We the Undersigned: A Petition from Homero Aridjis, Michael Schmidt, Chinua Achebe, Margaret Atwood, Ali Smith...

Homero Aridjis

The Mexican poet Homero Aridjis, one-time Mexican ambassador to Paris, well-known for his work with PEN International and with the United Nations, has become one of the most eloquent environmental activists in Mexico.

His latest petition to the President of Mexico, reproduced in the news section of the PN Review website, is also one of his most important. Some years ago he organised the international ‘Group of 100 Intellectuals’ – including writers from all over the world – to bring pressure on governments and institutions. The Huichol Nation is one of the last surviving ancient, indigenous cultures and, like so many before it, under threat from insufficiently regulated commercial interests. The ecological damage – environmental and cultural - that could be done here is incalculable and avoidable. ‘We the undersigned’ very much hope that pressure from individuals and writers worldwide will have some effect on the decisions of the Mexican government in this and similar cases.


Michael Schmidt