Description

This institute will be held in Oaxaca, Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mexico’s most culturally diverse states. Participants will engage with local artisans, educators, and community-based organizations while exploring sites of cultural, historical, and educational significance.

The program includes visits to Indigenous weaving communities, ceramic collectives, a Montessori school serving Zapotec students, traditional temazcal ceremonies, and immersive experiences with local food systems and sustainable practices. Participants will learn about mancomunidades (community governance systems), explore how Indigenous communities preserve cultural traditions through artisanry and celebration, and examine models of cultural resilience and innovation. Through these experiences, educators will develop culturally responsive teaching strategies that honor and amplify Indigenous voices and experiences.