Promoting economically prosperous Indigenous communities in Guatemala

María Tuyuc, Global Network of Indigenous Entrepreneurs / La Red Global de Empresarios Indígenas

Plenitud de Vida, loosely translated to Fullness of Life, has guided Mayans for hundreds of years to “live in peace, live happily, live well and have a useful existence”. It is one of 6 ancient Mayan Guiding Principles preserved in a sacred narrative - the Book of the Community (Popul Vuh).

Guided by these principles, María Tuyuc is on a mission to support Indigenous communities in Guatemala by developing entrepreneurship abilities. She is leading the cause to protect and embrace Indigenous culture, beliefs and perspectives; to restore their well-being, protect their distinctive character and elevate their level of economic participation and success – not just for today, but for future generations.

María leads the Guatemala Chapter of the Global Network of Indigenous Entrepreneurs, known locally as REI (La Red Global de Empresarios Indígenas) - a grassroots business movement of Indigenous identity that generates alliances and works to create opportunities to develop Indigenous communities. The focus is on what unites rather than divides us – the notion that diversity is our biggest strength. The goal is for cultures to thrive together in a multiethnic society.

Women and rural populations face the biggest gaps in education and economic prospects.

“The education system needs to adapt to people’s needs, and not the other way around. Education should never be limited to those with access to a specific methodology; it is key to transform and adapt methodologies to the segments you want to reach.”

REI’s Maya Business School programme is filling these gaps with three training levels offering support through the business cycle – from ideation to implementation. Methodology is based on Indigenous experience and worldview, with business training interlaced with self-development (self-esteem, agency) and role modelling to strengthen the notion of entrepreneurial Indigenous identity. Workshops are accessible for people with no or low literacy and are provided in different Mayan languages.

“Women in rural areas across Guatemala are immersed in an informal entrepreneurial ecosystem. They have skills, yet they are not recognised. They are expert weavers, they tend animals, provide care, but what they are missing is the ability to put value on their skills – to monetise them. We are teaching them how to place a value on their skills and products.”

Thriving societies need supportive systems

Guatemala is home to 24 principal ethnic groups. Although its government has adopted the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, communities continue to face disproportionate challenges in employment, income and education (among many others). 79% of Indigenous peoples live in poverty. Only 1 in 10 Indigenous women is paid to work (many are unpaid carers or domestic workers). And when they are paid, it’s 19% less than non-Indigenous women.

This is why María’s ambition, through REI, its programmes and extensive network of partners (including Argidius), is to create a commercially viable Indigenous business sector that enables full economic participation for communities. Theirs is a long-term view - the “13 Generations” principle recognises that impact may not be felt for generations to come. “This generation needs to leave a legacy so that future generations can live in better conditions than ours.”

Beyond the individual, inclusive economic participation requires systems change.

It requires broadening markets and improving access to opportunities. It requires increasing Indigenous economic benefits by ensuring the right resources and investments are allocated to this cause. Navigating the complex political and economic landscape in Guatemala is challenging. This is why partnerships from all sectors of society are so important – be it business, academia, NGOs and government.

“We address the most important development challenges based on the idea that women not only improve their own livelihoods when they become aware of their power, but that their families, communities and the country are positively impacted too. Economic empowerment allows them to believe in and value their own knowledge and capabilities. To develop their own business models, establish their own entrepreneurial networks and have secured access to open markets to sell and export their products.”

María is guided by the Cosmovision of Indigenous Peoples which is rooted in three interconnected and equally important elements of wellbeing – spiritual, material and social. “We’re all destined to fulfill different missions. For me, life is about discovering your interests and using your abilities to be of service to your community.” According to this Cosmovision, nature / Mother Earth is a sacred living being which depends on all other living beings, with all beings having equal right to life, respect and consultation.

But being of service and achieving spiritual balance are contingent on having the economic resources to survive. This is why María’s life’s mission is to develop Indigenous entrepreneurial abilities to improve their value chains, while creating the right systems that enable this.

Turning pain into power

“Should I stay here, drowning in sadness and pain or try, in the midst of this pain, to find a path to call forth a different future; and to support others who suffered through similar circumstances.” 

Like countless other Mayans under military rule, María’s early life was shaped by tragedy and trauma, losing her father and many relatives who were killed or captured during the decades-long civil conflict that officially ended in 1996. A conflict in which an estimated 200,000 Guatemalans were killed and at least 40,000 disappeared – many of them Indigenous.

María’s father shaped her conviction that a life spent in service is a life well spent - a mantra founded on working holistically and doing no harm. Using available resources to survive – and even thrive – without depleting them and putting future generations at risk. A concept contained in the Plenitud de Vida.

“My dad was a very spiritual man devoted to the community. My mom was a tenacious, entrepreneurial woman dedicated to her work in textile. Despite the immense pain of losing my dad, I transformed my pain into a force that propelled me forward. I honour his life by remaining strong in the face of adversity. I am his legacy.”

Her father remains her greatest influence and taught her to recognise that in her human capacity, nothing can be achieved alone and that we need to work together to prosper. “I need to have that connection with Mother Earth through my knees, and also to elevate my spirit to the Supreme Being that will give me the strength to continue. This is essential for me, I don’t do anything without connecting first.”

Clarity of intention 

“This is the biggest lesson that life has offered. I have so many limitations and make so many mistakes. When I founded REI I was accused of being a traitor - it was a tough process but I was so clear on my objective. I knew that empowering a person was not a failure, but the opposite, I knew I was not doing anything bad.

Argidius, part of Porticus, is a close partner of REI, offering organisational support critical to its growth and increased ability to generate employment. Argidius seeks to co-create a world that offers access to opportunities for all – including those who are excluded from economic participation. To help people move away from poverty through access to decent, fulfilling and paid work.