In a heartfelt initiative aimed at honoring Mexico’s Indigenous heritage, the historic Paso de Cortés is now officially renamed Paso de los Pueblos Indígenas. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced this significant change during the launch of the 2026 National Reforestation Campaign. This designation recognizes the territory originally traversed and cherished by Indigenous communities long before the arrival of Spanish conquistadors. As part of this effort, Sheinbaum highlighted the importance of acknowledging the rich history and contributions of these communities, particularly as this change coincides with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
By shifting the name, the government emphasizes the deep cultural significance of the region, which has often been overlooked. Sheinbaum noted that such changes are essential for fostering a more inclusive narrative of the country’s past. During the same event, a decree was signed to establish the second Sunday in August as National Reforestation Day, reinforcing the commitment to environmental restoration. On this inaugural day, over 241,000 participants planted more than six million trees and dispersed significant amounts of seeds, including through the innovative use of drones in hard-to-reach areas.
The ambitious plan aims to plant 1.5 billion trees and seeds over the next four years, representing a comprehensive approach to both ecological restoration and recognition of Indigenous contributions to the nation’s identity. This initiative reflects a growing awareness and respect for the environmental and cultural legacies of Mexico’s Indigenous peoples, promising a future that honors both the land and its original stewards.