The readings and the video from this week have been exciting material. One thing that struck me in Yawanawá’s (2019) video was the importance of understanding and valuing the connection between people and nature. She speaks to the idea that we are all connected and need to take care of Mother Earth (Yawanawá, 2019, 02:03). Another thing that struck me in the readings was the openness and hospitality of the Huaorani. As such, Kane (1996), in his book, described how despite having very little, Enqueri and the other Huaorani shared what they had with Jose, even offering him a hammock that had taken Enqueri’s mother weeks to make (1996, p. 167). Finally, what struck me in Lavrin (2012) is that scholars learn about the Huaorani through the stories they tell and the experiences they share, which allows us to connect to their culture in a deeper and more meaningful way (Lavrin, 2012, p. 134). We can better understand their beliefs, values, and customs and how they interact with the world around them.
Speaking of commitment to protecting nature, it is worth considering the issue of oil energy under the Huaroni land, namely its impact on the region’s environment. It is clear that constructing such infrastructures is economically profitable, and its product provides enterprises and millions of people with the necessary resources. However, people need to remember the other side of the coin, namely, the damage they are doing to the planet, trying to use its bowels to their full potential. Considering this issue globally, it is clear that energy is not worth the massive damage to entire ecosystems, cultures, and people’s lives. Instead, the main task of economics and ecology is to find and implement approaches that will ensure extraction without causing significant damage.
Speaking about the indigenous peoples of the Amazon forests, it is worth mentioning the relationship between Christians and Huaorani. Some of the Huaorani still began to follow Christianity but in a convenient form. For example, while remaining followers of their religion, they can celebrate Christmas because they like it. The Huaorani do not consider themselves followers of Christ, and the church system of Christians and Huaorani is fundamentally different. While the younger generation is at least partially interested in Christianity, the older generation does not see the need for it. Christianization leads to a specific cultural dependence, thereby destroying the authenticity of the Huaorani.
References
Kane, J. (1996). Savages. Van Haren Publishing.
Lavrin, A. (2012). Sexuality in colonial Spanish America. In J. C. Moya (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Latin American History. Oxford Academic.
Yawanawá, T. A. L. (2019). The Amazon belongs to humanity — let’s protect it together [Video]. TED Talks. Web.