### Increasing Visibility for the Yumana Community as Natives of Baja California
The State Congress has designated 2024 as the year to honor the indigenous peoples residing in Baja California, including the Cucapá, Kiliwa, Paipai, Kumiai, and Ipai communities. According to Alfonso de Jesús Villagrán Contreras, President of the Association of Oaxaqueños residing in Baja California, there is a pressing need to enhance the visibility of the Yumana peoples, who are among the region’s original inhabitants.
“It’s essential to ensure they have adequate representation to bring their presence into the public eye. Many people remain unaware of the native communities in Baja California,” Villagrán Contreras stated.
In a recent survey of high school students, it was found that many were unaware of the existence of native communities, often confusing them with other indigenous groups such as the Mixteca and Purépechas.
Villagrán Contreras highlighted the lack of symbolic monuments dedicated to the Yumana communities, stressing that the region needs more spaces like statues, murals, or a dedicated museum to honor these groups. At present, the only notable institutions featuring Yumana heritage are the Museo de las California within the Centro Cultural Tijuana (CECUT) and the Museum of History at the Municipal Institute of Art and Culture (IMAC).
He further lamented that most studies on the Yumana, including research on their rock paintings, have been conducted by foreign researchers rather than national experts. Villagrán Contreras emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts with the Yumana to achieve better results for the community.
According to the 2020 census by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), there are approximately 2,500 Yumanos residing in Baja California.
### Secondary Article: Efforts to Protect Yumana Cultural Heritage
#### Efforts Intensify to Preserve Yumana Cultural Heritage in Baja California
Recent discussions have underscored the need to preserve the cultural heritage of the Yumana communities in Baja California. Initiatives are being considered to create dedicated cultural spaces and educational programs that highlight the significance of these indigenous peoples.
The preservation of Yumana rock art is also becoming a focal point for local activists and historians. Measures are being taken to ensure that these ancient artworks receive national attention and protection.
Moreover, collaborative efforts are being made to involve the Yumana community directly in these preservation projects, thereby providing them with both representation and a platform to share their cultural narratives with a broader audience.
These combined efforts aim to not only safeguard Yumana heritage but also to increase public awareness and education regarding the ancient origins and contributions of these native communities to the region.