of Calmecaztlan, a school specializing in Indigenous traditional medicine.
Atekpatzin has an album of Native American flute music. Look for it on your favorite music source by searching by his name: Atekpatzin. He also has a couple of good books available on his website at amagicfeather.com.
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16 ноя 2023
