Social Cohesion and Environmental Governance Among the Comcaac of Northern Mexico

Martínez-Tagüeña, Natalia; Rentería-Valencia, Rodrigo F.

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-22464-6_18

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 23 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…In spite of such inventive and optimistic attempts to reinvigorate Seri foods and foodways, the results seem to have had little long-lasting effects, and not for lack of strategy or expertise on the part of those actively searching for solutions. Instead, the decline in use of local Seri foods is a wicked problem that has evolved for nearly two centuries of colonial subjugation against a highly individualistic (Martínez-Tagüeña and Rentería-Valencia 2020), mobile society comprised of small, politically unstructured groups (Griffen 1959) that, unlike agrarian counterparts, have less control over the spatial and temporal distribution of food items (Hernandez-Santana and Narchi 2018).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

What Happened to Seri Sweets? Dietary Transition through Culinary Acculturation

Narchi

Marlett

Hernández-Santana

2020

Journal of Ethnobiology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

During the decades of 1960–1980, Richard S. Felger and Mary B. Moser researched the botanical knowledge of the Seris (Comcaac), a hunter-gatherer and fishing people living in the arid desert of northwestern Mexico. They recorded and published an extensive body of species-specific data so rich in biological and ethnographic detail that it is possible to reconstruct a quickly eroding, annual dietary cycle; such a comprehensive account is a precious resource to study transitions in the community diet. In this article, we focus on Seri sweets and sweeteners, represented by 16 fruits, four agave species, one perennial halophyte, pollen paste (beebread), and honey. We rely on archival research to explore various data sources, situating ethnobiological questions in a socio-historical context to provide information on the spatial distribution of resources and the community's livelihood, which can be correlated with specific political zeitgeist. We examine how the swift integration of the Seri society into the state-mediated market in the early-mid twentieth century introduced greater use of exogenous sweeteners and displaced local food items, resulting in culinary acculturation that affected the community's health and well-being. Through understanding the process, we aim to present local foods in ways that are comprehensible to younger Seris in order to foster efforts toward food sovereignty in their community.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

What Happened to Seri Sweets? Dietary Transition through Culinary Acculturation

Narchi

Marlett

Hernández-Santana

2020

Journal of Ethnobiology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Formerly a widespread semi-nomadic society, today Comcáac experience significant resource insecurity resulting from historical marginalization and structural violence. The Comcáac historically subsisted on and successfully managed the limited natural resources of the harsh coastal desert and sea environment, and their lifestyle, cultural traditions, and social organization are deeply entwined with their ecological knowledge and traditional environmental governance (Martínez-Tagüeña & Rentería-Valencia, 2020). Yet, while the Comcáac have shown resilience and adaptability in the face of racism and environmental adversity, overall community health has worsened significantly over time.…”

Section: Workingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ethical Considerations in Population Health Research With Vulnerable Communities and the Added Value of Community-Engaged Methodology

Tuggle

Crews

2023

hpj

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Working among vulnerable communities poses unique ethical challenges when conducting biocultural research. When communities face dire poverty and social injustice, simply observing and documenting stressors and related health outcomes may be considered exploitative by vulnerable and already overburdened residents. As biocultural researchers, our responsibility is to work toward solutions addressing differential impacts of social injustice. Here, we highlight work amongst the Comcaac, an indigenous group native to Sonora, Mexico. Today, they experience significant resource insecurity secondary to historical marginalization and structural violence. Employing ethnographic methods (participant observation, focus groups, unstructured and semi-structured interviews), we investigated social and ecological stressors likely affecting members’ health. First, we determined visible themes encompassing resource insecurity (e.g., water, food, power, medicine etc.) and struggles with poverty, racism, and associated feelings of injustice. Through deep engagement, we also discerned community members’ frustrations with what they see as exploitative research – obtaining information but failing to work actively toward solutions or remain invested in participants’ well-being. To begin addressing their most severe issues, we first documented substantial needs within the community, then obtained outside donors and organized a weekly food bank delivery of fresh foods. Now, these are distributed weekly by community leaders in culturally appropriate and locally embedded ways. Thereby, we were able to address an immediate need in a manner that will have continuing impact even while not actively conducting fieldwork. To have real meaning for our research communities, as biocultural researchers we must create ethically based long-term relationships to develop meaningful scholarship.

show abstract

Social Cohesion and Environmental Governance Among the Comcaac of Northern Mexico

Cited by 2 publications

References 23 publications

What Happened to Seri Sweets? Dietary Transition through Culinary Acculturation

What Happened to Seri Sweets? Dietary Transition through Culinary Acculturation

Ethical Considerations in Population Health Research With Vulnerable Communities and the Added Value of Community-Engaged Methodology

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About