Cooling the life-giving air of the planet - words of wisdom from the Nɨpodɨmakɨ, Colombian Amazon

Nɨpodɨmakɨ elder Alejandro Paitekudo of the Colombian Amazon talks about how the earth should be cared for, with respect, and about their people's vision for living in harmony with the forest and the planet.

“We care for all of our territory of life. Our work, our science, we are the owners, so why would anyone want to do harm to this area?”

“For our science to be effective I am putting things in order with the word and medicine. Because we are all in need.”

“This is the serious word of our elders.”

He talks to the mother creator, Mother Yinaka Buinaino.

“Your people are too hot, and we must cool down the air and allow us to breathe well.”

“With this work we watch over our territory, the trees, our work, our children our body and our surroundings. One must not touch the earth without thinking, without respect.”

“One must not touch nature without respect.”