We are proud to share our first Lobo Youth Summit report, highlighting the incredible work of the Yum Kaax Noreste students who are using art, culture, and storytelling to advocate for the Mexican gray wolf. Their dedication reminds us that, in the face of uncertainty, education and action remain our most powerful tools.

Progress was made by the Yum Kaax Noreste students! Following a virtual meeting with the Secretaría de Centros Comunitarios, they received approval to move forward with their Mexican wolf exhibition and educational workshop. An in-person meeting with the Macrocentro Comunitario San Bernabé further solidified event logistics, confirming the space, materials, and support available for their exhibition.

A designated contact from the Secretaría de Centros Comunitarios assisted with art workshops during exhibition week, helping bring the wolf’s story to life through creative expression. The students also collaborated with Asociación Civil Zihuame Mochilla, connecting with four Indigenous collectives to explore cultural perspectives on the Mexican wolf:

• BII Nahuas (Nahua, Otomí, and Huasteca)
• Arte y Cultura La Esperanza (Mixtec)
• Alianza Otomí (Otomí women)
• RAMI Intercultural (Nahua and Otomí women)

While most collectives had migrated from ancestral lands, they were still able to share profound insights into their relationships with local flora and fauna. Arte y Cultura La Esperanza revealed rich Mixtec stories about the wolf as a guardian of the ecosystem, believed to unsettle hunters with its gaze and discourage its hunting. They also showcased the wolf’s presence in traditional crafts and paintings, including beautifully detailed alebrijes depicting the wolves in vibrant colors.

This collaboration is deepening their understanding of the wolf’s cultural significance and strengthening connections between conservation and Indigenous knowledge. We look forward to sharing more stories and artwork in the coming months.