Enjoy this book We Will Be Jaguars: A Memoir of My People by Nemonte Nenquimo and Mitch Anderson

We Will Be Jaguars: A Memoir of My People by Nemonte Nenquimo and Mitch Anderson is a powerful narrative that tells the true story of Nemonte Nenquimo, an Indigenous leader from the Waorani tribe of the Ecuadorian Amazon, and her journey to protect her homeland and cultural heritage from the encroachment of big oil companies.

Plot Overview:

Nemonte's Early Life: The memoir begins in Nemonte Nenquimo’s early life, growing up in a remote village deep within the Amazon rainforest. Her connection to the forest and her people is woven into every aspect of her upbringing, as she learns from her elders about the traditions, values, and deep spiritual connection her people have with their ancestral lands. These early chapters are likely rich with descriptions of the beauty and biodiversity of the rainforest, as well as the day-to-day life of the Waorani people, emphasizing their deep respect for nature and the interconnectedness of all living things.

Leaving for the City: As Nemonte reaches her teenage years, she makes a pivotal decision to leave her village and go to the city to study with a missionary group. This move marks the beginning of a personal transformation, as she steps into the modern world and encounters new ways of thinking and living. The contrast between the vibrant, spiritual life of the Amazon and the industrialized, structured world of the city is a key theme during this phase of her life.

A Prophetic Dream: However, Nemonte’s journey takes a spiritual turn when she receives a prophetic dream from her ancestors. In the dream, her forebears appear to warn her about the devastation that will befall the rainforest if steps aren’t taken to protect it from external threats, specifically from the encroachment of oil companies that seek to exploit the Amazon’s resources. This dream becomes a turning point in Nemonte’s life, compelling her to return to her homeland and take up the fight to defend it.

Organizing the Waorani People: Upon returning to her village, Nemonte begins organizing the Waorani people to stand against the destructive forces of big oil. The memoir delves into the challenges she faces in rallying her people to protect their land and way of life. This section highlights the complexity of her mission, as she not only has to contend with powerful multinational corporations but also navigate the delicate balance of preserving her people’s traditions while engaging in modern political activism.

The Fight for the Amazon: The latter half of the memoir focuses on Nemonte’s efforts to lead her people in a landmark legal battle against the Ecuadorian government and oil companies seeking to auction off large tracts of the Amazon rainforest for oil drilling. Nemonte's leadership, alongside other Indigenous leaders, results in a historic victory that saves 500,000 acres of rainforest from being exploited for oil. This victory is a testament to the power of Indigenous resistance and the importance of Indigenous knowledge in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation.

Themes:

Indigenous Leadership and Environmental Activism: At the heart of this memoir is Nemonte’s role as a leader in the fight to protect her people’s land and culture. The book explores the vital connection between Indigenous peoples and their environments, highlighting how the knowledge and traditions of the Waorani are essential not only to their own survival but to the survival of the planet’s ecosystems. The memoir likely touches on how Nemonte’s activism serves as a model for other Indigenous communities around the world who are engaged in similar battles to protect their homelands from exploitation.

The Spiritual and Cultural Importance of the Amazon: Nemonte’s story emphasizes the Amazon as not just a physical space but a spiritual one, integral to the Waorani’s identity and survival. The memoir likely delves into the rich cultural traditions of the Waorani, their deep knowledge of the rainforest, and the profound connection they share with the land. Nemonte’s ancestors’ appearance in her dream symbolizes the continuity of this spiritual connection across generations.

The Clash Between Modern Industry and Traditional Ways of Life: The memoir also explores the tension between the modern world, represented by the oil companies, and the traditional ways of life of the Waorani people. This clash is central to the narrative, as Nemonte must navigate the political, legal, and social challenges of taking on these powerful industries while preserving the integrity of her people’s culture.

Resilience and Resistance: One of the strongest themes in We Will Be Jaguars is the resilience of the Waorani people in the face of immense external pressures. Nemonte’s leadership and her community’s willingness to stand up to powerful corporations serve as a powerful example of resistance against environmental destruction and cultural erasure. The title itself, We Will Be Jaguars, likely symbolizes the strength, courage, and fierceness of Nemonte and her people in their fight to protect their land and heritage.

Conclusion:

We Will Be Jaguars: A Memoir of My People is not just a personal story but a rallying cry for the protection of Indigenous lands and the environment. Nemonte Nenquimo’s journey from a small village in the Amazon to becoming an internationally recognized environmental activist is both inspiring and urgent, as it highlights the critical role that Indigenous peoples play in the global fight against climate change. This memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in environmental justice, Indigenous rights, and the ongoing struggle to protect the Amazon rainforest from exploitation.