Experiential, Community-Based, Language Learning Project created by Spanish for Community, Spanish 301, section 102 class, Department of French, Hispanic and Italian Studies (FHIS) University of British Columbia, in partnership with Facultad de Humanidades, Departamento de Lengua Literatura y Comunicación, and Instituto de Estudios Indígenas.Universidad de la Frontera (UFRO, Temuco, Chile) UBC campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people. ¡Mari Mari! Kvmey mi akun - Bienvenidas y bienvenidos - Welcome
November 11, 2021
Wenúmapu Lewfü/ El río del cielo / The River of the Sky
This photo was taken from Porteau Cove, BC. Porteau Cove is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Úxwumixw (Squamish) people. This photo is of a rare occurrence of the aurora borealis in the Vancouver area. I like how the image and poem go together to connect the idea of the aurora, or the great river of the sky, in both the northern and southern hemispheres. (Image by Mackenzie S. (2021))
“El gran río del cielo duerme / y me espera”
“The great river of the sky sleeps / and awaits me”
El gran río del cielo
se ha dormido a mitad del camino
y en sus aguas se refrescan
las almas de mis antepasados.
En el río del cielo se baña
la tierra;
en sus aguas claras,
aguas altas,
en una noche constelada, con luna,
o en una noche de frío.
El río se ha quedado dormido,
está descansando,
esperando las aguas de nuestras
almas.
El gran río del cielo duerme
y me espera.
The Great River of the Sky Sleeps
The great river of the sky
has fallen asleep in the middle of its journey
and in its waters
the souls of my ancestors cool down.
In the river of the sky
the earth bathes;
in its clear waters,
high waters,
in a starry night, moonlit,
or in cold night.
The river has fallen asleep,
it is resting,
waiting for the waters of our
souls.
The great river of the sky sleeps
and awaits me.
This photo of the August sky was taken at Lynn Canyon park. This park is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Skwxwú7mesh-ulh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. The Tsleil-Waututh people call this place “Kwa-hul-cha”, named after a settlement in the area. I chose this image because the clouds and bright color of the sky remind me of the rapids of a river, as if the whole Earth is submerged underneath. (Image by Grace Bengtson)
“En el río del cielo se baña / la tierra”
“In the river of the sky / the earth bathes”
