Apoyo Tarahumara

Apoyo Tarahumara is a community based relief group from the Monterey Bay-Central Coast. Since 1994, Apoyo Tarahumara has personally delivered over 315 metric tons of food to the Tarahumara (Raramuri) of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Approximately 70,000 Raramuri live in remote villages in the remote Sierra/Copper Canyon. Due to a severe drought since 1992, the Raramuri have not been able to consistently grow enough food for their own survival.

Apoyo Tarahumara also supports Kari Igomari Niwara, a Raramuri women's cooperative, which established the first indigenous school in Mexico run by indigenous people. This cooperative also works to develop women as leaders, educate communities about sexually transmitted diseases and domestic violence prevention, and operates craft stores to raise money. Apoyo Tarahumara has delivered corn and school supplies to the school and has made a commitment to continue supporting the women's cooperative.

While our commitment is humanitarian, we believe that we also benefit from their unique perspective. The Raramuri live in peace and harmony with Mother Earth. Their way of life honors family, spirituality, dignity and respect for all.