Mexico renames 'Paso de Cortés' to honor indigenous peoples, establishes reforestation day

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has officially renamed the historic "Paso de Cortés" to "Paso de los Pueblos Indígenas" (Pass of the Indigenous Peoples). The change, announced on the International Day of Indigenous Peoples, acknowledges the pre-Hispanic routes used by indigenous communities long before the arrival of Spanish conquistadors.

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It turns out we are at the so-called Paso de Cortés. It was through here that Hernán Cortés, after the Cholula massacre, passed towards Tenochtitlán. And today I propose that we stop calling this territory Paso de Cortés, because the peoples passed through here much earlier. So today, International Day of Indigenous Peoples, let's call this pass, the Pass of the Indigenous Peoples.

The renaming ceremony took place near the Popocatépetl volcano, a significant site for indigenous cultures. Sheinbaum stated that the path was used by indigenous peoples for centuries before Hernán Cortés passed through it on his way to Tenochtitlán after the Cholula massacre. "Today, International Day of Indigenous Peoples, let's call this pass, the Pass of the Indigenous Peoples," she declared.

In addition to the renaming, President Sheinbaum signed a decree establishing the second Sunday of August each year as the National Reforestation Day. This initiative aims to promote environmental conservation and restoration efforts across the country.

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It is there that historically, for hundreds of years, for thousands of years, the conservation of nature was shown. It was recognized that there could be no development, as we call it today, without caring for the environment and natural resources.

She emphasized the historical role of indigenous communities in preserving Mexico's natural resources, noting that areas managed by these communities are often the most conserved. The government's "Sembrando Vida" (Sowing Life) program aligns with this vision, recognizing the deep connection between indigenous peoples and environmental stewardship. The reforestation day saw participation from over 400,000 planters, members of the armed forces, national guard, navy, state governors, and numerous citizens, highlighting a collective commitment to conservation.

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This is not only the task of indigenous peoples, it is the task of all of us to conserve our territory, to reforest. Martí said that he who planted a tree changed history.