This work examines the philosophical foundation of Tucson's highly successful Mexican American studies program. The foundation included two Maya or maiz-based concepts: "In Lak'Ech" and "Panche Be." What is explored here is actually the larger philosophical universe from which these ideas are derived. The work examines the writings of Domingo Martinez Paredez, a Maya scholar who influenced the Chicano movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This work examines whether those concepts are relevant today, but also whether they are part of an ancient philosophy or part of a living culture.