“Mari Mari” means “Hello” in Mapuzungun, the Mapuche indigenous language
This week has been a rollercoaster of unexpected emotions. I have cried and laughed in spaces I never imagined and connected with people I would have never met without this opportunity.
This week has been a rollercoaster of unexpected emotions. I have cried and laughed in spaces I never imagined and connected with people I would have never met without this opportunity.
This week, we were blessed to visit two Rukas. A Ruka is a traditional Mapuche meeting house. It is one of the most welcoming and peaceful places ever. The hospitality we received on both those occasions was exceptional. From eating sopaipilla (an incredibly delicious traditional Mapuche bread) to Maqui Juice (a Chilean berry), we all felt loved. During this visit, I was fortunate to wear the traditional Mapuche clothing. It was an honour, and I felt so beautiful.
Following our first Ruka visit this week, we also had the privilege of attending important discussions. The NZ Embassy in Chile organised a korero for us with the Chilean health ministry. The meeting was regarding indigenous health, and we were allowed to freely speak our minds, which was insane and highlighted the need for an exchange of knowledge.
We also had the incredible opportunity to learn about the Mapuche culture through a Machi (traditional healer and guide). I could feel the good spiritual energy in the room; it was a life-changing experience. I got very emotional when we were speaking with the machi and felt very connected. I could understand how valuable indigenous knowledge is and how people worldwide fight to keep their cultures alive. The lack of acknowledgement for Mapuche is seen and felt, especially when referring to land.
Our second Ruka visit was with the NZ Embassy, and this time, it was alongside the Chilean ministry and La Pintana, an indigenous health facility. We were moved to tears hearing the struggle of the Mapuche people to keep their indigenous ways of knowledge in medicine alive.
Overall, this week was incredibly overwhelming, with so many emotions and connections with people. Being able to embrace people and listen is genuinely something I feel so honoured to have experienced; it was a landmark of this trip.
xoxo
Simone