Pech people

The Pech people, previously known as the Paya, are an indigenous ethnic group in north-eastern Honduras.^[1] According to a 2007 census conducted by indigenous organisations, 6,024 people self-identified as being of Pech descent.^[1] This indigenous group primarily speak in their native tongue, the Pech language, which is a member of the Macro-Chibchan languages.^[2] Although, in recent developments, the language is mainly spoken by older generations and is in danger of being extinct in the relative near future.^[1]

The Pech people reside in the north-eastern territories of Honduras, particularly in the areas of Colon, Gracias a Dios and Olancho.^[2] Since their migration to these areas, believed to have migrated from the southern areas of modern-day Colombia, the Pech people have undergone reduction to their land ownership and rights.^[3] The regions where the Pech people live were originally densely forested, however, has recently undergone deforestation.^[3] Many of the Pech's agricultural practices had to undergo reform, although, some traditional practices are still in place today. The Pech leaders continue to struggle to preserve their culture and language, putting the Pech people in danger of becoming extinct.^[1]