8 CURRENT AND EXTINCT INDIGENOUS GROUPS OF SONORA - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

All indigenous groups in Sonora have unique customs and traditions, and they struggle to maintain their language and cultural heritage, especially among younger generations.

The indigenous people of Sonora have their own history, traditions, economy and values, peculiar ways of maintaining social cohesion.

In this state, the indigenous population represents 11.97% of the total population (Source: XI General Census of Population and Housing, Mexico 1990).

The cultural wealth of indigenous peoples is manifested in the form of organization, use of the territory and adaptation to a hostile environment.

Of the groups that have survived, only three peoples, the Yaquis, Seris and Guajiros, have their own organizations and territories, which they have achieved through long struggles.

You may also be interested in the traditions and customs of Sonora.

The main indigenous groups of Sonora

1- The Yaqui

They keep speaking their native language and call themselves Hiaki or Yoeme which means “people”.

They were involved in constant fights with which they managed to maintain ownership of their territory, which made them be admired and respected. They have a strong sense of tradition and deep religious faith.

2- The Mays

They call themselves "Yoremes", people of the riverbank. It is the largest ethnic group, with 80,000 members.

They live in the Mayo Valley region in southern Sonora. Originally there were eight Mayan towns established by the Jesuits in 1600. Some still exist, such as Camoa, El Júpare, Etchojoa and Pueblo Viejo.

Their language is similar to Yaqui.

Its artisans make weavings on looms, wicker baskets, musical objects, wooden masks, leather objects, belts, saddles, sandals, stools and key rings.

Their customs and traditions are influenced by the world of nature and the Catholic faith. They celebrate various events throughout the year, very colorful and beautiful to observe.

3- Comcáac - Seri

They are fishermen who resided on the coast. They consider Isla Tiburon as sacred land, they lived near coastal areas such as Bahía Kino or Punta Chueca and Desemboque.

They survived centuries to the harsh environment of the desert and the sea. Women have a unique technique for painting their faces and their artisans make beautiful handicrafts.

They were fierce warriors, with great running ability, strength and endurance. Currently there are less than a thousand.

4- Pima - O'ob

They inhabit part of the Sierra Madre Occidental in the Southeast of Sonora. Its main religious rite is to bless the corn crop annually.

5- Papago - Tohono O'odham

They live on the border with the United States of America. Her nation is located in southern Arizona (United States) and northern Sonora.

Linguistically they are linked to the Pima.

6- Guarijío - Makurawe

They reside in southeastern Sonora. They are known for the ceremonies related to the rains.

7- The Cucapá

Village practically extinct. They are located north of Sonora, concentrated mainly in San Luis Río Colorado, a border city.

They are known for their sad ritual ceremonies and cremation of the dead.

8- The Kikapú

They moved from Michigan, United States of America, 100 years ago. There is no native language speaker left.

They had a great variety of rituals and traditions although they have already disappeared.

References:

1. Kate Rogers (2014) Indigenous People of Sonora, Mexico. Storify, Website www.storyfy.com
2. Editor (2015) Sonoran Indigenous Groups. Explore Sonora, Website: www.explore-sonora.com
3. Editor (2017) Ethnography of the May people of Sinaloa and Sonora (yoremes). Government Mexico, Website www.gob.mx
4. Editor (2016) Sonora - Mexico. History.com, Website www.history.com
5. Editor (2015) History of Mexico - State of Sonora. Houston Institute for Culture, Website www.houstonculture.org