The Salvadorean military intentionally tried to impede the progression of the World Indigenous Festival and Cultural and Spiritual Symposium. The natives pushed back and were able to continue with their meeting.
The United States funded the spraying of pesticides over Guatemalan plantations, including the use of a chemical that has been banned in the US since the 1980's due to cancer causing qualities. At least 14 Natives died as a result of the spraying.