The Meaning of Ximehua

In Classical Nahuatl, the lingua franca of pre-columbian Central Mexico, Ximehua  translates to you rise or get up, be brave and rebel. 

 

We are using the term Ximehua to mean the metaphorical and literal rising up and flourishing of a person and peoples. Whether it be learning to better exercise consent, agency and autonomy in a capitalist and patriarchal society within urban, healthcare or educational settings or applications at the inter and intra personal levels, Ximehua symbolizes the integrity and dignity of a person and peoples as they work towards self actualization and collective sustainability. Ximehua exemplifies autonomy exercised from the land to the body.

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Our Purpose and Vision

Ximehua is a community building effort for indigenous or indigenous and reconnecting families and individuals dedicated to (re)learning how to co-exist and be in healthier relationships with all our relations, animals, critters and plants included. We’re uplifting relational health beginning with our relationships to land and addressing feelings of indifference to oppression and genocide of indigenous peoples worldwide that hinder abilities to be better human inter-beings and in healthier relationships with each other. 

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Ximehua is a gathering space dedicated to the learning of righting relationships with each other that promotes acquisition of personal and social skills and development. This is a space for us and by us where you can bring your kids and that’s not oriented around consumerism, recreational drugs or alcohol.

 

During Our Time Together

Throughout our time co-existing we’ll engage in structured and non-structured hands on and communal based activities while candidly exploring themes related to relational health, such as but not limited to: accountability, family or personal responsibilities, boundary setting, relationship attachment wounds and styles, intergenerational healing, power relations, identity and indigineity, human and birth rights, risk and harm reduction, white and male fragilities and community health and wellness (emphasis on mental and sexual health). Communal based activities include knowledge shares, resource sharing, workshops, games, cooking, storytelling, eating and lots of laughing and maybe crying around the fire. 

 

Anticipated Community Activities 

Our intentions are to gently hold ourselves and each other accountable for personal development and the generation and expansion of collective capacity during times when we need each other the most (the witnessing of genocide, political strife, birth of a child, death of a loved one, exploration of identity or sexuality, life transitions, etc).

 

Most activities are designed to be non-structured and self-led to encourage folks to exercise self determination and discipline, and engage in parallel learning/play. Some activities are meant to be structured with advanced planning.

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We are a thriving and living agricultural community so there is plenty of incidental teaching and learning opportunities available that include:​

• Bird watching (chickens included)

• Traditional based cooking for the community (an outdoor kitchen and fire pit is available)

• Chest/breastfeeding onsite support (babies need to eat too)

• Rope tying for practical uses and artistic rope bondage (Xiuhnel will be practicing their skills and available to offer peer support)  

• Weaving, Sewing, Cross Stitch (punto de cruz), Crochet (bring your own project and materials because there is no teacher however we can watch tutorials together) 

• Traditional Storytelling 

• Movement and deep breathing 

• Board games 

• Children’s library 

• Book reviews or discussions

• Visual study of codices/facsimiles 

• Resource sharing 

 

Considerations for Stations 

• Check in with the facilitator. There may be notices about the station or activity or an assistant needed

• Communicate your learning or support needs

• Read written notices (some things such as the codices are not to be touched) 

• Return all items and clean up after yourself 

• We encourage you to initiate play or propose a game or shared activity  

 

Guiding Values 

At Ximehua we center the experiences of QTBIPOC particularly of displaced backgrounds or in the diaspora, immigrant communities, sex workers and expecting or postpartum families and parents. 

 

We are a multigenerational community and encourage a family and kid friendly environment. Chest/breastfeeding is encouraged and supported.

 

Chest/breastfeeding parents, children and elders are served and eat first. 

 

Be mindful of little children running around. If you see a child outside of the gated area say something to someone. Help parents look after the safety of their children especially around the fire and cooking areas. 

 

Be an active participant in the community building efforts by taking initiative and actively applying yourself at activity stations or engaging in social interactions. 

 

Be reciprocal and mindful about the division of labor. If you see someone taking action, offer assistance or inquire if they have everything they need or if they need additional support. 

 

Practice checking in and taking care of yourself and others. Be capacity and boundary informed. 

 

Be mindful of your trauma histories, the impact of who you are and check privileges at all times. 

 

Be a good human being. 

 

No drugs or alcohol or any form of intoxication is allowed. 

 

We are a sex positive community.

 

Do not treat this gathering as a speed dating mixer. 

 

Mutual aid efforts are encouraged. 

 

Be reciprocal. Bring something to share (food for eating or cooking or food for thought). Bring containers for your leftover food.

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We welcome donations such as soap, fire wood, hand sanitizers, face masks, children’s sex positive and QTBIPOC books, and your physical labor for setting or cleaning up. 

 

Safety Considerations

Preventing Injuries 

• Be aware that children need to be accompanied to the bathroom due to having to pass through a wood and welting workshop 

• Keep gates closed at all times, including the gate to the chicken coop 

• Wash hands after touching or spending time in the coop 

• Be mindful of the ground fire pit and monitor children as they get close to the fire.

• The space is wheelchair accessible 

• We will be asking all visitors on site to sign a release of liability waiver 

• Certified Adult and Perinatal Mental Health First Aid Responders will be present 

 

If you need any special accommodations or feel it’s pertinent to disclose a medical or mental health condition please reach out to Xiuhnel at info@chichihualtia.org to arrange a phone conversation.

 

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and in need of urgent assistance please visit the following resources by clicking on the hyperlinks below.

• LA County 

• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline 

• Postpartum Support International 

• Suicide Prevention  (Trans and LGBT resources included) 

 

Covid Precautions 

• We encourage all persons to be vaccinated and stay home when sick or experiencing symptoms of any illness.

• Practice hand hygiene. There is a sink in the common area and bathroom with soap.

• Hand sanitizers and masks will be provided. 

• Masks are optional as we are outdoors. 

• Please keep a safe physical distance from others.

 

Practice Consent and Respect Boundaries  

• before touching anyone, including personal items 

• before taking any pictures, even if faces are not visible 

• before sharing or asking for any personal information   

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Location 

• El Semillero Family Farm

• 2901 E. 6th St. Los Angeles 90063

• Nearby Metro buses are available 

 

Parking 

Parking is available in the lot and the streets. If you park in the lot please make sure to close the gates. 

 

$5-$20 Donations Welcomed

No one is turned away for lack of funds. You have the option of donating what you can by the end of our gathering. All funds cover the costs of liability insurance, clothing drive maintenance and storage, food, crafts, and hygienic items and more.

 

Clothing Drive

The clothing is mostly for fems, women, infants and children. We welcome donations that are new or gently used. 

Email Xiuhnel at info@chichihualtia.org to arrange a donation pick up within the city of Los Angeles.

 

What to Bring

Petates, traditional mats, are provided for seating on the ground. You can bring your own mat, cot or lawn chair for personalized comfort. Water and an agua or atole will be provided but it's still advised that you bring your water and light snacks. You may want to bring shoes that you don't mind getting muddy. The fire keeps us warm but bring a sweater or blanket for yourself just in case. If you can, bring healthy snacks to share. You may also bring ingredients for cooking including to make tamales or other traditional meals. If you're interested in collaborating to cook a traditional community meal please reach out to Tecpaxochitl at tecpaxochitl@chichihualtia.org 

 

Contact Personnel 

Contact Xiuhnel (she/uh/nel) at info@chichihualtia.org for any inquiries. 

Emails will be checked up until 4pm the day of our gathering. There is no phone number to contact. 

 

About El Semillero Family Farm 

Modeled after The Zapatistas 7 Principles, El Semillero Family Farm is an indigenous centered urban farm in East Los Angeles, on stolen Tongva Land, that is committed to nurturing principles of autonomy, self-determination, self-sufficiency and self-sustainability through art, education, workshops, ceremonies and land based or off-grid living projects. El Semillero is also a welding, textile sewing and woodshop work studio that offers educational programs.  

Find out more about El Semillero and their upcoming events on Instagram @anahuatlaca 

 

Educational Resources  

• Loving Corrections by adrienne maree brown

• Zapatistas 7 Principles 

• Palestine 1492 by Linda Quiquivix

• Tongva Harms Report 

• The Inner Work of Relationships: An Invitation to Heal Your Inner Child and Create a Conscious Relationship Together by Mathew Micheletti 

• Non-violent Parenting 

• Understanding relationship attachment styles

• Setting healthy boundaries in relationships