We believe our Hispanic community is like a Khipú. A khipú, by definition, is a recording device composed of knots that Inca communities in Latin America used to document knowledge and stories. Today, scholars are translating these ancient knots created by our ancestors, revitalizing our history, cultural heritage, and collective knowledge. In many ways, the Hispanic community resembles an actual khipú: intricately tied together by our shared cultural wealth, yet often constrained by the legacies of our history and ancestry. We are driven by a pivotal question: In a community knotted with intergenerational trauma and collective memory, how can we find pathways to healing? This question guides our mission as we seek to decolonize barriers to knowledge and resources for Hispanics.
Hispanic constituencies are rich in culture and diversity. However, the presence of Indigenous communities within these cultures is sometimes overlooked. For example, in Nicaragua, while the majority speak Spanish, a significant portion of the population speaks their Indigenous language, such as Mískitu. These communities are often marginalized and underrepresented.
Khipú is committed to making mental health information accessible to both Hispanic and Indigenous community members.After decades of research and the development of mental health interventions and resources, we detected a significant gap: a stark disconnect between cultural competence and the communities served within Hispanic populations.
Khipú recognizes the intersectionality and geography of our Hispanic communities. It is this understanding that drives our project, dedicated to engaging Hispanics both in the U.S. and internationally. We use tools like storytelling and partnerships in Hispanic countries to advance our mission and theory of change.