User talk:ErikaSmith23/sandbox

The entire Yaqui territory is comprised of three distinct areas: a mountainous area (Sierra de Bacatete), a fishing area (Guásimas and Lions Bay) and cropland (the Yaqui Valley). Today the population reaches about 32,000 habitants, having been significantly reduced because of the wars they fought for their survival for more than 50 years. At the end of the 19th century, under the government of Porfirio Diaz, they were confronted and many were deported to plantations in Yucatan and Quintana Roo. Many of them returned to their homeland on foot, and others immigrated to Arizona (United States) in order to escape the repression of the Mexican government. The Yaqui population in Arizona is currently about 8,000 habitants and the tribe is recognized by the United States government.

Today, in addition to the inhabitants of the traditional Yaqui area, other groups are found within different cities of the state of Sonora. Since they did not return to their villages, they form their own colonies inside of various prominent cities. In the capital of Sonora, the city of Hermosillo, colonies such as La Matanza, El Coloso and Sarmiento are known as Yaqui Districts. These are places in which the inhabitants make an effort to conserve the traditions and cultural roots or the Yaqui nation.

Housing generally is composed of three rectangular sections: the bedroom and the kitchen, which have floors made of wood supports, walls made of woven reeds, and a roof of reeds coated with thick layers of earth; in addition to a living room called “portal” made of branches, in which they spend a large part of the day, especially during the hot season. The patio is used for raising animals and, in the more remote areas, is where the latrine is installed, which is built with the same material as the houses.