We work to preserve the cultures of the Native Americans indigenous to Texas and northern Mexico while maintaining our covenant with sacred sites.
There may be more than 11 million people in Texas who are labeled Hispanic and Latino and have ancestors who are Indigenous to the Americas. Our programs educate about how these people were deprived of their true history and experienced the attempted annihilation of their culture, through violations like the brutal Spanish colonization process and Indian-extermination policies of the Republic of Texas. We provide an Indigenous framework to support the growing number of Hispanics embracing their indigeneity, based on the initial instructions from our ancestors on how to survive and thrive – community first, the value of relationships, respect for ancestors and elders, and our responsibility to restore balance to Mother Earth. We strive to unite human-kind in seeking ancestral knowledge for the sake of our continued survival.
Possibly as many as 600 Native American groups were populating what is now central and southern Texas and northeastern Mexico when the Spanish invaders first arrived. Some historians erroneously report that these bands “disappeared”. The Indigenous Cultures Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to actively preserve the culture of this population, collectively known as Coahuiltecans. The Institute presents educational programs on the identity and ancestral legacy of these Native Americans who may have millions of descendants living in Texas and the U.S. Many of these descendants continue to practice their Indigenous ceremonies, pray in their Native languages, and hold true to the values of their ancestors.
2024 14th ANNIVERSARY
In-person celebration of Native American culture featuring dance contests and cultural education. Join us for an event you will remember forever: OCT 5th & 6th, 2024 Visit www.SSpowwow.com for details.
B. Iden Payne award winning play: Best Production, Best Director Rudy Ramirez – TYA category. This indigenous play for young audiences available for online viewing. Contact LaRay@IndigenousCultures.org to book viewings for classrooms, theaters, and community forums.
For more children’s programming subscribe to the Tloke Nauoke YouTube channel.
