Malintzin was a Nahua woman in the early 1500's from the mexican coast who contributed to early Spanish colonization efforts, giving them information and access in return for her own safety and luxury. She is now known as La Malinche, or the traitor. She eventually gave birth to the son of conquistador Hernán Cortés. This son became known as El Mestizo, as he was supposedly the first mixed child of the Spanish and the Indigenous Nahua. He is often referred to as the "First Mexican".

I am one of the bastard daughters of La Malinche. I belong to many proud, strong, and acient communities of peoples with a broken history of fighting for their basic human rights. I try to honor my roots, but I was also born wearing the skin of their conquerors. Sometimes, I fear I am La Malinche.