Today marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a holiday established to reflect on the contributions and culture of Hispanic and Latinx people in the United States. Hispanic Heritage Month is a complex month for many as we grapple with the implications of colonization and our identities. During this timeframe, September 15 to October 15, the Latinx, Hispanic, and Multicultural ERG will be sharing stories from and uplifting our members, as well as amplifying the contributions that Hispanic, Latinx, Indigenous, Black environmentalists, and conservationists are risking their lives to accomplish. We hope that you’ll follow along with us as we explore these narratives!
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For generations, Hispanics have enjoyed a unique relationship with nature that connects us to our ancestors and fortifies the bond that we have with our community. Being able to practice these cultural traditions that depend on open spaces, is more critical than ever, and policy that includes Hispanic and Latinx values is especially urgent. For all of these reasons, Hispanic and Latinx leadership is invaluable in conservation legislation that is implemented and passed.
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In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we asked people on Facebook to share their favorite family memories of outdoor activities, and to post a photo if they could. The response was incredible and confirmed what HECHO proudly represents – the centuries old cultural connection of Hispanics to our public lands. Not only do Hispanics enjoy camping, hunting and the outdoors, for centuries, Hispanics have worked the land, provided sustenance for their families from the land and have been stewards of the land.
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The Latino Conservation Alliance released the following statement upon the introductions of Latino Conservation Resolutions in the US House of Representatives and Senate.
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This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month comes during an historic time for the Latino community and for the future of public lands in our country. The voices, perspectives, and input of the Hispanic community needs to play an integral role in these decisions.
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The Latino community needs to be represented in conversations, forums, and formal consultations that are helping shape the next 100 years of our public lands. Our communities’ heritage, inter-generational wisdom, values and practices should be incorporated into the vision and implementation of public lands management plans.
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Growing up in Arizona, I was surrounded by family – my four sisters, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. It was a lot of mouths to feed and back then we didn’t have a lot of money, so we relied on nature for our food (not so different from our ancestors).
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Engaging people in our rich history not only protects Hispanic culture, it also reminds people of the important role the community has played in this country’s evolution and often inspires them to get more involved in activities that help strengthen our communities.
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