Artist snapshot: Casa Salud Huichol, is a nonprofit supporting the Wixaritari. It provides a home away from home for Wixaritari seeking medical treatment and their family members and also offers health education and therapeutic activities.

Why we love it: These pieces are made by a variety of family members/artists as their own therapy and to support a great cause.

Casa de Salud Huichol’s magic: Creation, contribution and community are essential elements of our whole health. Every piece embodies this principle.

Integral Health, Art and Human Rights Let the Light Bloom at the Asociación para la Investigación Capacitación y Asistencia Wixárica, (AICAW AC) with its operative body CASA DE SALUD HUICHOL supporting the Wixaritaris communities through integral health.

Casa de Salud Huichol shared this description of their organization and services with us.

CASA DE SALUD HUICHOL is a shelter that has integrated health services for Wixaritaris families in Zapopan, Jalisco. Founded 40 years ago, its innovative model is still ahead of its time.

This shelter supports the Wixaritari by providing services (food, lodging, cleaning services) to families who are referred by their local health care providers in the northern highlands of the state of Jalisco (Wixaritari indigenous zone) to the city to receive health care services in Guadalajara and Zapopan.

In addition to the shelter, it has a participatory workshop within the Association that supports family members so that during their stay they can develop their art and crafts. The Association links through social networks so that the family members can have the opportunity to offer their items for sale.

The Association, through its operating body CASA DE SALUD HUICHOL, organizes events throughout the year to benefit the community and raise awareness about the Wixaritari culture.

The Association also supports the traditional healing remedies of the Wixarica and offers training workshops on herbalism. At a recent program, community members learned about the benefits of "Las Maestras Plantas," or teacher plants. A knowledgeable guide explained the appropriate soil constitution, water and sunlight necessary for various plants. The guide then explained their traditional healing values For example, "Ortiga," Stinging Nettle, has traditionally been considered an anti-inflammatory that improves circulation. These teaching events are offered free to the community by the Association. 

The founder of the Association, Rocio Echevarria Ortiz, came into contact with the Wixarica people in 1972 as a general nurse at the Tatei Kie health center as part of a federal government plan to bring health services to the indigenous territory.

During her stay in the community, she developed a deep understanding of their culture and health needs and gained their trust.

She founded CASA DE SALUD HUICHOL in 1983 in response to a request for support from the Wixaritaris Traditional Authorities.

"We believe that the Wixaritari culture, as well as other indigenous communities, bring us teachings worth protecting," she says.

The workshop develops products made by hand by the indigenous Wixarikas staying at the lodge. Ms. Marina Torres directs the arts and crafts program and is a wonderful ambassador of the culture.

The Association is supported by foundations and corporations such as Fundación Dr. Simi, Verde Valle, Pastelería Marisa, CompuSoluciones y Asociados, Morena Corazón, Asian Classic Institute, Fuegto Azul Art.

The Association understands the uses and customs of the Wixarica culture and adapts the attention it provides to these traditions giving them dignity and the human right to health. The AICAW AC Association aims to link the secretaries who are in charge of health care and also the direct link with the hospitals that have indigenous modules with bilingual staff to help them integrate into western health care.

The Association also has deductible receipts for those who need to deduct their donations. You can donate directly at https://casahuichol.com/.

AICAW AC General Offices
Beatriz Hernandez #1354 Col. Zoquipan C.P. 45170
Zapopan Jalisco Mexico
Phone 3331267674 /5003
aicawac@gmail.com

Photo: Founder of Casa Salud Huichol, Rocio Echevarria Ortiz, in front of mural at Casa Salud Huichol