Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
The language of the river

Displaced by violence and illegal activities against nature and their own integrity, many indigenous people from the Putumayo-Colombia region began long and difficult journeys to the Amazon (south of the country) in search of new roots and connection with mother nature. In addition, they claim from the Colombian government the protection that has been denied them for decades. Drug trafficking, illegal mining, unstoppable deforestation and bloody war have caused some indigenous groups such as the Embera, Onga, Nasa and Uitoto, among others, to abandon their lands leaving behind their past, lives and dreams. But all their beauty still remains in their eyes, in the survival story that is written on their skin. This is the language of the river that is spoken in its memory of struggle, strength, pain and hope. The indigenous people of southern Colombia are under constant threat and their vulnerability is more evident due to climate change, which is becoming more aggressive every day.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: Leticia, Colombia
Camera: ILCE-7M2
Copyright: © ANDRES FELIPE VALENZUELA PARRA