In 2009 EarthAction became aware of a very important and time sensitive project regarding the transmission of sacred knowledge of the indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region of Colombia, and we became the sponsor of this project.
Norberto Torres (Mamo Sewkukuy), an Arhuaco elder about 90 years old, is recognized throughout the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta as "The Spiritual Geographer" for the manner in which he has dedicated his life to honoring his legacy. It is said that he was “dreamed” or thought into existence by those living three generations prior to his birth. He has journeyed almost all of the Sierra Nevada by foot and knows it like the palm of his hand. Within his area of expertise, Mamo Sewkukuy has no equal and unfortunately no heir, due to the tragic death of his son whom he was training to carry on his legacy.
