Chicanos: Native to This Land
A History Erased
Long before the establishment of the United States, this land was home to thriving civilizations like the Aztecs, the Mayans, and countless Indigenous tribes. The regions we now know as California, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and beyond were part of Mexico before the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. This treaty ended the Mexican-American War, ceding nearly half of Mexico’s territory to the U.S. Overnight, Mexican citizens became foreigners in their own land—a historical truth often ignored.
The border didn’t just divide nations; it disrupted lives, cultures, and families. It’s crucial to recognize that Chicanos—those of Mexican descent born or raised in the United States—are not immigrants to this land. We are heirs to its original stewards.
The Myth of the Immigrant
Popular narratives often paint Mexican Americans as outsiders or newcomers, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Chicano identity is deeply tied to the land itself. From the deserts of Arizona to the hills of California, our ancestors have walked these terrains for centuries. The plants, rivers, and mountains remember us because they are part of our collective story.
The myth of the immigrant serves a purpose: to erase Indigenous and ancestral ties to this land. It creates a narrative that justifies exclusion, marginalization, and systemic oppression. But acknowledging the truth—that Chicanos are native to this land—reshapes the conversation entirely.
Cultural Resilience
Despite attempts to erase our history, Chicano culture thrives. It is in the art of muralists like Diego Rivera and the poetry of figures like Gloria Anzaldúa. It is in the vibrant celebrations of Día de los Muertos and the spoken word of lowrider cruises. Our culture stands as a testament to our deep roots and resilience.
Reclaiming our narrative means taking pride in this heritage. It means teaching our children that they are not outsiders but inheritors of a legacy that predates colonialism. It means telling the stories that mainstream history books omit.
What This Means Today
Acknowledging that Chicanos are native to this land is not just about correcting historical inaccuracies—it’s about empowerment. When we claim our roots, we also claim our right to be heard, to participate, and to lead. We affirm that we belong here, not as guests, but as rightful members of this land’s history and future.
As we continue to fight for justice, equity, and representation, let us never forget where we come from. Let us remember that our history is not defined by borders, but by the strength and spirit of our people.
We are Chicanos. We are native to this land. And we are here to stay.
