by Samira Oulaillah, Photojournalist, Documentary Filmmaker, World Explorer & Social Historian
In the last fifteen years, I travelled across Latin America, solo with my backpack and camera, in order to capture in images its diverse climates and cultures. The continent truly struck me by its intense beauty and the colourful traditions of its indigenous people.
From the bright-coloured village markets of Guatemala, to the breathtaking mountains of Santa Marta in Colombia, the magnificent Peruvian Amazon and the spectacular Altiplano of Bolivia, I immersed myself for weeks with the local indigenous people and learned a lot from their culture.
In Guatemala, I documented the awesome Mayan traditions passed on from generation to generation by female weavers who have defended their art, pushing for new legislation to recognise and protect their collective cultural property.
In northern Colombia, I immersed myself into the life of the mystic Kogi communities, shared their daily routine and their passion for Mother Nature. Each day spent with them was one of discovery. Their knowledge of various medicinal plants and their philosophy of life- in that they remain true to their ancient laws ruled by nature-has made me realize the importance of their culture in our world ecosystem.
In the Peruvian Amazon, I met the Yagua and Shipibo communities. Passionate and vocal defenders of the precious rainforest which they call the ‘heart of the world’, men still dutifully fish and hunt in the old traditions whilst women produce some of the most beautiful handicrafts in the Peruvian jungle.
In Bolivia, I was inspired by the Cholitas, strong-minded women who, although deeply rooted in the Aymara and Quechua culture, trade on the streets and are fierce enterprising women.
With this short photographic series I produced for Wempower, I invite you to travel to meet those awesome local communities in Latin America!
Bon voyage and happy International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples!
