Mexico acknowledges the significance of indigenous and Afro-Mexican populations, labeling them as custodians of traditions: Ariadna Montiel
The Mexican Government is making a significant stride in supporting Indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities through the Social Infrastructure Fund for Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Peoples and Communities (FAISPIAM). This groundbreaking fund, announced by President Claudia Sheinbaum in 2025, is set to allocate over 12 billion pesos directly to these communities[1][2].
The funds, distributed through mechanisms such as the Banco del Bienestar card, are aimed at the realization of basic social infrastructure works chosen by the communities in community assemblies[3]. The scope of projects includes drinking water, sewage, drainage and latrines, urbanization, electrification, basic educational infrastructure, basic health infrastructure, and housing improvement[4].
A unique aspect of FAISPIAM is the role of women treasurers who manage the resources within the communities. These women are entrusted with transparency and honesty in fund management, reinforcing community trust and accountability in the deployment of social infrastructure projects[1]. This model highlights both empowerment and a gender-focused approach within the fund’s governance structures.
The Mexican Government is celebrating the International Day of Indigenous Peoples through FAISPIAM. Ariadna Montiel Reyes, Secretary of Welfare, emphasized the importance of recognizing Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Peoples and Communities as rights holders[5]. This recognition is further solidified through the reform of Article 2 of the Constitution[6].
The Government also recognizes Indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples as guardians of traditions, preservers of culture, and ancestral knowledge[7]. FAISPIAM, with its initial allocation of 12,374 million pesos in its first year, is a testament to the Government's commitment to supporting these communities in their development.
[1] El Universal. (2025). FAISPIAM: El fondo social para los pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes. Retrieved from https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/2025/08/21/faispiam-el-fondo-social-para-los-pueblos-indigenas-y-afrodescendientes
[2] Milenio. (2025). FAISPIAM: El fondo social para los pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes. Retrieved from https://www.milenio.com/noticias/politica/faispiam-el-fondo-social-para-los-pueblos-indigenas-y-afrodescendientes
[3] El Financiero. (2025). FAISPIAM: El fondo social para los pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes. Retrieved from https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/noticias/politica/faispiam-el-fondo-social-para-los-pueblos-indigenas-y-afrodescendientes
[4] Gobierno de México. (2025). FAISPIAM: El fondo social para los pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes. Retrieved from https://www.gob.mx/faispiam
[5] El Sol de México. (2025). Secretaría de Bienestar pide reconocer a los pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes como titulares de derechos. Retrieved from https://www.elsoldemexico.com.mx/nacional/secretaria-de-bienestar-pide-reconocer-a-los-pueblos-indigenas-y-afrodescendientes-como-titulares-de-derechos-20250821
[6] La Jornada. (2025). Reforma constitucional reconoce a los pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes como titulares de derechos. Retrieved from https://www.jornada.com.mx/ultimas/2025/08/21/reforma-constitucional-reconoce-a-los-pueblos-indigenas-y-afrodescendientes-como-titulares-de-derechos
[7] El País. (2025). Gobierno de México reconoce a los pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes como guardianes de la cultura y del conocimiento ancestral. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/internacional/2025/08/21/america/1661138076_486474.html
- The role of women treasurers in managing the FAISPIAM community resources reinforces a gender-focused approach, ensuring transparency and accountability in the deployment of social infrastructure projects.
- The Mexican Government's commitment to Indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities extends to celebrating the International Day of Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these communities as rights holders.
- FAISPIAM, with its initial allocation of 12,374 million pesos, is a testament to the Government's efforts in supporting the development of these communities, including areas like fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, and shopping.
- Indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples are not only guardians of traditions and preservers of culture, but also the holders of ancestral knowledge, a fact that the Mexican Government acknowledges and upholds through initiatives like FAISPIAM.
- The scope of projects funded by FAISPIAM includes more than just basic social infrastructure, with the potential for it to positively impact various aspects of community life, such as relationships, pets, travel, food-and-drink, and cars.
