Mama Aleta an honored recipient of the 2013 Goldman
Environmental Prize proves that it just takes one person that cares to make a
difference. When the government began issuing permits to mine marble from the
mountain in Mama Aleta’s homeland she was moved first to anger and then to
action.
“The philosophy of our people is that we regard the Earth as
a human body, that stone is our bone, water is our blood, land is our flesh and
forest is our hair. If one of them is taken away we are paralyzed.” Mama
Aleta
Mama Aleta set out on a journey to create a quiet protest
against the mining and simultaneously remind the community of the importance of
honoring Mother Nature. She walked for months meeting with tribal elders,
creating solidarity, organizing hundreds of women and reminding all concerned
that we cannot put a price on the gifts of Mother Nature nor can we abuse her. They
surrounded the mountain for nearly one year to protect it. The women would
bring their looms and weave colorful fabrics at the mining sites to remind the
workers about the interconnectedness of all things in nature. “The materials
used in weaving consist of natural components, the natural fibers, the colors
the wooden frames. The protest is actually a reeducation of our people. That we
live from nature and we should respect nature. We get our clothes from nature,
therefore we need to protect nature. If not we will be naked.” Mama Aleta
Although Mama Aleta and her two-year-old daughter’s lives
were threatened and they had to hide in the forest, there was no bloodshed and
one day the miners just left, never to return. Take 3 minutes to watch her
story, narrated by Robert Redford. Mama Aleta is an inspiration to all that
love nature and peace. Thank you Mama Aleta!!!
Thank you for visiting. Wishing you Peace today and everyday.
