Indigenous Women Revive Ancestral Healing Through Collective Wisdom

Indigenous communities have long relied on traditional forms of care to treat and ease illnesses, rooted in ecological knowledge and communal practices. These methods existed well before modern medicine and continue to play a vital role in health and well-being. Gabriela Garibello Daza, a Muisca leader, co-founded the Tinizí Indigenous Collective. She also leads the Bosa Native Language Revitalization Program. Her work created a space for preserving knowledge in women’s medicine, midwifery, and herbalism from a Muisca perspective. The project involved 20 Muisca women, focusing on preventive care for physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Cenia Kaina Córdoba Pichamba, from the Kichwa Otavalo people, launched an initiative to document and honour Indigenous knowledge in midwifery. She collected oral stories and photographs, building a support network for Kichwa women and midwives. A photobook is also in development to protect ancestral knowledge and strengthen cultural longevity.

Thalia Jiménez Tomás, a Ngäbe leader, co-founded the Ngäbe Women Leaders of Siaola. Her efforts helped recover intercultural maternal health knowledge among Ngäbe midwives and women. In recognition of this work, she received the 2024 European Union Gender Equality Award. These projects highlight the enduring value of traditional Indigenous practices in healthcare. By documenting and sharing this knowledge, the initiatives ensure its preservation for future generations. The work also strengthens cultural identity and community resilience.