You can hear people talk about the traditions, culture, or even problems regarding their nation, but you never fully grasp the extent of their life until you are placed directly in it. The US society is focused on connection to one another through internet and political society. But on the Tohono O’odham nation, they are more focused on the presentation and continuation of their traditional ways placed in a world of 21stcentury problems. They are forced to reconcile their traditions with the pressure of a developing society. Joe Joaquin described his full belief in the success of his traditions and the skepticism of the outside world. As a class, we had the opportunity to understand the life of these people through conversation. We were directly placed into their lives and learned about the issues they face. We heard their voices and the passion that fuels it.
We were also given the opportunity to stay directly on the reservation in the San Solano Mission. From the outside, the church appears to be abandoned and run down. There are collapsed buildings and run down playgrounds. But inside, it is a home to migrants and friars. This is the connection they have to the reservation, providing a home for those passing through. It makes me thankful to have an opportunity to spend time on such an integral part of the reservation. While there, Grayson and I explored the area around and found the beauty in the land, especially with Baboquivari standing tall in the distance. We also had a unique opportunity to see the carpet shoes used by migrants to cross into the United States without leaving footprints. There are the memories you cannot experience elsewhere.
It must be a huge ethical dilemma to live in the area too. I remember how Ajo was littered with signs saying humanitarian aid is not a crime in terms of helping migrants and illegal aliens that cross into the area. I guess the main question is, do you help? Do we only help the migrants or anyone crossing the border? how do we know we are helping someone crossing for a better life or someone carrying a pack full of dope? should we just help one group or both? When does help become a crime (aiding illegal immigrants or the drug trade). Lots of ethical dilemmas came up this trip.
I also went on a walk about a mile from the mission and also saw the slippers dotted around the landscape. What really got me is when I saw a cache of food and an old backpack. They looked new, they couldn’t have been more than a few days old. they were only slightly dusty.
Great observations Emily, about both the natural and social landscapes surrounding the mission.