Reclaiming Our Identity: Second-Generation Mazalteca/os across Mexico and the U.S. Tá Rtilatnaá Tu Acabetná Dicá Natnaá: Tiupa Scuá Generación té Mexico né Estados Unidos

This research focuses on the ethnic identity development of second-generation Mazalteca/o young adults in Mexico City and Los Angeles, California. It examines the historical context of colonization as well as Mexico's Indigenismo movement and mestizaje to better understand the factors that influence Zapotec identity. The work includes a discussion of the methods best suited for gathering data and working with indigenous communities. Moreover, it utilizes indigenous research methods including individual and focus group interviews to ensure that the voices of the participants are reflected in this research. This study is part of a growing body of research on the Zapotec indigenous diaspora in the United States. The findings show that despite growing up in urban cities, the second-generation continues to affirm an Oaxaqueño identity. The epistemology imparted by their parents, elders and their desire to contribute to their larger community, strongly influences Zapotec worldviews and are primary reasons for their indigeneity in the 21st century.