Help Mukutsawa, Guardian of the Amazon

Abuela Mukutsawa Santi is one of the 2 elders Sapara in Ecuador left who speaks the language fluently. Through sharing her knowledge with younger generations and adults in the community, Mukutswa has been a very important pillar in helping their culture live on for generations to come.

Mukutsawa, Manari Ushigua's mother, is the one who holds the community of Llanchama Cocha together and is carries a very important role in the destiny of the Sapara nation. Any of you who have had the blessing of connecting with Mukutsawa you are received her unconditional love through her eyes, smile, and precious soul. She is a guardian of the Amazon and an essential part of the protection of our Earth.

The Sapara nation is protected by In 2001, UNESCO recognized the oral traditions of Saparas as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Once a nationality of over 200,000 people, there are now less than 600 Sapara left between the Peruvian and Ecuadorian Amazon. One of the foundations of Sapara culture is mutual respect of each other and our environment. Their cosmovision is based on recognizing the sacredness of all things, visible and invisible. The Sapara have lived in harmony with the natural world for millenia.

Mukutsawa had been under critical care last year in 2024 but through the support of our global community we were able to take care of her medical costs and get her healthy. Unfortunately she is under critical care once again. She has a tumor in her pancreas, obstruction of the bile duct, and high levels of bilirubin. She is being treated with plants from the Amazon but is also needing care at a Hospital in Ecuador. These unexpected news have not only been incredibly difficult for the family and community emotionally but have also brought a financial distress for the family and community. We ask to please support in any way you can, any amount will be deeply appreciated. Please also share with your friends and community so we can get our dear Mukutsawa back to her family healthy again.