#133. "Her Autobiography - An Account of Her Last Years and Her Ethnobotanic Contributions" by Delfina Cuero

When understanding the history of America, indigenous perspectives are often overlooked. On top of a rich history that goes far beyond what is taught in schools, their stories have been in contrast to more socially accepted development. Among the interesting stories that should be discussed more is Deflina Cuero, whose autobiography exists less as a reason to celebrate her but to explain struggles she has faces as Southern California and Mexico have changed over the years. Following a visit to Baja California, she finds herself trapped due to visa issues, causing conversations over whether indigenous tribes should be forced to follow the laws of more contemporary cultures. After all, Baja was a place Cuero visited not so much for travel but for survival. In such a short space, she manages to convey a political matter worthy of more discussion, especially as it relates to border laws. 
To get the obvious out of the way, this isn't written with any conventional narrative formalities. This is presented as a spoken word piece, transcribed by the author to reflect Cuero's life as naturally as possible. She grew up in the San Diego area and describes how her family moved around for food depending on the weather and months. There's discussion of rituals that reflect significant passages in one's life. As far as being a glimpse into this world, it's a straightforward read that will give general readers an understanding of why someone would travel as frequently. The loving description of nature and connection to environment allows for certain endearment to form, creating a recognition that Cuero is dependent on the land. Her trips to Baja are designed as something greater than scenic viewing. They are crucial to her survival.

For example, there's certain animals that she can only hunt in Baja. She is dependent as much for eating as she is finding a community to connect with. There is a need to do these rituals so that she doesn't lose contact with her tribe. However, the suggestion that border laws will keep her from traveling freely begin to open a whole host of matters. Should Native Americans be forced to choose one side of this invisible wall, or should they be politically allowed to wander where they need? It's a matter that more industrialized cultures haven't had to consider and it helps to add a provocation to the text. Cuero's story is full of interesting hurdles that also suggest that matters aren't just historic. Even if Cuero's work is decades old, it's still an ongoing matter that could do with more consideration.

To put it simply, Delfina Cuero's story is one that's reflective of a lot of indigenous people. As white settlers and missionaries have taken their land, their search for continual safety remains difficult. There is a need to recognize the problems and begin to resolve them in a meaningful manner. While it's likely that there's too much damage to fully remove the stigma, effort can still be made to accommodate and even make future generations more comfortable on the land they have inhabited for centuries and even millennia. The conversation needs to shift, and that can start by reading perspectives that can make one more empathetic to those whose struggles aren't as widely reported. There is a need for tolerance, acceptance, and a chance to be something greater in the future.