OUR BACK STORY

The idea for Las Maestras Center (LMC) for Xicana[x] Indigenous Thought, Art and Social Praxis gradually emerged over three decades of Celia Herrera Rodríguez’ and Cherríe Moraga’s teaching and art practice (as a visual artist and writer, respectively). It was also generated through countless associations with individuals and organizations whose evolving political and spiritual practice aligned itself with the visionary possibilities of women of color feminism, nationally and internationally.  

Of key importance and inspirational influence to LMC’s emergence was the root organization, La Red Xicana Indígena, founded in 1997. The following is an excerpt from La Red’s founding documents — words which continue to resonate with LMC’s goals:

As Xicanas living in the United States, we self-identity as Indigenous women with Native origins in the Southwest U.S., México, el Caribe, and Central and South América. Our name, which mean “network” in Spanish, further signifies (in English) our alliance with all Red Nations of Turtle Island.  Politically, we come together on the belief that, with neither land base nor enrollment card — like so many urban Indians in the North, and so many displaced and undocumented migrants coming from the South – we have the right to “right” ourselves; is, to attempt to put la mujer Xicana Indígena back into balance with her origins and work vigorously from that site toward the decolonization, economic independence and cultural integrity of our communities.* 

Twenty years after La Red’s inception, Las Maestras Center was founded at UC Santa Barbara in 2017. We remain grateful to the ongoing support of the Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts, John Majewski; Executive Vice-Chancellor, David Marshall; and Professor Enda Duffy, Chair of English Department. We are especially grateful to members of the local Chumash community that have received us with great generosity of spirit.