Natün elevates and strengthens Indigenous leadership, participation, rights, and capacity – enabling Maya communities to weave their own paths toward a just and dignified life in the Lake Atitlán region of Guatemala.
Through community-led programs in Education, Nutrition & Health, and Economic Development – interwoven with a systemic approach through our Strategic Threads – Natün works alongside local leaders to address deep-rooted discrimination and underinvestment in Maya communities, advancing culturally-relevant solutions for Indigenous autonomy and ethnodevelopment.
Indigenous autonomy:
Indigenous communities not only participate in, but also lead, the processes that affect their lives, recognizing and exercising individual and collective rights in an environment of equity, justice, and equality.
Ethnodevelopment:
A development model driven by Indigenous people and based on respect for, and strengthening of, Indigenous cultural identity, forms of community organization, and a harmonious relationship with nature.
A Path to Meaningful Change
Our Programs
Our community-led programs address systemic barriers in Maya communities and are strengthened by our Strategic Threads
Nutrition & Health Program
Improves the nutrition and health of women and children through a holistic approach that strengthens prevention, self-care, and the availability of healthy foods.
Education Program
Fosters the personal, community, and social development of children and adolescents by strengthening their leadership, communication, identity, science and technology skills, through culturally relevant curricula and the active participation of families.
Economic Development Program
Improves community economic autonomy, through capacity building in entrepreneurship and business skills, with technical and financial support.
2025: Maya-Led Transformation in Action
0
strategic partnerships formed with local institutions to strengthen impact and collaboration0
communities began strategic actions for the conservation of forests and natural water sources0
female Promotoras strengthened community leadership skills and did research projects on ancestral Maya knowledge0%
of new female-led businesses are creating employment opportunities for others in their communities$0
saved by women in Savings Groups across 14 communities0
youth commissions formed with community advocacy plans presented to local authoritiesSupport Indigenous-Led Ethnodevelopment
Summary of Strategy
Where We Work and Why
Natün works in the department of Sololá, in the Western Highlands of Guatemala, where 96% of the population is Indigenous and the region is rich in Maya culture. Despite this strength, generations of historical exclusion, underfunded systems, and deep inequities have limited opportunity – particularly for Maya women and youth – and 76% of the population lives in poverty. That’s why we work alongside rural Indigenous communities as they lead efforts to build opportunity, equity, and dignity.
Preserving Maya Traditions:
Integrating Maya ancestral knowledge and practices into every program to guide sustainable, community-rooted ethnodevelopment.
Capacity Development:
Expanding local leadership, skills and capacity to drive long-term Indigenous led systemic change.
Community-Led Approach:
All programs are co-developed and implemented with Maya leaders, and other regional stakeholders, centering community priorities and decision-making.
Resource Optimization:
Strategic resource use maximizes impact and supports community priorities through accountable, efficient partnerships and processes.
Holistic Development:
Advancing interconnected strategies addressing root causes and strengthening education, health, economic, and cultural wellbeing.
Our Partners
Receive updates on Natün’s programs, stories, events, and impact of your donations.
Live the Experience
At Natün, we believe in the transformative nature of immersive travel that fosters authentic connections and mutual respect. Our thoughtfully designed experience trips offer you the chance to explore the rich Maya culture, engage in environmental conservation, and participate in community-led initiatives around the breathtaking Lake Atitlán region.
Updates and Stories
The Next Five Years Begin Here: Community Leadership for Lasting Change
In the Guatemalan highlands of Sololá, Gabriel, Vice President of the community water committee in Caserío Progreso Xajaxac, stands at […]
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Recognizing and Promoting Indigenous Rights in Guatemala: A Conversation with Juan Cúmes
Recognizing and Promoting Indigenous Rights in Guatemala: A Conversation with Juan Cúmes The rights of Indigenous peoples in Guatemala are […]
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Rooted in Rights: Natün’s Ongoing Commitment to Indigenous Communities
At Natün, Indigenous rights are woven through all our programs—they are the foundation guiding every action we take. Through programs […]
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Natün Guatemala is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. EIN 20-8433997.
