Founder and Executive Director of Chinampa Temachtiani

I am Sara Emma Sandoval Hernandez. I was born in Kumeyaay Territory- Tijuana, Mexico, and raised in the United States. My lineage on my mother’s side is from the Peoples of Chihuahua, MX, and on my father’s side, Nahua - Xochimilca. My family has lived in Xochimilco for countless generations. I am the great-niece of our elder chinampera, Doña Susana ‘Marina’ Sandoval. I have spent much of my adult life fighting for justice, defending Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and protecting Mother Earth. I have been in service to those who left their homelands for safety and survival, only to find themselves in danger, subjected to racism, cruelty, and abuse at the US/Mexico border. These experiences, my many years of social activism, and being inspired by Indigenous movements have led me to realize the importance of contributing to economic growth and environmental stability in my homelands, so that if someone from my ancestral pueblo had a choice, staying home could be a reality. With this project I hope to achieve this and many more positive outcomes in Xochimilco.

Eco-tour Collaborator and recipient of volunteer support (Chinampa Nantli)

Chinampa Temachtiani is grateful for the collaboration with Omar Peña at Chinampa Nantli. Growing up in Xochimilco and living there his entire life, Omar is a proud Xochimilca and has a vast knowledge of everything Xochimilco, from history, culture, to the best tacos stands! But more notably, he has mastered combining traditional chinampa farming with innovative methods, creating a balance of ancestral knowledge and modern techniques that benefit the ecosystem. Omar truly honors and loves his ancestral lands and it reflects in his hard work at land preservation, water conservation and Axolotl protection.

Community Organizer (Chinampa Temachtiani)

Lilia has lived in Barrio Belem, Xochimilco her entire life and comes from a long line of Xochimilcas. She has a gift for uniting people for a purpose. Her strong sense of community makes people trust and listen to her wise words and leadership. She is a mathematician who tutors students of all ages in Xochimilco. She is blessed to be the daughter of Doña Susana ‘Marina’ Sandoval.

Respected Elder (Chinampa Temachtiani)

Chinampera / productora / floricultura / Xochimilca. At 86, She grows plants from seed and has been a chinampera her entire life. She remembers Xochimilco when the men dressed traditionally, “de calzoncitos” as she says, when the Axolotls were abundant in the canals, and when the houses were made of straw roofs and mud walls. She is fierce and dedicated to saving her land, water, and traditions. She is our teacher.

Co-Director and Content Creator.

Tochtli watered the seeds of this project to make it what it is today. They have experience in farming and community organizing while expanding their knowledge of tree health, restoration and navigating climate change. Her family are traditional corn farmers and marble workers from a rural community in southern Puebla, just a few hours south of Xochimilco! They are lead by their ancestors in the work they do and strive to combine ancestral wisdom with current efforts of caring for the earth. When they aren't working to support community members they are studying birth work and herbal medicines or crafting at home.