Rivers Are Alive: Protecting Water and Culture from Environmental Displacement with Impirita Samani

What if rivers were more than just water—they were living beings with spirit, memory, and life?

In this episode, Frank Oscar Weaver speaks with Impirita Samani, an Indigenous Ashaninka leader from Peru, about her people's deep connection to rivers and the devastating impact of illegal mining.

"We treat the river as a living person, even though it may seem invisible, it is always present." – Impirita Samani

Impirita shares how environmental destruction not only pollutes their sacred waters but displaces Indigenous communities, severing cultural and spiritual ties to the land.

Learn how we can reconnect with rivers, not as guardians, but as children of the Earth, and take steps to protect these vital sources of life.

Impirita is sharing the beautiful Ikaro Ashaninka song “TSIROWANKO”, which pays homage to the magical bird Tsirotsi (Cacicus Cela). This bird is a spiritual guide in the Amazon, imitating the songs of the jungle and carrying messages from PAWA, the creator of the universe.

This song symbolizes the resilience of Ashaninka culture, the power of the feminine, and the deep bond with the natural world. Just as “TSIROWANKO” leads us to the heart of the Amazon, our episode delves into the threats Indigenous communities face from environmental destruction and cultural displacement, and how we can unite to protect the sacred rivers and lands.

 

🌟 Take Action:

• Support Impirita Samani’s work: Connect here.
• Join local river cleanups in Central Florida: Central Florida Recon Waterway Clean ups .
• Contribute to Native youth mental health initiatives: Donate here.

Credits:

Photo by Neil Giardino

Music By: Impirita Samani 

Illegal gold mining thrives in Amazon, miners attack indigenous people | WION Climate Tracker | News

 

🎧 Listen now to discover how you can help protect rivers and support Indigenous communities: Indigenous Earth Podcast.