Our Vision
The vision of El Centro Cultural Techantit is to promote Indigenous culture, art, and education through the restoration of our ancestral roots, cosmovision, and transitions to improve our communities' way of life. The purpose of our work consists of promoting decolonization to dismantle the doctrine of discovery through intergenerational, inclusive programming to achieve community wellness.
Our Mission
El Centro Cultural Techantit is a 501©3 non-profit organization fiscally sponsored by Seven Generations Indigenous People’s Fund Inc., to provide a safe space for Indigenous Refugee community to come together for Social Support, Cultural Preservation, Indigenous People’s Rights Education, and Resources.
The vision of El Centro Cultural Techantit is to promote Indigenous culture, art, and education through the restoration of our ancestral roots, cosmovision, and transitions to improve our communities' way of life. The purpose of our work consists of promoting decolonization to dismantle the doctrine of discovery through intergenerational, inclusive programming to achieve community wellness.
History
Haydee Sanchez, alongside 6 other El Salvadorians dedicated to revitalizing the ancestral traditions of the indigenous people of El Salvador, founded El Centro Cultural Techantit in 1999. Aspiring to gain recognition from the United Nations, El Centro Cultural Techantit gathered and documented oral history following the 1932 genocide of indigenous people in El Salvador.
Since 1999, El Centro Cultural Techantit has worked with El Salvadorian indigenous communities within and outside of El Salvador. Today, their work encompasses the promotion and preservation of their culture by connecting young people and elders in the indigenous community through ancestral dance and education on indigenous languages.
Meet the Team
Haydee Giron Sanchez, Nawat-Pipil
Executive Director
Haydee Sanchez, a Nahuat-Pipil Woman hailing from Cushcatan, also known as El Salvador, Central America. Reverently addressed as Nana, or Mother, by the women in her community, she is reminded of the responsibility to safeguard their ancestral memory.
In her 30-year journey, Haydee has served her community as a culture bearer, and as an elected spokesperson for Consejo de Pueblos Originarios Nahuat Pipil de Nahuizalco (COPONAPN) and communities and their descendants in the diaspora. Her commitment extends beyond borders, having worked closely with the Alcaldia del Comun de Izalco and other Indigenous groups in Abya Yala, thus emphasizing the importance of connecting her community with delegates and advocates from various nations, ensuring the continuity of their vital work for generations to come.
Drawing inspiration from tribal leaders and sovereign indigenous governments, Haydee has navigated systems designed to control, marginalize, and oppress indigenous people. Her advocacy efforts contributed to a pivotal change in El Salvador's political constitution, recognizing and supporting Indigenous Peoples in maintaining their ethnic and cultural identity.
An advocate of truth and justice, Haydee has been instrumental in creating bridges between her community and federally and non-federally recognized tribes and communities in Southern California. She expresses gratitude for the support received from local Gabrielino-Shoshone/Tongva representatives and community members, fostering collaborative efforts that extend throughout U.S. Territories and Internationally. Haydee's vision now encompasses providing extensive information about sovereignty and rescuing traditional cultural roots, acknowledging the global trauma and identity loss experienced by many.
Paula Guadron, descendant of Cahite, Nawat
Program Coordinator
Paula Guadron is a descendant of Nawat speakers from Suchitoto, Cuscatlán; and Cahita people from Culiacán, Sinaloa, born and raised in Northeast Los Angeles. She provides grant/legal writing services, and serves the local Indigenous Central American diaspora community as liaison for program development, coordination, & facilitation. Paula is inspired by Social Justice, Cultural Preservation, and Traditional Indigenous Spirituality to be of service to forcibly displaced indigenous people and their descendants living in urban areas in Southern California. She creates integrated curriculums and facilitates referrals to relevant resources and community-building activities or events; to encourage self-advocacy, promote mental wellness, support sobriety, and introduce earth-based healing practices.
