The roots of Colombia’s armed conflict runs deep. According to Darío Mejía, a social leader of the Zenú people, the fight for peace and equality dates back to the arrival of Spanish colonizers on the continent. This episode explores why the 2016 peace accord’s commitments on land reform are critically important for Indigenous social leaders, and how the current fight is the culmination of 500 years of oppression.
...That is what I believe we need to do to reach a moment of coexistence and tranquility among Colombians. We need to find harmony between those visions of peace.
THE MINGA
Minga, or minca, are recent indigenous protests for peace that have encouraged not just Indigenous solidarity and activism, but also engagement of Colombians across ethnic and racial backgrounds.
CREDITS
Written and created by the Washington Office on Latin America.
Produced by Lantigua Williams & Co.
Edited by Virginia Lora, with help from Jen Chien.
Mixed by Michael Aquino and Kojin Tashiro.
Production help by Michael Aquino and Carolina Rodriguez.
VOICES
Hosts for the podcast were Darryl Chappell for the English episodes and Divalizeth Murillo for the Spanish episodes.
Expert insight provided by Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, WOLA’s Director for the Andes.
English voiceover for Darío was Alejandro Comacho.
LINKS
Follow Darío on Twitter
ONIC Colombia: Follow the National Indigenous Organization in Colombia for actions supporting the rights of Indigenous peoples in Colombia.
UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues: Support the role of Indigenous voices globally.