International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples: This is me, Victor

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is celebrated annually on Aug. 9. This day is dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples around the world, as well as recognizing their unique cultures, languages and ways of life.

This year, we spoke to Victor Manuel Mendoza Garcia, the Indigenous Relations Lead in TC Energía, to learn about his cultural background and passion for preserving and embracing Indigenous heritage.

Meet Victor

My name is Victor, and I’ve been at TC for almost 10 years. I serve as an Indigenous Relations Lead in Mexico, where I focus on engaging and supporting Indigenous communities. As a trained veterinarian with a master's degree in Rural Sociology, I bring a unique perspective to my work.

I am proud to be part of the vibrant Mixtecos Indigenous community from Oaxaca, Mexico, where I grew up. It is an ancient community rich in history and cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. As a member of this community, I carry with me the stories, culture and customs that define who we are.

Family and community are central in my life. My Indigenous mother passed down recipes for traditional foods, which I love to cook often for my own family. I have a 20-year-old son, Anaaw (whose name means God of Thunder in Mixe – an Indigenous language in Mexico), and I recently celebrated my wedding to my wonderful wife. During the ceremony, it is customary to dance with a live turkey, a symbol of abundance and prosperity. Also, I carried a basket filled with bread, tortillas, and mezcal, offering them to our guests as tokens of gratitude. These rituals, like many others, are deeply rooted in our culture and highlight the importance of community bonds.

Embracing diversity

Despite being Indigenous myself, I am still fascinated by the wealth and diversity of cultures in Mexico. With nearly 70 Indigenous languages spoken across the country, every community has its unique story and knowledge to share. My love for Indigenous cultures goes beyond the borders of my own community. I collect artwork by Indigenous artists, and I enjoy reading poetry and literature by Indigenous authors to learn about their cultures and diverse ways of life. For example, the nomadic Indigenous groups in northern Mexico have lifestyles vastly different from my upbringing in southern Mexico.

My immense curiosity and interest to learn and engage with other Indigenous communities have been helpful in my role at work. I have the privilege and honour of working closely with the Tarahumara – also called the Rarámuri, a large Indigenous group in northern Mexico – and the Totonac – an Indigenous group living in central Mexico. Although there have been challenges, there have also been great rewards along the way. As we gain trust and build respectful relationships with these communities, each engagement presents opportunities to learn from communities who live in harmony with their environment.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples serves as an important reminder of the value of cultural diversity and the wisdom that Indigenous communities offer. Indigenous heritage is not a relic of the past, nor limited to well-known civilizations like the Mayans or Aztecs. Indigenous Peoples are a living, breathing part of our present society who have so much to offer. Let’s celebrate and sustain the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in all aspects of life.