In the centre Gun Aruwun, the general directive of the Arhuaco people, in the head of the Governor Arhuaco Cabildo, Zarwawiko Torres Torres, the general secretary, Jairo Zalalata, the prosecutor José Damián Villafañe and the treasurer Carlos Luna Izquierdo, accompanied the members of the International Coalition for the Earth (ILC) within the framework of the Global Earth Forum, to a space of dialogue, reflection and learning in the Sierra Nevada of Gonawindua.
Some 25 representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), social organizations and allied institutions participated in this meeting. These included: Sincerely (Italy), Swadhina (India), Mosi (Kenya), RP Indigenous People Asia (India), RMI (Indonesia), WHH (Germany), LDGI (Kenya), TBI (Colombia), SER (Peru), JASIL (Mongolia), UN-Women (United States), CNC-EA (Ecuador), EFT (India), ILC, OXFAM, IED (France), WRI (Philippines), CRIC, UNAL and Trombos (Colombia).
This was a space for dialogue, reflection and learning in the Sierra Nevada of Gonawindua, which began with the reception by the Mamus in the Kadukwu, a deeply significant and spiritual moment for each of the attendees. They lived there, from the inside, the community experience of the Arhuaco people. They then visited the Kankurwa, guided by the traditional Gun Aruwun authorities.
One of the most important moments of this visit was the entry to the Kadukwu Ati Mechahun, the sacred space of the Arhuaco people, where the traditional authorities shared the spiritual foundations that guide their relationship with the territory and the strategies of territorial recovery to the Seykutukunumaku - Black Line and the defense against the economic and expatriate interests and were also received by the traditional dances of the Arhuaco people, which represent the beings of Mother Earth, and the children explained the importance of the territory and the colors of the earth from spirituality.
To close this important step of the members of the International Coalition for Earth (ILC) in the heart of the world, the visit to the community of Umuriwa, where they met part of the history of the community and shared with its inhabitants, in addition to a socialization of the Talanquera peoples that culminated in the reading of the message of the Mamus, on behalf of the Arhuaco people for the world.
From the Tayrona Indigenous Confederation, through environmental coordination, we strengthen partnerships with organizations and institutions committed to the defence of life, to protect and preserve the Sierra Nevada de Gonawindua, sacred territory and the heart of the world.
To read the full statement in English, click here
