Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo stated this Friday that her government is considering legal action to stop the cultural appropriation by Adidas and designer Willy Chavarría, who launched the “Oaxaca Slip On” model footwear, inspired by traditional huarache sandals from Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, Oaxaca, without the community’s authorization.
“We are looking into the legal aspects to support the communities. Many times, large companies take products, ideas, designs from Indigenous communities in our country. In fact, we are working on a law to provide guarantees beyond what already exists. In a way, they are usurping the creativity of an Indigenous people,” Sheinbaum said during her morning press conference.
Deputy Minister of Cultural Development Marina Núñez Bespalova reported that Adidas has already contacted the government of Oaxaca and will begin talks with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the National Copyright Institute (Indautor).
“These talks will primarily focus on reparation for the community that was plagiarized and experienced this cultural appropriation,” she said.
Sheinbaum stressed that the goal is to reach a settlement, given that this is a case involving “collective intellectual property” protected under the Cultural Heritage Law. “If these talks do not resolve the matter, we are already considering legal action,” she warned.
Rejection from Oaxaca
The Oaxaca Department of Cultures and the Arts (SECULTA) condemned the use of cultural elements without prior consent, noting that this violates collective rights and contravenes the Federal Law for the Protection of the Cultural Heritage of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Peoples and Communities.
“This action erases the true creators of cultural heritage and reproduces historical dynamics of dispossession,” the state government department stated, demanding:
• The immediate suspension of the commercialization of the “Oaxaca Slip On” model.
• The initiation of a dialogue and reparations process with the Yalalag community.
• Public recognition of the cultural origin of the designs used.
SECULTA underscored that the culture of Indigenous peoples “is not a resource available to be exploited without respect or reciprocity” and reaffirmed its commitment to defending the living heritage of Oaxaca.
This case joins a series of recent incidents that have reignited debate on the need for stronger laws to protect collective intellectual property and prevent international corporations from profiting off Indigenous creations without recognition or benefits for the communities involved.
Related: Oaxaca Demands an End to Cultural Appropriation of Indigenous Designs by Adidas and Willy Chavarría
Mexican Press Agency is part of ALMA, which is dedicated to news and information about Mexico and Mexicans in the United States and is a fiscally sponsored project of Social Focus, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Redwood City, California.
