The Indigenous Coachella ceremonial group has long been a mission to provide safe, sacred, and healing space where participants can freely express themselves through Mexica/Aztec dance and culture. A recent grant from Inland Empire Community Foundation through the Community Economic Resilience Fund Program (CERF) is now strengthening the group’s ability to meet the “critical needs” of the community. 

“The grant really enables us to secure building space and expand services, directly impacting individuals by providing a safe, healing environment, and programming,” said Gabriela Armeta, Executive Director of Circulo Azteca Citlaltonac. “Specifically, it allowed us to hire additional staff, purchase necessary equipment, and develop new curricula, resulting in a 50 percent increase in program participation.”  

Improved client satisfaction scores came along with that as did the successful launch of a new community initiative.  

“We feel empowered to make a more significant and lasting positive impact on the lives of those we serve,” Armeta added. 

Other benefits stand out, too. 

As an Indigenous culture and resource center, the organization impacts the “modern world” through integrating ancestral beliefs and fostering a community that embraces diverse traditions and unity.  

“We believe in co-creating a community, as no single person or organization can lead alone,” Armeta said. “Our success is measured by the growth of traditions, not organizational achievements.” 

Through Danza performances—a traditional ceremonial community focused on educating and respecting indigenous traditions while fostering community engagement—the group hopes to educate and leave lasting impressions about its heritage.

“And reaching places our ancestors never imagined,” Armeta added. “Few organizations in our region focus on preserving heritage, and we are honored to contribute to local culture.” 

Armeta founded the organization back in 2007. Now operating primarily from Danza Azteca Citlaltonac Indigenous Cultural Center, the group’s reach extends to teachers, organizations, city staff, and other community members. 

The group has also partnered with The Libros Lincoln Heights bookstore, which supports Latino authors. A portion of book sales is donated to the group’s scholarship fund for high school seniors and undergraduates. 

The actual sacred dance itself is significant. It symbolizes “humanity’s timeless quest for cosmic harmony and unity.” It encompasses both physical and spiritual aspects. Chants are performed during these Aztec Dance rituals.  

The experience has been described as a form of prayer and an all-encompassing way of life if not a unique means to communicate with others. 

The duality inherent in ancient Aztec culture is also on play. One side of the dance is associated with women—nightfall, earth, jaguars, for instance. The other side of the dance is linked to men—eagles, daylight, water. 

Armeta says that entertainment is not the principal objective. It’s really about honoring “the elements,” and forming a link with the cosmos.  

Instruments are also involved, such as the concha de armadillo (armadillo conch) guitar, drums (huehuétl and teponastli), and ankle and hand rattles (ayoyotes and ayacachtlis). Dancers gather and create a kind of corporal expression. This allows a deeper connection with mother nature and the group’s ancestors. 

Creating a safe, inclusive space is vital, Armeta said.  

“Here, participants can learn alternative holistic practices, build community, and address social justice efforts, such as advocacy and mental health, through our Indigenous talking healing circles,” she added. “I love sharing my culture, traditions, and traditional healing practices.” 

Learn more at circulocitlaltonac.com. 

This article originally appeared in the Desert Sun, Februrary, 2025.

Stay up to date on all the good work we’re doing through the power of philanthropy. Sign up for our monthly eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters.

The post Grantee Spotlight: Grant helps Danza Azteca Citlaltonac expand its services appeared first on IECF.