We Will Be Jaguars by Mitch Anderson and Nemonte Nenquimo
Stunning, thought-provoking, and a genuine call to action, We Will Be Jaguars is a memoir filled with forest wisdom, the impacts of careless corporations, and the power of community action.
Nemonte Nenquimo, a Waorani woman, mother, activist, and leader/ founder of the Ceibo Alliance and Amazon Frontlines, writes perhaps the most impactful memoir I have read. Starting with her childhood filled with forced conversion, diminishment of her family’s way of life, and manipulation by both evangelicals and businessmen, Nemonte details the devastation caused by mining, greed, and the white savior complex.
The cowori show up whenever they wanted.
Mitch Anderson and Nemonte Nenquimo, We Will Be Jaguars
to save us,
to trick us,
to take from us
Her words (translated and co-written by her husband, Mitch Anderson) are brutally honest. I found myself almost nauseous at times, anticipating how negatively the missionaries, oil, and cattle companies were impacting their lives.
From bringing disease, polluting water supplies, destroying hunting grounds, and stealing land through a combination of scare tactics and manipulation. There is really nothing positive to say about the foreigners’ invasion of the Amazon.
Yet, Nemonte takes every horrific negative experience and uses it as fuel for fight against the invasion and destruction of her lands and subsequently protected millions of acres of Amazon.
The depictions of life in the forest are beautiful, full of elders’ wisdom, medicinal uses and an awe inspiring respect for the forest. Their respect for the land, their culture and the planet, palpates from every page. As a reader you feel immersed in the beauty, pulse and wonder of the Amazon forest.
Mitch Anderson and Nemonte Nenquimo, We Will Be Jaguars
It was the optimism of privilege, of a white man who didn’t live the conquest in his bones, who didn’t feel centuries of betrayal and hurt in his blood.
For audio lovers, the audiobook is equistely performed. From the use of Nemonte’s Waorani language, to the clear anger and despair over the callus nature of outsiders she encounters, Roche has done an amazing job of brining this book to life.
I am having trouble detailing how much I enjoyed this book. I am not a memoir person but believe me when I tell you this is a standout, moving and imperative read.
For more information on their vital work protecting the Amazon and Indigenous life check out Amazon Frontlines.
