Youth and adult migration from the Purépecha region: Links between cheranenses, norteños and self-defense groups in Cherán.

• In Event: “Violence, migration and transnational precariousness and marginalization: a cultural and literary approach.”

Abstract

Casimiro Leco Tomás explores the immigrant experience of the Purépecha region of Michoacán where, every year, hundreds of adults and children leave to the U.S. and similar numbers are returning due to the most restrictive immigration laws in U.S. history. His work studies the relationship, the lines of communication and cooperation that exist between the community of origin and the transnational Purépecha community that has settled in the United States. He will look at how indigenous symbolism has led to productive educative projects that have rescued the indigenous language as well as religious traditions. Additionally, he examines the social movements of the last few years which have led to the creation of an indigenous government, “El Consejo Mayor”—based on practices and ancestral traditions in order to protect the Cherán community from the insecurity, violence and questioning of the official governments. Leco connects the role of the "cheranenses”, “norteños” and indigenous Purépecha in the creation of this “new” government that will affect the identity of young cheranenses leaving to the U.S. and those who stay behind. As a vulnerable group in Mexican society, in a region where violence has attracted international press, the role of activists/academics such as Leco is crucial.

Author

• Casimiro Leco-Tómas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo