Not solely is the applying of Wituk a supply of inner power, however Nina is aware of the message it sends to the world past Sarayaku. “We reside in a world that’s always attempting to eradicate, remove, and undo who we’re, and to destroy our tradition, language, territory, schooling system, and traditions by extractivism and racism,” she says. “On this context, talking your language, carrying conventional clothes and face paint, and being a part of your group, are acts of resistance.”
Because the resilience of the Amazon rainforest—and the earth as a complete—hangs within the steadiness, these acts of resistance are extra important than ever. At November’s COP26 convention in Glasgow, Nina marched within the streets and spoke at an occasion for Lacking and Murdered Indigenous Girls. “As Indigenous girls we’re defending our territories. We’re defending the mountains, the forest, the water, the air, and our our bodies are a part of the land,” she mentioned. “Any violation of our land is a violation of our our bodies.” Beneath her eyes that scanned the gang of ladies gathered, her face was painted with Wituk in delicately drawn traces that stretched from ear to ear.
