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Legal & Anthropological Support



CADA, in its various processes, leans into providing advice and proper connections with the right experienced individuals that can aid western designers and/or communities in establishing a just, fair, and equal relationship with the communities they come into contact with.



In its pursuit of fostering a harmonious intersection between designers and communities, CADA Foundation places paramount importance in providing legal and anthropological support. The foundation is rooted in the belief that ethical and equitable relationships form the cornerstone of sustainable collaborations. In keeping the perspectives, desires, and willingness of the members of the community close to the heart of the advocacy, CADA enables engagements and interactions that are collaborative, informed exchanges— ones that embody the commitment to legal representation that safeguards the interest of everyone involved. 

CADA, in its various processes, leans into providing support and connections with the  proper, experienced individuals that can aid western designers and/or communities in establishing a just, fair, and equal relationship with the communities they come into contact with.

CADA, in the implementation of these processes, seeks to find the most fair and ethical approach to the commercial side of the manufacturing and distribution process. As a foundation that dedicates the necessary time and resources to legally-impacting research and information relevant to the communities, it seeks to guide both itself and the communities towards furthering the standards of law and ethics in the positioning of the social design model. CADA constantly collects the opinion, willingness, and consent of the community members for every activity that requires their participation, and even their attention. This way, instead, of imposition, it is a willful exchange– properly informed and legally representing both sides of the exchange.


               

Tijaltepec Blouse


CADA is responding to a request from the Mixtec community of San Pablo Tijaltepec, Oaxaca, for support in documenting their collective cultural heritage. Central to this initiative is the Tijaltepec blouse, a vibrant expression of the community’s identity and creativity, deeply rooted in their traditions.

In 2019, at the request of the community, INAH collaborated to produce an anthropological document recognizing the blouse as part of their shared heritage. This effort added an important tool to support conversations about cultural authenticity and communal ownership. Today, CADA is collaborating with Indigenous lawyer Mtra. Xochitl Eréndira Zulueta and cultural documentarist Laura Quiroz to host a workshop. This space will focus on exchanging ideas, building awareness, and equipping participants with skills to navigate the complexities of cultural representation and intellectual property within their context.

Your support will allow us to continue providing meaningful tools and spaces for communities like San Pablo Tijaltepec to share their stories and strengthen their agency in creative industries. Donations to CADA are tax-deductible, and every contribution helps make this important work possible.

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