I was born in Cofradía, Mezquitán, Durango. I am the daughter of a Mestizo and Huichol and I moved to Puerto Vallarta when I married Higinio Bautista, a native of San Andrés Coamiata, Mezquitic, Jalisco.
We like to live in Puerto Vallarta because it is a quiet place compared to other places in Mexico. Here we have found employment, security and tranquility. A few years ago after much hard work and dedication, we opened our own crafts store called "Niuweme", which means The Big House.
Overall, Mexico suffers from violence, crime, theft which is worrying because sooner or later it will affect us all. We need a good government that is not so corrupt, because the history of government corruption has made Mexico the way it is. The government does what it wants and the taxes charged are too high.
We need more jobs and more and better housing for everyone. We need a government that truly cares for people. And ideally we should have more support for children, orphans and mothers.
For example, in Real de Catorce in San Luis Potosi, people with money are taking away our sacred Huichol cultural sites for buildings. We are pushed aside while the rich enjoy the benefits. We do not have access to anything.
But there is the other part of Mexico, like the mountains green with thick pine and oak. My favorite place in Puerto Vallarta is the Paso Ancho, because at any time of year it is green.
It feels good to be Mexican because we have a lot of culture, music and great food. Many ask me what would be a typical meal Huichol, I always tell them tamales with tejuino.
Written by María Inés Jaime Ramos for Caras de Mexico. Click here to read more articles examining Mexican identity.