Nina and Helena Gualinga

At home in Ecuador with @ninagualinga & @helenagualinga - shot by @kila.yura

Life Questions with Nina -

What teachings from your culture do you feel the modern world is most disconnected from right now?

I think it’s how we view and relate to land and the natural world around us. We see the land as part of us, therefore what happens to the land also affects us deeply, physically, mentally and culturally. I think in many parts of the world this has been forgotten.

The Amazon clearly holds such deep meaning in your life, what does it mean to you personally and spiritually?

For me, the Amazon is my home, my safe place and my sanctuary. It is where I find my inspiration and strength, not only from the physical place, but the stories and memories it holds through my family, and through the trees and the rivers.

In everyday life, what are some small but meaningful ways people can reconnect to the earth?

I think there are so many ways, like shifting our mindset, being conscious about our consumption and the supply chain. Whose hands made our clothes? Where does our food come from? Perhaps learning how to grow our own vegetables and food :)

For people listening who care deeply about the Amazon but feel powerless or far away from it… how can they genuinely help?

No one is powerless, especially when we organise. This is something I have learnt from a very young age. We, the people, have power. It is what we do and how we use it that matters.

What happens in the Amazon affects other parts of the world, and what happens in other parts affects the Amazon, because we are interconnected.

So a great way, really, is to get educated on the issues near you, be active, and support local social organisations in your area!