On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we stop to acknowledge the native stewards of the land. From north to south across the Americas, Indigenous peoples have cared for creation with strength and dedication, passing teachings down that still guide us today. That heritage is strongly represented in Honduras with india bonita festivities, where young women craft traditional clothing from natural materials.
Our first-year student Meyci recently joined her classmates in creating an india bonita dress. They used beans, corn, straw, sticks, and other natural materials to design a beautiful piece of art that reflects creativity, heritage, and pride. The india bonita tradition is more than a costume. It is a reminder of the close relationship between people and the earth.
Indigenous Roots in Honduras
Honduras has an incredible diversity of Indigenous peoples and languages. The Lenca are the largest Indigenous group, known for their close ties to the land and farming practices that go back centuries. On the Caribbean coast, the Garífunas continue their rich traditions of music, food, and storytelling. In the east, the Misquitos preserve their language and culture. Some of our LMI students come from these backgrounds and still speak an Indigenous language such as Misquito or Lenca with their families.
This heritage is a living history that continues to shape how our students see the world and the kind of leaders they hope to become. Strong roots produce strong leaders.
From Heritage to Agriculture
The india bonita tradition illustrates a simple truth. Just as dresses are crafted from corn, beans, and straw, our lives depend on the harvest. When the earth is cared for, families succeed. When it is neglected, communities struggle.
At LMI, we train young women to lead in agriculture with sustainability at the center.
Our students learn how to care for the soil and use natural resources responsibly. Through hands-on practice, they develop skills that connect directly to Honduras’ agricultural reality, where farming plays a central role in the economy and daily life. These experiences give them a foundation that can open opportunities in agricultural businesses, community projects, or future studies, while also teaching them the value of working with the land in sustainable ways.
Meyci told us, “If we take care of the land this season, it will be even stronger the next season. We are still harvesting crops planted by students from cohorts before us, and it is amazing to see how their work continues.” Today, our students grow onions, lettuce, sweet potatoes, corn, radishes, bananas, coffee, passion fruit, and many more. Their work is a living example of leadership and stewardship.
Cultivating Leaders for Tomorrow
When the India Bonitas walked in with their handmade dresses during our Independence Day celebration, they were keeping a tradition alive while also stepping into a future of leadership. These students are learning to hold onto their heritage while addressing the challenges of today.
Your Role in Cultivating Leaders
On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we reflect on the past and honor the traditions that have shaped us. We also look ahead with hope. The next generation of women at LMI is ready to lead. They are learning to farm with care, protect natural resources, and serve their communities with strength and vision.
When you give to LMI, you are investing in this future. Every contribution is a seed planted in fertile soil. It grows into opportunity, education, and transformation.