Dehe Santiago de Mexquititlan and the Hnahnu Struggle for Water

Amealco de Bonfil, one of the eighteen municipalities in Querétaro, presents a paradox: despite being known for its water abundance, local communities face severe water scarcity. In particular, settlements like Santiago de Mexquititlán, home to a significant Hñahñu population since the 13th century, have long struggled to meet their water needs. Consequently, access to water has become a contentious political issue in the region. The visible manifestations of community-led initiatives and struggles surrounding water are the latest iterations of longstanding tensions between local communities and the state government. Although there have been collective efforts, such as water well sit-ins, advocating for local perspectives to be considered in public policy, a gap remains between policy and reality.

This case study aims to highlight the ongoing struggles of the people in Santiago de Mexquititlán and to show that the issues surrounding water access extend beyond practical concerns. Instead, they reflect broader issues related to drastically different ontologies and ways of relating to the natural environment. To achieve this, we will employ a community-centered approach that combines interviews and fieldwork with the analysis of existing documents and reports. By centering the community’s political agency, we aim to create a space for more constructive engagement between these communities and the local government.