Radio XHIDZA (Zapotec Air)

Created in 2006 by a group of Zapotec women and men, FUSAMPIAAC bases its community development work on the understanding of the world "according to the Zapotec ‘cosmovision’ where human beings are inextricably related to the whole of creation." In addition to promoting use of the particular regional version of the Zapotec language, the radio station demonstrates the Zapotec people's sense of communication rights through their participation and community ownership. The radio station has become a tool for the community to share their views, common needs, and contributions to society, as well as a means to advocate for the type of development that indigenous people value and consider appropriate to their needs. The project has included WACC-supported training of young Zapotec women and men in radio skills and the purchase of broadcasting equipment. The premises where the radio is housed, which was renovated by those who formed the station, is loaned to the station by a community member.

Located in the community of Santa María Yaviche, the radio station broadcasts on the frequency 106.1 on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 AM to 9 PM, and includes programming for all ages - children through the elderly. Their programming includes debates, reflections, news, and announcements, including a range of events and commercial endeavours of local interest, broadcast from a Zapotec point of view. Those involved feel that their role is to be intermediaries in a dialogue of community, regional, and religious people from the local to the national level, transmitting information about the rights of indigenous people, particularly women, children, and the elderly. Their programming considers problems of the region, and defends their perspective on proposals for development that are more sensitive to the indigenous people. They broadcast from a perspective of preserving the agriculture, the legends, the history, and the music of the Zapotec.

Rights

The radio station is supported by volunteers, including youth, and a local team of radio aficionados, with provision of free internet access and electricity through a local teacher. Community members make in-kind contributions of agricultural products when they visit the station because “they feel it is theirs."