Cultural Survival recently published a new edition of its Member Spotlight Series, recognizing individuals who have contributed to advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples. This edition features Ava Berinstein, former Cultural Survival intern (2013–2014) and current Director of Development at the Q’eqchi’ Association Xch’ool Ixim (Heart of Corn).

Bridging Research, Oral Tradition, and Community Education

During her internship with Cultural Survival, Ava collaborated with the Guatemalan Radio Program, focusing on digitizing her collection of 21 Q’eqchi’ legends and rituals, originally recorded on cassette tapes between 1978 and 1980. Her goal was to preserve these narratives and make them accessible by radio, helping strengthen the Q’eqchi’ oral tradition—particularly in communities where elders are the primary guardians of ancestral knowledge.

Thanks to Cultural Survival’s connections, in 2014 part of this collection was broadcast through the Tumul K’in Maya Center in Belize. For many students, it was the first time they heard the origins and meaning of traditional practices, such as the Dance of the Deer.

A Story that Blossomed Ten Years Later

One of Ava’s most meaningful memories comes from that experience. In 2014, she invited students at Tumul K’in to draw scenes inspired by one of the legends. When she told them their artwork would be used to illustrate a future booklet, a young boy asked in disbelief, “You mean we will have a book?” For many, it would have been their first.

Ten years later, in 2024, Ava returned to the center to deliver 30 bilingual Q’eqchi’–English booklets containing the original drawings. For the students—now young adults—it was a powerful moment of recognition and cultural pride.

A Lasting Impact at Xch’ool Ixim

Today, Ava continues her work at the Q’eqchi’ Association Xch’ool Ixim, where she supports the integration of Q’eqchi’ Maya cultural education into primary and secondary school curricula, as well as bilingual teacher training. Her long-standing commitment has directly contributed to the creation of the first local Q’eqchi’ curriculum for 45 communities in the Nimlaha’kok region, supported by the Tinker Foundation, benefiting more than 2,700 students, teachers, parents, and elders.

In 2025, with support from the Tinker Foundation, the Q’eqchi’ Association Xch’ool Ixim published bilingual Q’eqchi’–Spanish and Q’eqchi’–English editions of The Dance of the Deer, strengthening language revitalization and cultural education for new generations.

A Message for Future Leaders

Ava closes her testimony with a message for young professionals and future advocates:
“Never give up. Things take longer than you think. Having a vision is important. Stay with it.”

Nearly five decades after she first began recording Q’eqchi’ stories, those same narratives are now being read aloud by primary and secondary students in Guatemala—a testament to the long-term impact of dedication, cultural respect, and community-centered work.