The Liberation of Mother Earth

More than Taking the Territory

Abstract

Objective: this article reconfigures the dynamics of the process of the Liberation of Mother Earth by the Nasa people, making it visible in a commitment to re-territorialization that begins with the recovery of dispossessed lands. Methodology: this historical-hermeneutic research approach, involved participant observation, the use of techniques such as video and audio recording, the application of informal interviews with representatives of the Nasa community, and the documentary analysis of primary and secondary sources prepared by the community. Results: the research describes the main land disputes in the region, from colonization to internal armed conflict. It presents the history of organization that the community has put into practice there, with special emphasis on the process of the Liberation of Mother Earth; based on the accumulation of organizational experiences, responding to the de-territorialization processes led by external agents against the indigenous people of Norte del Cauca has become possible. Finally, the scenarios and gambles that have resulted from this process, and their relationship with other social movements are analyzed. Conclusions: the reflections and experiences around the process of Liberation of Mother Earth raise hopeful horizons for the construction of autonomous ways of life. They are focused on a different relationship with the earth which allows inquiry and confrontation of the prevailing system.