HER EXCELLENCY DAME FROYLA TZALAM
Governor-General of Belize
Born in San Antonio, Toledo, Governor-General H.E. Dame Froyla Tzalam holds a master’s degree in Rural Development from the University of Sussex, England and a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Trinity University, Texas.
As a Mopan Maya leader, she strives to enhance awareness and acceptance and forge stronger ties between the indigenous and industrialized communities.
Dedicated to her work in culture, history and indigenous rights, she authored “Learning to Read and Write in Mopan Maya,” as well as numerous articles on culture and identity. She was co-director of the African Maya History Project, for which she co-authored the book “Belize New Vision, African and Maya Civilizations.” During her time with the National Institute of Culture and History, she curated numerous exhibitions on Belize’s culture and history. Governor-General Tzalam was a member of the task force for the Belizean Studies programme that is now being implemented nationwide in secondary schools.
Before taking the helm at the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM), an NGO that promotes the rights of indigenous people while preserving the natural resources and heritage of our country, she completed a report on Gender Equity among Q’eqchi Maya Women. Her findings deeply influenced her work as the first woman to lead SATIIM. Froyla has served as the chair of two umbrella organizations, and her work resulted in formal participation of NGOs on national committees and the strengthening of community-based organizations’ governance to ensure accountability.