Nina Gualinga is many things: a Kichwa Indigenous woman, a defender of the Amazon, a climate-justice leader, and a mother. I’ve known her since she was a shy, quiet teenager in her community of Sarayaku, Ecuador, and I’ve watched her grow into her power. Nina has united women across the Ecuadorean Amazon to not only resist oil and mineral development on their sacred lands, but also to honor and celebrate their critical role in protecting life through her work with Mujeres Amazónicas. The Sarayaku people have a deep spiritual connection to the living forest, and Nina always says women especially can feel when parts of it are destroyed. She has given others the strength to fight for the heart of the Amazon, and for all of Mother Earth. The forest has things to say, and Nina—always so wise, thoughtful, and observant—is one of her most powerful messengers.
by Leila Salazar-López
