Case study #5 Sumak Kawsay (Liberal Arts)

In the Liberal Arts 1st year modules Hope and Fear: Cultures, Climates, Ecologies and Record and Present we explore how ecological and social systems interact. In early weeks we look at the role of colonialism in the ecological crises and consider alternatives to ‘development’. In week 2 we welcome Kichwa national Paccha Chuji Turner to share insight into  the indigenous cosmovision of Kichwa communities of Amazonian Ecuador, Sumak Kawsay. We later  explore some of the themes in a follow-up workshop by listening to other organisms in an extended field listening session.

Sumak Kawsay — loosely translated as “Harmonious Living” —   is a holistic way of feeling, thinking and acting with and within the world. Although rooted in Amazonian and Andean Kichwa cosmovisions, it can also be seen as a philosophy shared by Indigenous Peoples globally, each with their own meanings, views, understandings and interpretations of the cosmos. Since the late 20th century, in the face of a globalized hegemonic and systemic model of development that is consuming life on Earth it has emerged as a political proposal and as an alternative form of existing that strives for the protection of and harmonious relationship with Mother Earth. Sumak Kawsay is too broad to define and summarize, but some core principles are:

# Relationality. Acknowledging, understanding, feeling and acting upon the interconnection and interdependence of all beings that are part of the Pacha Mama (Mother Nature or Cosmos). This is the principle that allows us to see and feel each other, and understand that each one of us has a role in the infinite web of life. Our existence is based on respectful, reciprocal, and healthy relationships with ourselves, with our ayllu (family and community), our territory, and the beings we share it with.

# Reciprocity. Reciprocity travels across all the spheres of life — from human, nonhuman, spiritual and territorial relationships. It lies within a system that holds as its prime concern the wellbeing of the community: a system that is not based on competition, accumulation, and individualism, but on respect, harmony, and solidarity within the family, the community, and the territory.

# Spirituality. Going beyond the physical realm, there is a cosmic connection between all the beings and energies within the Pacha Mama. Every being has samay (spirit), including what some may consider as inert matter: water, wind, fire, earth, rocks. Everything is alive, therefore deserves respect.

Sumak Kawsay is about the harmonious, reciprocal, and respectful relationship with Pachamama, where it’s implicit that she will react if abused and exploited.It  offers a holistic alternative to the systemic concept of development, whose values hover around materialism and profitability. Sumak Kawsay values life as a whole in Allpa Mama – Mother Earth – and strives for a planet fully alive and free.  Students are invited to reflect on existing or potential social structures and opportunities within their own local communities where these principles do or might play out. For example in Open Source Creative Coding communities, prestige is similarly awarded to those who work hard and share the most.

This summary of Sumak Kawsay was written by Paccha Chuji Turner; the class is run in collaboration with Alice Eldridge (Music) and Evan Killick (School of Global Studies, Sussex).