With heavy hearts and deep respect, we bid farewell to Mukusawa, the cherished matriarch of the Sapara Nation, an Indigenous community residing in Ecuador's Amazon, whose passing marks the end of an era for her people. As the guardian of the Sapara’s sacred oral traditions—recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity—Mukusawa held the stories, songs, and wisdom that have shaped her community for generations.
Her strength, wisdom, and love were a beacon to her family and the greater Sapara nation, standing as a steadfast pillar in the heart of the Amazon. Mukusawa's guidance was not only grounded in the ancestral knowledge of healing and dream interpretation but was also felt deeply by all who had the privilege of meeting her. Her warmth, grace, humor, and boundless love for the forest, her people, and those who came from afar to learn, made her a spiritual grandmother to many across the globe.
Mukusawa's legacy lives on through her son, Manari Ushigua, and their healing center, Naku, where she shared her wisdom with all who sought it. The Sapara community, the Amazon, and the world have lost an extraordinary woman whose spirit continues to inspire and guide those who remain committed to preserving the Sapara culture and defending the forest.
Today, as we reflect on her life, we extend our deepest condolences to Mukusawa's family—the pillars of the Sapara Nation—and to all those who felt her presence in their lives. May her spirit, like the forest she so lovingly protected, continue to thrive, nurturing and healing generations to come.
Rest in peace, Mukusawa. Your life, your wisdom, and your love will forever be part of the fabric of the Amazon and the world.
