Indigenous people Copper Canyon

copper canyon traditional inhabitants tarahumara or rarámuri. no official census, population of rarámuri people ranges between 35,000 , 70,000. many rarámuri reside in cooler, mountainous regions during hot summer months , migrate deeper canyons in cooler winter months, climate more temperate. survival strategies have been occupy areas remote city people, way off-the-beaten-path, remain isolated , independent, avoid losing culture. diet largely domestic agrarian, consist of meat domesticated cows, chickens , goats, wild game, , freshwater fish. corn (maize) important staple of rarámuri’s diet. rarámuri people known endurance running. living in canyons, travel great vertical distances, running nonstop hours. popular rarámuri community race called rarajipari, played kicking wooden ball along paths of steep canyons. tourism growing industry copper canyon, acceptance of debated in local communities. communities accept government funding building roads, restaurants , lodging make area attractive tourists. many other groups of rarámuri maintain independence living in areas far away city life possible. way of life protected mountainous landscape.