Tarahumara suffering from drought

By PILAR PEDERSON

Weather has no regard for international boundaries. The drought that is choking Texas is hurting our neighbors as well.

I saw firsthand the withered maize and beans in the Sierra Madre this fall. Riding horseback with a group of Mexicans, we traced the historic Silver Route from Batopilas to Chihuahua City, a journey of 13 days, much of it through the rugged and remote land of the Tarahumara people.

This hardy and reclusive tribe live as their ancestors, sustained by hand-cultivated crops on high mountainsides. Their existence, always marginal, is threatened by the rains that didn’t arrive.  As we rode through their lands we asked the grim question:  how will they make it through?

Cuauhtémoc Food Bank in Chihuahua is a group of volunteers dedicated to ending hunger.  Their focus is the people of the Sierra.  They work year round to support the Tarahumara with food, seeds, and subsistence supplies.

Last year Jim Glendinning and I participated in the Food Bank’s annual Christmas event – posada – deep in the Copper Canyon region.  We saw about 400 people arrive on foot, some of whom had walked for two days, and helped distribute food, clothing, and farming supplies.

It is easier to ask for help in the form of clothing and toys.  But what is needed right now is cash to purchase corn and beans.  Anything you can give will be gratefully received.

Checks made out to Pilar Pedersen may be sent to Pilar Pedersen, PO Box 342, Alpine, TX 79831, or Marie Blazek, PO Box 725 Marfa, TX 79843. If you have questions, call Pilar at 432.837.9980 or email Marie Blazek at marie_blazek@hotmail.com.

Time is short. We have until December 9 to get this to our friends at the Food Bank before they depart for this year’s posada. Blessings and thanks to you.