Denver Healing Generations helps Mexican American teens with ancient teachings [Video]

DENVER — Mexican American teenagers facing troubles and traumas are finding a new path forward, through ancient Indigenous teachings at the Denver Healing Generations program.

“You carry the baggage, the cargas, but you also have the blessings and the gifts,” said John Perez, who helps lead the group. “Well-being and self-care is rooted in all of the work that we do.”

Many of the youth joining the group have been disengaged at school or had run-ins with the criminal justice system.

Denver Healing Generations helps these young people cope with their traumas and create balance and purpose in their lives. They do this through ceremonial practices and Indigenous teachings tracing back to the Mexica, the original inhabitants of what is now Mexico.

“Our ancestors have been doing this for thousands of years in terms of healing our community,” said Perez. But these coping mechanisms …