The Ministry of Culture and Sports provided support for the realization of a "National Meeting of Indigenous Authorities", in Sololá on the 17th of February 2009. This support was in accordance to one of the commitments made by the Ministry of Culture and Sports to Mayan authorities and leaders of the religious fraternities (Cofradías) of Sololá.
This reunion was held as part of fulfilling the commitments made by the government during the Council's accountability program "Governing with the people, Sololá", which took place in that department on January 17, 2009.
The commitments by the government were made to promote and strengthen the recognition of indigenous authorities. The recognition, promotion and protection of indigenous authorities has been a key issue that has not been addressed with enough effort in previous governments. The recognition of the indigenous Mayan authority has been a demand of the Mayan population for a long time.
During the event, held at the Mayor's Hall in the town of Sololá, an important documentary on indigenous authorities was presented to the Mayan leaders.
In the meeting, traditional ceremonial outfits where provided for leaders of 100 religious fraternities (Cofradías) of the towns of Sololá , Panajachel, Nahualá and Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán.