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FEBRUARY 26, 2001

Citizens of Indian descent comprise a majority of the population in Mexico but historically, Indians have been treated as second-class citizen and have been the subject of ridicule, criticism, and jokes -- even in the popular media.

Xochitl Gomez, the country's first director of indigenous affairs and a successful businesswoman, says she was fired from her first job because of her Indian accent. Others say they are ignored based on identification with their indigenous roots.

Unlike American Indians and Alaska Natives in the United States and Aboriginals in Canada, there is no legally defined status of "Indian" in Mexico. Languages were once forbidden to be taught in schools and local customs were frowned upon. A new self-determination bill Fox has sent to Congress would give greater control to Indian communities in governing their affairs.

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Mexico's invisible issue: Although most say there is no racism, 'Indio' is an insult (AP 2/26)