Culture, Spirituality, and Healing at Barrios Unidos
At Barrios Unidos, culture and spirituality are the foundation of everything we do. Since our founding, we have uplifted the belief that true healing—whether personal, communal, or systemic—must begin with reconnection to identity, ancestry, spirit, and sacred traditions. We are a Chicano/Indigenous-based organization rooted in the wisdom of our elders and ancestors, but our cultural and spiritual programs are multicultural and inclusive, honoring the diverse traditions and lineages of the communities we serve.
A Legacy of Global Cultural Alliances
Our work is grounded in long-standing relationships with tribal nations, ceremonial leaders, and cultural groups from across the world. For decades, we have partnered with elders, medicine people, and cultural practitioners who guide and inform our work. These relationships—built on trust, humility, and shared struggle—have shaped Barrios Unidos into a unique space where healing traditions, community organizing, and social justice walk hand-in-hand.
From Lakota, Mexica, and Dine spiritual leaders to cultural allies from Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, we honor and uplift Indigenous and ancestral knowledge across traditions.
La Culture Cura
To us, culture is not a separate program—it is the medicine that flows through all of our work. Whether in substance use disorder counseling, youth development, community organizing, or advocacy—our programs are infused with teachings, values, and ceremonies that ground participants in purpose, resilience, and belonging.
Our cultural expression includes:
- Ceremony and prayer
- Indigenous dance and song
- Art, poetry, and muralism
- Drumming and traditional music
- Storytelling and oral history
- Political and spiritual advocacy
We understand culture not only as heritage but also as a living, evolving force for transformation. Our belief is simple but profound: when people reconnect with their roots, they begin to heal—and from that healing comes strength, vision, and power.
Community Events & Sacred Ceremonies
Barrios Unidos regularly organizes and participates in community events that celebrate cultural identity, spiritual resilience, and intergenerational knowledge. Our community is invited to experience and engage with sacred traditions through:
- Weekly Indigenous dance circles
- Sacred fire ceremonies and sweat lodge ceremonies
- Seasonal gatherings at our retreat center
- Annual sacred events, including:
- Honoring of the Elders Ceremony
- Alcatraz Island Sunrise Ceremony
- Mexica New Year Celebration
- And many more across California and the U.S.
We not only attend but often organize transportation and support for families, youth, and elders to participate in these transformative gatherings. These experiences deepen connection to land, spirit, and cultural identity while building collective strength.
The Walter Guzman Retreat Center
Located on a serene five-acre property in the Aptos Mountains, our Walter Guzman Retreat Center is a sacred healing space where youth, families, and community members reconnect with the land and with each other. It is home to traditional sweat lodge ceremonies, prayer circles, cultural workshops, and hands-on projects like treehouse building, gardening, and natural restoration.
This space is both a sanctuary and a school, where people learn the value of reflection, ritual, and reciprocity with nature. Many of our programs—especially for youth and system-impacted individuals—incorporate regular visits to the retreat center as a core part of their healing journey.
A Culturally Rooted Leadership
Our work is led by a board of culturally informed Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Chicano/a community leaders, many of whom are ceremonial leaders, cultural artists, educators, and long-time movement builders. Their lived experience and spiritual commitment guide Barrios Unidos with integrity and vision.
Barrios Unidos stands at the sacred intersection of culture, healing, and justice. Our mission is to create a world where ancestral knowledge is honored, cultural identity is celebrated, and spiritual healing is recognized as essential to liberation. We invite all people to walk with us—through ceremony, through service, and through struggle—as we build a future rooted in dignity, culture, and collective healing.