Campo Santo Project
In collaboration with the community, the Cihuapactli Collective (CC) intends to develop a Wellness Center (health clinic) and Food Forest (fresh foods) near 12th Street and Broadway. The CC has been given Stewardship of the Campo Santo Mexicano Cemetery and surrounding land. We intend to foster a healing environment in the heart of South Phoenix that prioritizes access to culturally relevant food and healthcare services.
Why this Land?
The Campo Santo Mexicano Cemetery dates back to the 1890’s, when the land was still Mexico. This cemetery is home to families of farmers and ranchers that lived in the area and worked the land. Over the past 44 years, this land has been protected from the pressures of development by devoted community members such as Timoteo Diaz and organizations such as Pioneers' Cemetery Association.
In 2022, Councilman Carlos Garcia of District 8 requested the CC become a caretaker of the cemetery, due to our Indigenous and spiritually centered values in caring for the community from womb to tomb. The CC is dedicated to honoring those buried in the cemetery and supporting the ongoing efforts of community advocates in the restoration and beautification of the site.
The cemetery lies within a 6.9 acre lot that is owned by a developer. The City of Phoenix promised the Cihuapactli Collective and the cemetery caretakers to do a land swap with the developers to then officially deed the land to the CC. The intention is to properly fence the cemetery and provide visual recognition with a walkway so relatives can visit their ancestors. Additionally, the CC intends to build a food forest and wellness center next to the cemetery on the rest of the acreage to serve the South Phoenix community through ancestral healing practices. However, after 2 years they are still waiting for the deed.
Our Vision
The CC aspires to create a space where families and communities can thrive. We aim to foster an environment that promotes connection to community, land, self, health, and wellness. The creation of a Food Forest and Wellness Center will support a regenerative food and healing system that addresses health and well-being among Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC). We will accomplish this by integrating traditional knowledge with modern practices. The Wellness Center intends to improve access to general healthcare services from multiple types of providers with an emphasis on empowering individuals to take ownership of their health. The Food Forest will grow nutrient-dense, culturally relevant foods that promote mental and physical wellness at the individual, family and community level.
Our Goals
Cultivate relationships with local community members, elders, knowledge keepers, and organizations who are currently serving the South Phoenix community
Utilize regenerative growing practices that uplift Traditional Knowledge and increase access to culturally relevant foods
Increase access to traditional and culturally sensitive healthcare with an emphasis on prevention of chronic diseases (e.g.: diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, and more)
About Us
The Cihuapactli Collective is a non-profit that supports urban Indigenous families from womb to tomb. Now in our 8th year, our focus has evolved to address four key bundles:
Cultural Revitalization & Education
Birth Equity & Reproductive Justice
Food Justice & Land Restoration
Mental Health & Integrative Wellness
News Stories
More information on the Campo Santo Mexicano Cemetery (Also known as Sotelo-Heard):
2018: AZ Republic Article
2020: AZCentral Article
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If you are a South Phoenix resident and would like to give feedback on this project, please take this survey below.
How else can you help?
Become a sustaining donor to support this work
Join our volunteer database
Help us canvas our community needs assessment survey to South Phoenix residents
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Contact Us
If you are interested in being in conversation with the Cihuapactli Collective please subscribe to our newsletter or reach out to us at: WellnessCenter@CihuapactliCollective.org.
The intended location of the Wellness Center and Food Forest:
4545 S 12th St, Phoenix, AZ 85040
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