A story that needs to be told:
The Biography of Xunka Hernández
Strength, compassion, honesty, and humor.
Help us publish the biography of a Tsotsil Maya woman who resisted, dreamed, transformed her world, and continues to transform the lives of other women.
In the heart of Zinacantán, Chiapas, Mexico, Juana Bernarda Hernández, better known as Xunka (SHOONG-ka), has lived a life marked by resilience, resistance, traditions, and customs, as well as an effervescent love for her people. Her story, like that of many women, doesn't appear in any textbooks.
We are raising funds to edit and print her biography, a book that honors those who love their culture and traditions, even as they struggle with, and deviate from social norms. Her story highlights the many strategic alliances that can give indigenous women str8ength when their trend-setting and rule-breaking result in obstacles throughout their lives.
Who is Xunka?
Xunka is the daughter of one of the founders of the Women Sowing Life Cooperative. She is a sister, artisan, community leader, and transmitter of the Tsotsil Maya language. Her life has transitioned through many turning points that have tested her and her family. Her life has also been one of learning, joy, and tireless contributions to her community.
Why a book?
A published biography would be an effective way for Xunka to reach beyond the limits of her current circles of friends and colleagues.
Her life quest is to find new and better ways to benefit the artisans of Mujeres Sembrando la Vida and their families and the youth of Yo’onik Learning Center. She also envisions satellite Yo’onik learning centers for children and adolescents in the villages where the Mujeres Sembrando la Vida artisans are located.
Realizing her dream of increasing the sale of MSV artisan textile products and sponsoring culturally-based learning centers will require expanding beyond her current networks for marketing and fundraising.
Her life story is so powerful that it will open doors to universities, civic groups, and other institutions that are interested in being supportive of Maya communities.
We need your help to raise $3,000 to publish this biography.
To cover professional editing and proofreading in Spanish and Tsotsil, five illustrations, and the design and printing of 250 Spanish and Tsotsil books.