Between the Forest and the Sea: Passing Down Traditions
Part I of this series: Life & Climate Change in Guna Yala
Part II of this series: The Yarsuisuit Collective
In 1925, Nele Kantule led a revolution that would make Guna Yala an independent and sovereign indigenous territory within Panama. Since then, the Guna have maintained a way of life that has allowed them to preserve their natural resources and mainland forest to an exceptional degree.
But today, like many indigenous groups around the world, the Guna face some of their greatest challenges yet: the impacts of climate change, encroaching outside influences, and a younger generation that many elders feel is drifting from its roots.
In response, Kantule’s octogenarian grandson, Jesus Smith, is doing his part to ensure that the Guna’s customs are not lost.
Between the Forest and the Sea, Pt. 3: Passing Down Traditions from roberto (bear) guerra on Vimeo.
OTHER PHOTOS BY ROBERTO (BEAR) GUERRA
The Kuna’s mainland forest as seen from the air in July 2014. Photo by Roberto (Bear) Guerra.
A young boy listens as a fellow student asks a question during Don Jesús’ weekly class about Kuna history, myth, and cultural traditions. Photo credit: Bear Guerra.
Don Jesús Smith stands in front of a painting of his grandfather, Kuna revolutionary hero Nele Kantule, while talking to students about artifacts in the Olomaili Museum on Ustupu Island. Photo credit: Bear Guerra.
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