Indigenous Education in Sierra Tarahumara as a Matter of Death: Obstacles and Challenges in the Midst of a Discriminatory and Unequal Society

Abstract

This article endeavors to present the social context in which the schools of the indigenous educational system, among the Ralámuli of the Sierra Tarahumara ravines, find themselves. It seeks to reveal a series of problems faced by both teachers and students, located in a distant, difficult to access and insecure region.  The main argument is that the educational system is built upon discrimination and racism. In light of this situation, there is no real interest in building a quality school, and the social context in which both teachers and students find themselves is not taken into account seriously. This causes a series of consequences that not only have to do with professors and pupils difficulty fulfilling their obligations, but also the system itself exposes them to situations where their physical and moral integrity are at risk which could lead to the death not only of a culture and their life project, but also to their own.