“If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”
I can’t believe this is the last blog I will be writing for this class.
This week I was assigned the Waorani. I really enjoyed it.
Big thanks to Alara Sever, Geneviève Lalonde, and Katerina Vyskotova, you did a great job!
While reflecting on this term, I noticed the strong sense of community in every one of the Indigenous groups we studied. For the Shipibo Konibo, the Garifuna, the Maya, the Quechua, the Zapotecs and the Waorani, the community and reciprocity were key.
Lately, I have been stressing and trying to unsuccessfully fight insomnia. I have been trying to balance academics and work while trying to comply with pandemic safety measures. I think it is quite easy to complain and be self-centred during these times. Realizing how self-centred I have been this term made me admire even more the sense of community of all the groups who have fought for centuries for their autonomy and the self-donation of many members for the well-being of their community. For example, how Nelida from “Hija de la laguna” decides to go live in an urban setting that she doesn’t enjoy, so she can protect community members from the injustices of mining companies and the government. Or Alicia Cawiya and Nemonte Nenquino, Waorani women, that dedicate their lives to fight for nature, which they feel is also part of their community.
Their example made me reflect on my own actions. I think it is necessary, and I should take action now despite the pandemic, despite being a student busy with school and work. Life won’t get any less busy afterwards. I should incorporate standing for others and fighting for what I care about today because no one knows anything about the future.
Anyways, another quote for the final season:
“It’s hard to find the rhythm when the rhythm keeps changing. Go easy on yourself.”
Hola! I totally agree with you! It is incredibly inspiring to see these women fight for keeping their lands alive along with preserving their culture, knowledge systems, and ways of living. Nemonte Nenquimo talks about how it concerns her that her kids are not able to drink and bathe in the same water her grandparents did. She wants her kids and their kids to enjoy the Waorani way of life as it is the right of the community. She is chosen to receive the Goldman environmental prize just recently for her success in protecting 500,000 acres of rainforest from oil extraction. Here is a short clip of her acceptance speech from yesterday if you are interested!
See you Thursday:)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTiGNSRvG44
Hi Fernanda!
I really resonated with your post in the sense that through this pandemic, I have also learned to fight for others, especially my community, considering the political unrest Peru went through in these past few weeks. I hope you are able to relax soon after finals, you deserve it! I just wanted to add that after today’s class, I felt that a community can be formed literally anywhere, even in our own class! Despite being online, I felt a sense of community in our course (all thanks to Tamara) where we have all shared struggles, personal stories, and experiences during these classes! So once again, thank you for sharing and reminding me on the importance of community.
Hello! I feel you with the insomnia. My best advice is Chamomile tea 🙂 I definitely understand your point regarding the community as well. I think this year, in particular, has made people realize the value of having connections. The future has always been uncertain and will continue to be so, which means it’s important to take the time to focus on what you care about and what really matters.