Book SummaryWe Will Be Jaguars, by Nemonte Nenquimo and Mitch Anderson

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of We Will Be Jaguars

The traditional customs, perspective, and cultural essence of the Waorani.

The traditions and way of life of the Waorani people are deeply connected with the rhythms and processes of the Amazon rainforest.

The Waorani people live in a deeply symbiotic relationship with their environment, which is essential for their way of life.

Nenquimo and Anderson depict the Waorani as a community whose lives are profoundly connected to the diverse array of species residing in the Amazon rainforest. The community thrives in harmony with the natural rhythms of the seasons, drawing sustenance from the abundance provided by the river and the forest, while holding a profound respect for the environment. The book emphasizes the deep connection the Waorani people have with their environment, which provides them with food, shelter, healthcare, and spiritual guidance.

The book explores the Waorani's profound understanding of the forest's intricate ecosystems, its wealth of resources, and the inherent dangers it contains. They adeptly hunt for prey like wild pigs, cultivate essential crops like cassava, and harvest medicinal flora. Nenquimo cherishes the memories of her formative years, a time when she honed her skills in identifying different animal tracks and became proficient in collecting and preparing native fruits, as well as in making traditional meals like fermented yuca drink and fish wrapped in leaves, highlighting the vital transfer of wisdom that is necessary for their survival from elders to the younger members of her community. The book emphasizes the deep understanding the Waorani have of medicinal treatments sourced from the forest, showcasing how Manuela skillfully uses plants to alleviate various ailments, such as high temperatures and bites from poisonous animals.

Practical Tips

• You can deepen your connection with nature by starting a micro-ecosystem project at home, such as a terrarium or a small aquaponics system. This hands-on activity will give you a tangible understanding of the interdependence between different life forms. For example, in a terrarium, you'll observe how plants, soil, and microorganisms work together to create a self-sustaining environment, mirroring the symbiotic relationships found in nature.
• Try adopting one plant-based meal into your weekly routine to foster a more sustainable relationship with your environment. By reducing meat consumption, you contribute to lessening the demand for deforestation and habitat destruction, which are major threats to biodiversity, akin to the practices that help preserve the Amazon rainforest.
• Transform your daily routine by aligning your activities with the daylight hours. During longer days, take advantage of the extra daylight for outdoor activities like gardening or walking. In contrast, use shorter days for indoor activities that foster relaxation and reflection, such as reading or practicing mindfulness. This can help you feel more in tune with the natural cycle of light and dark.
• You can learn to forage for local edible plants to connect with nature's offerings in your area. Start by researching and identifying edible plants that grow wild in your region. Use a local plant guide or app to help you recognize these plants, and go on a foraging walk to collect some. Make sure to forage responsibly, taking only what you need and leaving enough for the ecosystem to thrive.
• You can deepen your environmental respect by adopting a "one less" principle in your daily routine. Start by identifying one disposable item you frequently use and find a sustainable alternative for it. For example, if you often buy bottled water, switch to a reusable water bottle. This small change can significantly reduce waste and resource consumption over time.
• Try creating a small herbal garden to explore natural healthcare. Research and grow plants that are native to your area and have known health benefits. As you nurture and use these plants, you'll gain a practical understanding of how the environment can provide healthcare, much like the Waorani use their knowledge of the rainforest for medicinal purposes. You might start with easy-to-grow herbs like mint for digestion or chamomile for relaxation.
• Volunteer with a local conservation group to participate in habitat restoration projects. Engaging in activities like planting native species, removing invasive plants, or cleaning up waterways can provide hands-on experience with the complexity of ecosystems. Through these activities, you'll see firsthand how each species plays a role in its habitat and how human actions can impact the balance of these systems.
• Try improving your patience and focus by engaging in birdwatching. Find a quiet spot in nature, perhaps a park or a forest, and sit still for an extended period, observing the birds and their behaviors. This activity requires you to remain quiet and attentive, similar to how hunters must wait for the right moment to act.
• Try incorporating cassava flour into your cooking to explore alternative uses of a traditional crop. Cassava flour is a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour and can be used in recipes ranging from bread to cookies. Experimenting with cassava flour will allow you to appreciate its versatility and understand why it's a staple in many cultures.
• Create a digital journal to document the effects of various herbal teas and supplements on your well-being. This can be as simple as noting down how you feel before and after consuming a cup of ginger tea for nausea or echinacea during cold season, helping you to understand the practical benefits of medicinal plants in your daily life.
• Pair up with someone from a different generation and commit to a monthly 'skill swap' session. For example, you might teach them how to use a new technology, while they share a traditional recipe or craft. This reciprocal learning mimics the intergenerational transfer of knowledge.
• Create a...

We Will Be Jaguars Summary The clash between the customs of the Waorani and the advances of Western Christianity is profoundly influenced by the efforts of religious evangelists and the oil industry.

The arrival of Christian missionaries endangers the traditional way of life and beliefs held by the Waorani people.

Missionaries seek to convert the Waorani, denouncing their ancestral practices and spirituality as demonic.

The book illustrates how the arrival of Christian missionaries poses a threat to the core of Waorani cultural and spiritual existence. Missionaries, passionate in their convictions, endeavor to convert the Waorani to Christianity, portraying their complex spiritual ceremonies and profound connection to the forest as akin to the worship of demons. The community becomes engulfed in fear and confusion when a deity is introduced, clashing with the spiritual beings that the Waorani people hold sacred.

The authors vividly portray the conflict by emphasizing the actions and statements connected to Rachel Saint. She condemns the traditional absence of attire among the Waorani, deeming it a result of demonic forces, and insists on the importance of clothing them. She is convinced that their health issues and unfortunate incidents are a result of a lack of faith in Wengongi, the Christian god. The authors stress that the encroachment of foreign ideologies...

We Will Be Jaguars Summary The author's individual odyssey involves a delicate balance between honoring their native heritage and meeting external expectations.

During her formative years, Nemonte experienced a growing fascination with aspects of Western and Christian culture, leading to a slow estrangement from her indigenous roots.

Nemonte endures the unfortunate experience of having her teeth extracted as she mistakenly tries to align with Western standards of attractiveness.

The story traces Nemonte's complex journey, highlighting her dedication to safeguarding her indigenous legacy while facing the allure of modern Western culture. Growing up, Nemonte felt an attraction to the material affluence and perceived higher social standing of white people, leading her to abandon her Waorani roots in exchange for embracing Christianity. The narrative emphasizes her internal conflict, accentuating her attraction to Western clothing, her desire for a radiant smile, and her adoption of the name Inés, which was bestowed upon her in accordance with Christian traditions. The authors highlight a profound desire for acknowledgment from the broader community, a feeling rooted in the damaging notion propagated by missionaries that indigenous customs are lesser and in need of redemption.

The story movingly depicts the ill-advised attempts...

We Will Be Jaguars Summary The struggle to safeguard the lands of the Waorani and to maintain the preservation of indigenous rights against possible resource extraction and ecological harm.

The Waorani people are embroiled in a judicial fight to prevent the Ecuadorian government from selling their territory for petroleum drilling.

The Waorani meticulously document and map the abundant variety of life, emphasizing how deeply significant their inhabited land is to their culture.

The narrative of the book details the courageous actions taken by the Waorani people to protect their ancestral territories from attempts by the Ecuadorian government to auction them off for petroleum extraction activities. They highlight the significant step of meticulously mapping their territory, showcasing its ecological richness and cultural significance to the outside world. The Waorani endeavor to showcase their territories as places of immense value that transcend oil exploration opportunities by carefully pinpointing areas that are hallowed, customary hunting grounds, zones abundant in medicinal plants, and ancient groves where fruit trees have been cultivated for generations.

The book offers an in-depth portrayal of the community's thorough recording of the forest's ancestral knowledge as imparted by the elders. Nemonte was instrumental in mapping her people's territory,...

We Will Be Jaguars Summary The importance of community, family, and intergenerational knowledge in maintaining cultural integrity and identity

The steadfast determination of the Waorani community in the face of outside challenges is anchored in their strong familial and community ties.

The senior individuals within the Waorani society play a crucial role in imparting treasured knowledge, stories, and understanding of local ecosystems to the younger generation.

The authors highlight the importance of familial bonds, communal participation, and intergenerational transmission of wisdom as essential elements for preserving the distinct cultural identity of the Waorani people. They illustrate how these strong social bonds are central to their resilience in the face of external threats, providing a support system that sustains their traditions and strengthens their collective resistance. The book portrays the community's elders as guardians of venerable knowledge, protecting the intricate ecosystems of the woodland, its therapeutic qualities, and the powerful spirits that dwell within.

The narrative emphasizes the significance of senior community members by providing a multitude of illustrations. Nemonte fondly recalls her childhood moments, basking in the comforting ambiance of Nenecawa's communal home, where...

We Will Be Jaguars Summary Indigenous groups protect their lands and rights by utilizing a mix of traditional and modern strategies, including legal and political maneuvers.

The Waorani utilize a range of tactics, encompassing legal challenges and proactive measures, to safeguard the lands of their forebears.

The Waorani utilize GPS mapping, drone technology, and media platforms to meticulously document and share the richness and allure of their land.

Nenquimo and Anderson portray the Waorani as combining ancestral knowledge with modern tools and legal tactics to protect their ancestral territories. The narrative details the fusion of the elders' profound knowledge of the forest with modern technological instruments to meticulously document the coordinates of significant cultural sites, medicinal plants, and various ecological features. They highlight the use of drone technology to capture aerial footage of their territory, showcasing its immense biodiversity and the destructive impacts of oil operations to a wider audience. The authors also emphasize how the group skillfully utilized social media platforms and video documentaries to broaden the reach of their viewpoint, challenge the dominant narrative surrounding oil exploration, and garner global support for their cause.

The book vividly portrays this blend of traditional knowledge...