This workshop will be led by women from Vida Nueva, an indigenous weaving cooperative in Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca. The cooperative is dedicated to preserving Zapotec weaving and natural dyeing traditions while empowering women artisans and fostering cultural and social justice in their community.

The workshop will be co-hosted by Malia Cashel, Seeds of Learning’s Mexico Coordinator. Malia connected with Vida Nueva through her work with Seeds of Learning, a local Sonoma nonprofit, and lived in Teotitlán del Valle for several months. She is excited to bring their craftsmanship and traditions to Sonoma.

Local Connection:
This women’s cooperative holds a special connection to Sonoma through its partnership with Seeds of Learning, a local nonprofit based here in Sonoma, which supports their work in Oaxaca. Over the past two years, many from Sonoma and the surrounding area have traveled with Seeds of Learning to Oaxaca and had the chance to meet the cooperative members in their hometown. Seeds of Learning looks forward to deepening this exchange, with plans to bring even more visitors to Oaxaca this year. For those who have met the cooperative members, there is a strong sense of excitement at the possibility of seeing them again here in our own community.

Who They Are:
Founded 27 years ago in the rural town of Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico, Vida Nueva women’s cooperative emerged from the collective need of single mothers and women striving for economic independence. Traditionally, weaving has been a male-dominated art form in Zapotec culture, relegating women to the sidelines despite their critical roles in the labor process. The cooperative was born out of necessity, as these women learned to weave together, creating a supportive environment that empowered them to take ownership of their craft.

Mission and Values:
At its core, Vida Nueva is dedicated to preserving indigenous weaving techniques while fostering social change. The cooperative advocates for gender equality, community health, and environmental sustainability. The women of Vida Nueva have long worked in harmony with the natural world, using natural fibers, dyes, and techniques that reflect their intimate relationship with the land. By weaving with fibers sourced from sheep and using plants and insects from their landscapes for dyeing, the cooperative embodies the values of sustainability and ecological awareness. Their work not only serves as a cultural expression but as a living testament to the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.

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