Tarahumara

I can hardly talk about this area without saying something about the indigenous people. The Tarahumara or Rarámuri as they call themselves are said to be the last group of native peoples in North America not assimilated by modern society. In small family groups they have been able to live in harmony with their environment, growing corn, beans and squash on the plateaus and floodplains of the deep canyons.
Their traditional life is changing. Children are now required to go to schools instead of staying home to live in the traditional way. The Indians fell in love with the violin when they were introduced by the Spaniards and started making their own. They have become quite accomplished violin makers.
Some speak Spanish, but most only speak their native language. While we did have amazing encounters with some, they were not as friendly or inviting as the Mexicans are, they prefer to be left alone.