Podcast with Mrs. Judith Gomez and Mr. Andres Martinez: Episode 1

Hi Everyone,

We trust that you’re all doing well and enjoying the holidays! We also hope that you found our last podcast series with Professor Siobhan Mattison to be informative and enriching from an anthropological perspective. Until now, our podcasts have focused on viewpoints from professors and literary guests, both within and outside (objective) indigenous communities. In an effort to bring a diverse array of perspectives to our audience, we are switching things up a little in this current series. Today’s podcast features two accomplished professionals, Mr. Andres Matrinez and Mrs. Judith Gomez, who have rich Native American and Chicano/Chicana heritages and have had meaningful experiences with their identities as individuals (and as a couple) with indigenous roots growing up in contemporary American society.

This episode relays both a female and male perspective on matrilineal and patrilineal origins as well as explores the importance of identity in a person’s life. We have split this podcast into four different segments given the significant amount of information that was packed into a hour-and-a-half-long discussion with them. In this first segment of my four part series, my open conversation with Mr. Matrinez and Mrs. Gomez on identity reveals a deep contemporary perspective into Choctaw, Aztec, Ute, and Chicano/Chicana cultures as well as provides us with a lens into indigenous and catholic family practices in a mixed household.

On the topic of identity, Mr. Martinez and Mrs. Gomez share their viewpoints on the concept of “indigeneity” relative to “immigrants” in the United States and help clear up certain mainstream misconceptions about indigenous people with Mexicatl heritage. Mrs. Gomez discusses how reverence for the cultures and their relationship with the earth shaped her activities growing up and how this holds true even to this day. Each activity has a deeper meaning to it and a relationship with the environment that is inherent to its nature, a common theme prevalent among indigenous practices, including those of Native American cultures. She also sheds light on the integration of catholic and indigenous traditions in her family and how these rituals have a sacred meaning connected to the cycle of life. Some of these traditions include reverence for the earth, naming of children, food practices, and many other customs that are integrated into daily activities. I personally found this conversation to be very fascinating and I encourage all of you to watch it when you have time.

We hope you find the first segment to this new podcast series engaging and informative!

Gabby