According to official figures in 2015, in the State of Coahuila they inhabited
233 thousand 944 older adults, which represent 8.5% of its population
total.
In the Municipality of Melchor Múzquiz, there is an indigenous town called Kikapú,
originally from Wisconsin, who in the 19th century moved to Oklahoma, Kansas
and Texas, due to settlers. However, in 1850 some emigrated to the
south of Coahuila due to armed conflicts, here they founded the town "El
Birth”, where they developed their traditions and customs.
Currently this community has the right to transit through Mexico and the United States.
United, because they are the only people that have dual nationality. Hence
Today, while the youngest go to the US to work, in Mexico the
elderly people stay in the sanctuary, because there they preserve deep
family, religious and cultural roots.
In this community, they elect as their maximum representative or leader a person
They name "captain", because they give him civil, military and religious authority. I know
responsible for directing religious celebrations, monitoring compliance with the
offerings to their God, represent the tribe before authorities, resolve conflicts
as a mediator, among others. These people are elected by the people, because they
believes that they are the wisest, fairest and those who possess the knowledge
Enough about your religion.
The chief is in charge of making all the important decisions of the tribe, and for
that has the support of the Council of Elders. This is formed by
elderly men, are highly respected and honorable for their
religious knowledge, and could even replace the chief when he is absent.
In addition, in this community the elderly play a very important role.
important, because in addition to being chosen by the captains as advisers, they are
recognized as persons of honour. They also perform tasks as judges,
organizers of collective work and supervisors in the exchange of
Agricultural work.
It is clear that in this tribe the older adults are of great
importance, because it is thanks to them that the Kickapoo Indians have achieved
preserve its ancient traditions and customs, for more than a century. And to
this community, they are the ones who have all the knowledge and
necessary wisdom that is needed to govern, because in addition to listening to them
They always take your advice.
which represent the
The birth
is the only town
with
double nationality
entitled to
transit through
Mexico and the United States
INPI. (2017). Ethnography of the Kikapú (Kikaapoa) people of Coahuila. National Institute of
native populance. Mexico. Retrieved from the web:
https://www.gob.mx/inpi/es/articulos/etnografia-del-pueblo-kikapu-kikaapoa
EFE Mexico. (2018). Kikapúes, the indigenous people with one foot in Mexico and the other in the United States
Joined. EFE Agency. Spain. Retrieved from the web:
https://www.efe.com/efe/america/mexico/kikapues-el-pueblo-indigena-con-un-pie-en-
mexico-and-other-united-states/50000545-3772250
CityExpress. (2020). Experience the life of the Kickapoo tribe in Melchor Muzquiz, Pueblo
Magic of Coahuila. CityExpress. Mexico. Retrieved from the web:
https://www.cityexpress.com/blog/descubre-como-viven-kikapu-melchor-muzquiz-coahuila
Unknown Mexico. (2018). The Kikapúes, a people who resist losing their
identity. Unknown Mexico. Mexico. Retrieved from the web:
https://www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/los-kikapues-un-pueblo-que-se-resiste-a-perder-
your-identity-coahuila.html
Amoroz I. (2004). Indigenous Profile of the Kikapus of Coahuila. Research Center and
Higher Studies in Social Anthropology. Mexico. Retrieved from the web:
https://www.aacademica.org/salomon.nahmad.sitton/69.pdf
INAPAM. (2015). Demographic, Epidemiological and Social Profile of the Adult Population
Mayor in the Country, a Public Policy Proposal. National Institute of People
Older Adults. Mexico. Retrieved from the web:
http://www.inapam.gob.mx/work/models/INAPAM/Resource/918/1/images/ADULTOS
OLDER BY STATE CD1.pdf