Rigoberta Menchú Tum is an indigenous Guatemalan woman, of the K’iche’ ethnic group.
Menchú has dedicated her life publicizing the rights of Guatemala’s indigenous peoples during and after the Guatemalan Civil War (1960–1996), and to promote indigenous rights in the country.
Menchú received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992 and the Prince of Asturias Award in 1998.She is also a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
Born: January 9, 1959 (age 56), Laj Chimel
We are not myths of the past, ruins in the jungle, or zoos. We are people and we want to be respected, not to be victims of intolerance and racism.
We have learned that change cannot come through war. War is not a feasible tool to use in fighting against the oppression we face. War has caused more problems. We cannot embrace that path.
I am like a drop of water on a rock. After drip, drip, dripping in the same place, I begin to leave a mark, and I leave my mark in many people’s hearts.
Take 10 minutes for reflection, and think about what you want to do with your day.
What I treasure most in life is being able to dream.During my most difficult moments and complex situations I have been able to dream of a more beautiful future.
This world’s not going to change unless we’re willing to change ourselves.
What I treasure most in life is being able to dream. During my most difficult moments and complex situations I have been able to dream of a more beautiful future.
To be a light to others you will need a good dose of the spiritual life. Because as my mother used to say, if you are in a good place, then you can help others; but if you’re not well, then go look for somebody who is in a good place who can help you.
It’s important to not get caught up to think it’s all going to be better someday, tomorrow; it’s important to say it’s going to be better today. If I can help an elderly person today, that will help me live more fully. Consequently, you then realize that to help someone is not a dream out there but is something that is very do-able.
Peace cannot exist without justice, justice cannot exist without fairness, fairness cannot exist without development, development cannot exist without democracy, democracy cannot exist without respect for the identity and worth of cultures and peoples.
In our culture, peace is not a synonym for war; it’s a quality of life. It’s the strongest inspiration for happiness among people. Unfortunately weapons, arms, racism, war, oppression of human beings turn peace into a synonym with war. The cause has turned out [to be]… social inequality. That inequality affects all levels of peoples’ rights and the environment.
I wasn’t the only orphan in Guatemala. There are many others, and it’s not my grief alone, it’s the grief of a whole people.
The people are the only ones capable of transforming society.
We say no to the peace that keeps us on our knees, no to the peace that keeps us in chains, no to the false peace that denies the values and contributions of our peoples.
I resolutely believe that respect for diversity is a fundamental pillar in the eradication of racism, xenophobia and intolerance. There is no excuse for evading the responsibility of finding the most suitable path toward the elimination of any expression of discrimination against indigenous peoples.
