The Border of Life: A Response to the Pandemic from the Amazon (5-18-20)

The Border of Life: A Response to the Pandemic from the Amazon

José Gualinga, Bethany Pitts

5-18-20

An alternative perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic is offered from deep in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest by “Tiam”, the philosophical ethical thought of the Native Kichwa People of Sarayaku. During these critical moments, we, the Sarayaku, call for a return, a change; a new course proposed from the womb of the living forest itself.

In this time of crisis, as humanity increasingly questions the dominant worldview and opens its eyes to alternatives, we, the Native People of Sarayaku, invite people to consider our philosophy, Tiam. We believe that if the human being accepts this way of life, respectful of the Pachamama, the pain of the planetary wound will be felt, healed, and life will be born again.

Full text available at: https://www.resilience.org/stories/2020-05-18/the-border-of-life-a-response-to-the-pandemic-from-the-amazon/?fbclid=IwAR2ANb0GZr3DUIgnM7M9IT9GGTuwLG3U-Kvw01p5nbpHuQhLx5EV7d_Vg2c