Meeting with the Wiwa Tribe Membership
Last week, Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College welcomed a group representing the indigenous Wiwa people from Colombia. The visit, which took place at Notre Dame, was an opportunity for students to learn about the Wiwa people's cultural and environmental struggles, as well as the threats they face in protecting their land.
The Wiwa people were accompanied by an interpreter during their speech, and they shared valuable insights into their ancient way of life. Dr Ann Marie Mealey from Leeds Trinity University was also part of the visit.
José Félix Martínez, Secretary General of the Wiwa Yugumaiun Bunkuanarrua Tayrona Organisation (OWYBT), spoke about the challenges in protecting their children and the ongoing efforts to preserve their unique culture. Martínez is an environmental engineer and a member of the Board of Directors of the OWYBT.
Edilma Loperena Plata, the Women's Commissioner of the OWYBT, was also present during the visit. Jenny Ortiz, who leads the Mobilisation, Human Rights and Interculturality Programme at CINEP/PP, a Colombian Jesuit organisation, has accompanied the Wiwa people for more than ten years in processes of integral protection of life, investigating extractive impacts on the territory, and the defense of human rights.
During the visit, Ortiz commented on the values and ethical thinking of Notre Dame students, expressing hope for the future of the world and education due to the students' engagement. The Wiwa people were impressed with the level of interest and commitment shown by the Notre Dame community.
Notre Dame's visit from the Wiwa people was not specified to be a formal lecture or presentation, but rather an opportunity for open dialogue and mutual learning. The Wiwa people's CAFOD partners were also present during the visit, further emphasising the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in addressing global issues.
The Wiwa Yugumaiun Bunkuanarrua Tayrona Organisation (OWYBT) is an Indigenous organisation representing the Wiwa people, part of the larger Tayrona Indigenous groups in Colombia. While specific names and roles of OWYBT representatives may require more detailed and up-to-date sources, the visit provided a valuable opportunity for Notre Dame students to engage with and learn from the Wiwa people directly.
The visit offered Notre Dame students a chance to delve into the Wiwa people's struggles against climate-change and environmental degradation, as environmental science plays a significant role in their fight to protect their land. Dr Ann Marie Mealey, an educator and researcher in environmental-science, was present during the meeting, potentially contributing to the students' understanding of the issues at hand.
