Mexico Now Leads Indigenous Language Institute

Adelfo Regino Montes of Mexico accepted the rotating presidency of the Ibero-American Institute of Indigenous Languages (IIALI) from Colombia. He then called for political and economic strategies to protect the linguistic wealth of Mexico and Latin America. Regino noted many languages are disappearing due to colonialism, discrimination, racism, and historical exclusion.

The IIALI includes Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and Bolivia, alongside seven observer countries. It collaborates with governments, indigenous communities, and academics to support policies protecting indigenous languages. Regino highlighted a recent Mexican constitutional reform recognizing indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples with rights to preserve their languages.

Mexico is investing 150 million pesos to create 400 community centers. The previous IIALI president, Saia Vergara, cautioned that securing consistent funding and lasting partnerships remains the institute’s biggest challenge. Regino will hold the IIALI presidency for two years, continuing this work.