This remote and culturally homogeneous area is one of the most intensely indigenous in the whole of Mexico, and has therefore been the subject of considerable sociological study.

It is thought to have been founded in the latter half of the 15th century, by Zapotec people from the region around Tarabundi and San Pedro Laduu[4] (though there are also neolithic remains in the area[5]).

[8]) The addition of Juárez's name serves the additional purpose of distinguishing the town from the many other Ixtláns in Mexico: the name is usually claimed to come from Aztec words meaning "land of the maguey",[9] and use of the maguey (otherwise known as the century plant) was widespread in pre-Columbian Mexico.

However, when the concession expired, the local communities denied the company any extensions and the forests are now managed communally in order to ensure that they are sustainable.

Fair trade marketing has made a substantial difference to the coffee growers in this area.

UNSIJ also encourages four core academic activities among its students, including: teaching, research, cultural enrichment, and promotion of regional development.