We, the Mayan people of Guatemala, who make up 87% of the population, today continue to suffer from and survive the terrorism of the Spanish, English and French invasions which continue to date.

It has been brought to our attention that the auctioneers “Millon” in Paris, with the support of the French government, is planning to auction off several Mayan artefacts stolen from the people and which are our legacy from our ancestors. I know that for the Spanish, British and French people, we Mayan no longer exist. They are burying us alive because we still exist. 

I know that you believe in human good. It hurts you when someone from the Middle East sets off bombs in your country as an act of revenge for the terrorism of the presidents of France and other invading countries in their countries of origin. Now, I would like you to put your hands on your conscience because the Spaniards, English, and French kill us, rape and plunder us just for being Mayan. We, the Mayan people, experience the terrorism of these three countries every day, but at no time have we ever harmed them or taken revenge. Today, they are killing thousands of Mayan children every day in conjunction with their seed born in our Mayan land, but it seems that killing Mayan children is not enough. Instead of giving back to the Mayan people the plundered artefacts and heritage they have stolen from us, they amass wealth through our plundered art, gold, silver and diamonds.

Please, we ask that the Spaniards, English, and French put their hands on their consciences and seek peace and good. I believe that they have talents and gifts. They were not created to terrorize, slaughter, torture or rape the native peoples of the world. I think there is still some light in their hearts. Please, return our work out of love of respect, love of peace.

We have seen in their auction catalogues that France has many of our pieces just as the governments of those 3 countries have much of our art, gold, silver, and diamonds. Simply return them to us and let us all walk on the path of peace and not a peace simply for the perpetrators. Please do not return them to the racist invader government we have but to us the Mayan people directly and we will send a delegation to pick them up. Another option would be to return them via Rigoberta Menchu ​​Tum, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and representative of the Mayan people internationally. May the Light, the air and love keep each one of you safe.

Sincerely: AMOR Guatemala, Human rights activist, Arnulfo Fernando Gomez Oxlaj and the Mayan people