Elder Siblings Issue Alert Notice

In the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, a region once isolated but now a beacon of hope for those seeking answers to environmental issues, lives a unique indigenous community. The Arhuaco people, along with the Kogi, Wiwa, and Kankuamo peoples, believe they sprang from this sacred land, which they call "the heart of the world."

The Elder Brothers, as they refer to themselves, view themselves as the Earth's caretakers and believe in maintaining balance between humanity and nature. However, they recognize the need for spreading their message due to the retreat of snow on their most sacred mountain, caused by global warming.

The name of their most sacred mountain is known only to them. The conical white hats worn by the Arhuaco people are inspired by the form of this mystical peak. Photographer Gobinder Jhitta was granted permission to visit these communities to document their way of life and the special bond they share with nature.

Jhitta captured the earnestness with which the communities perform their age-old task of protecting the environment. His resulting body of work, titled Zaku ("spirit of the mother"), documents the rituals of conservation that have been passed down through generations.

Calixto Suarez Villafania of the Arhuaco urged global cooperation to address environmental issues. He stated that the responsibility to protect the Earth lies with all people, regardless of gender, age, or culture. Villafania's message was a call to action, encouraging people to listen and take care of the Earth.

Villafania emphasized the need for small actions, such as reducing meat consumption, to prevent further Earth changes. He warned that if current practices continue, the Earth's reaction will intensify. Villafania urged people to change their habits and be mindful of their impact on the environment.

Jhitta's next photo trip to continue documenting the work of Zaku is led by photographer and filmmaker Anna Nilsen. The Elder Brothers have allowed periodic documentation of their home, lives, and rituals of conservation since the early 90s, in the hope of inspiring the Younger Brothers. The Elder Brothers believe that the Younger Brothers have caused damage to the world and are now under pressure to carry out their sacred duty.

The Arhuaco, Kogi, Wiwa, and Kankuamo peoples live in a region that was once isolated but is now a beacon of hope for those seeking answers to environmental issues. Their message is clear: it is time for the Younger Brothers to listen, learn, and act.