Mazatecs and Chinetecs of Southern Mexico In the late 1940's, the Mexican government under from the Secretariat of Hydraulic Resources (SRH) advice began construction of two largé dams in the Paploapan Basin in Southern Mexico. Construction of the dams resulted in the permanent relocation of approximately 80,000 Mazatec and Chinantec people (Barabas and Bartolomé, 1973). Prior to resettlement fertile lands immediately surrounding the eventual dam were distributed to sugar refineries, and paper factories, and industrial concerns which rely heavily on hydroelectric power. second choice. lumber Native groups were given Many Mazatecs refused to move so the SRH "... provided a taste of its power by opening the dam's floodgates" (Barabas and Bartolomé, 1973, According to accounts, p. 7). readjustment experiences of relocated Mazatecs were comparable if not worse than those who resisted removal. Ixrigation, were denied. electricity, Many have no ee deeds and safe, to their passable lands. roadways Barabas and