Indigenous Lessons from Ecuador
Aug 9, 2012 | John Perkins
As I travel around Ecuador I continue to be impressed with the strength,
resilience, and wisdom of the indigenous people. Two examples – one
global and one personal:
The Global
On July 25, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled that the
government of Ecuador violated the rights of the Kichwa people of the
community of Sarayaku by not giving them a fair hearing and not
providing a platform for informed consultation before starting oil
development on their lands in the late 1990s.
The ruling is a major victory for the Kichwa and all of us who believe
that indigenous people are trail-blazing the way to a more sustainable
and socially just world. And it is much more than that. It sets a
precedent for the way governments deal with indigenous communities – and
by broader implication, with all communities. In essence it requires
that communities give their consent before governments sell or lease
land and resources to corporations.
The Kichwa of Sarayaku – supported by many other indigenous communities
and NGOs like Amazon Watch and The Pachamama Alliance – have struggled
to keep oil companies off their lands for many years. They resisted
military intervention, threats, bribes, and a vicious propaganda
campaign. They are an amazing model of courage, persistence, and
commitment to future generations and the earth. They are an inspiration
for all of us who understand that this time of prophecies is a time for
rising to higher levels of consciousness.
The Personal
I returned to the home of the Tamayos, an Otavalan family of shamans
with whom I first starting working more than two decades ago. I spent
many hours talking with three generations – from the oldest, 70 year old
Don Esteban, to the youngest, 4 year old Ñusta (who is a shaman in
training). We discussed many subjects, but our main focus was on the
need for humans to feel our connection to, love of, and responsibility
for Pachamama (Mother Earth/Universe).
"We all know that the glaciers are melting," Jorge (Don Estaban's son
and the father of my 15 year old godson, Joel) told me, "the world is in
deep crisis. We must all come together to change the way we think and
live."
I've experienced many shamanic readings and healings during the past 4
decades but none more powerful than the one administered this week by
the Tamayos.
They read my energy and saw that, like so many activists, I've been
worn down. "There are many forces trying to rob your energy," I was
told. "Take that as a sign that you're succeeding." They performed a
powerful limpia (cleansing) on me. They used earth, air, water, and fire
and evoked the powers of the three sacred volcanoes that surround their
community. Afterwards, I truly felt like a new person, one who is
reinvigorated to be (as they put it) "a lover of and warrior for Mother
Earth."
I do not idealize indigenous people. I know they have their share of
problems; they are human. However, they have managed to live in harmony
with the earth for millennia. In these times of extreme global crises,
they offer insights about how we can change ourselves. We are wise to
listen.
By the time you read this, I'll be deep in the Amazon – arriving there
by small plane, dugout canoe, and along jungle trails. With about 30
members of The Pachamama Alliance, I will learn more from the Achuar and
Shuar— people I first met in the late 1960s. The powerful lessons
continue. . .
Above all, the indigenous people teach us to have hope. They know we
can shapeshift ourselves and our institutions. Together we will create a
sustainable, just, and peaceful world where all beings can thrive.
John Perkins' books on economics and geo-politics have sold more than 1
million copies, spent many months on the New York Times and other
bestseller lists, and are published in over 30 languages.
