Héctor Palala Martínez is the designer and co-creator of this project. Originally from Guatemala, he is a teacher currently residing and studying in Lincoln, Nebraska. Read more about him here

Youth co-researchers contributed as co-authors of the poems and narratives, participated in analysis, and reviewed the findings. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

The Mayan Ajkem tzij​​​​​​​ Language Project is dedicated to documenting and actively integrating Mayan languages into K-12 education within the Guatemalan Mayan diaspora in Nebraska, aiming to enhance multilingual literacy through innovative digital technologies. Anchored in the Abya Yala framework, which centers indigenous knowledge, the project emphasizes the experiences of Mayan-speaking students to develop culturally responsive curricula that support young multilingual learners.

Students play a crucial role in cultural preservation by co-creating digital narratives that blend traditional Mayan languages with cultural elements. The project produces comprehensive bilingual resources, including web-based materials, student-generated content, and existing Indigenous language resources, such as the YouVersion Bible app in Mayan languages, originally developed for Christian missionaries, all adapted for educational use. 

Through fostering student-led content creation and cultural exchange, the project not only highlights the experiences of the Mayan diaspora but also addresses educational inequities through transnational approaches. This initiative reimagines literacy instruction by leveraging students' linguistic and cultural knowledge, developing adaptive learning frameworks that bridge Mayan and U.S. educational contexts, and ultimately empowering young multilinguals to navigate complex academic challenges.

Digital Humanities | Nebraska (unl.edu)

This project is intricately connected to my doctoral dissertation, which is aligned with the YPAR Raices program at UNL. Indigenous research goes beyond mere reciprocity, emphasizing deep respect, cultural context, and a keen awareness of power dynamics (Sonday et al., 2020; Zinga & Styres, 2019). From Fall 2022 through Spring 2024, I engaged in close collaboration with Mayan students at Wakefield Community School through the YPAR Raices program, building meaningful relationships while addressing critical educational challenges.

In the spirit of Abya Yala, I strive to honor the cultural practices, traditions, and values of the Mayan K'iche' and Q'anjob'al communities. While my mixed Indigenous and Spanish heritage offers a distinct viewpoint, I approach this research with humility, recognizing the unique cultural contexts of these communities and maintaining a sincere willingness to learn.

UNL Project RAÍCES Scholars Program | College of Education and Human Sciences

Special thanks to Miss Ann Knust and Alejandra Aguirre, dedicated teachers at Wakefield Community School, and to the incredible students who participated in the YPAR Raices project. Your support and commitment made this project possible. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey.

Mary McClymont award

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the Mary McClymont Award. I want to thank the Department of Political Science, the Hitchcock Family Chair in Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, and the Director of the Forsythe Family Program on Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for their support in enhancing this work.