Stott Fellows Reflection

Dr. Arielle Akines

Attending the Memoria Indígena workshops in July was an intellectually and personally transformative experience, one that stands out as a rare and profound opportunity for growth. My primary objective in participating was to listen and learn from a community of ingenious leaders deeply engaged with the theme of “care.” Over five days of dialogue, presentations, and shared experiences, a multifaceted understanding of care emerged, encompassing spiritual, environmental, educational, and professional dimensions. Each session built upon the last, redefining care through these lenses and reshaping my own approach—from passive observation to active listening and meaningful engagement.

The site visits in Medellín provided some of the most impactful spiritual insights of the workshops. Engaging with local Emberá leaders and their communities revealed the profound realities of displacement with resilience, pain with hope, and the need for Indigenous representation both within and outside of Colombia. While in Medellin and at locations such as parks, schools, libraries, and Casa Emberá, the Emberá community shared their experiences, spirituality, and joy with us, fostering immediate connection. These encounters not only deepened my understanding of their struggles and aspirations but also invited me to reimagine my own relationship with nature as a vital component of my faith. The Emberá leaders’ encouragement to view nature as integral to spirituality was particularly transformative, grounding my faith in a renewed appreciation for creation.

The collaborative learning environment at the workshop and in small groups significantly contributed to my educational and professional growth. Often in my professional capacity, I find myself leading and presenting rather than being in a position to actively listen and learn. The workshops brought together a diverse group, including colleagues from Wheaton College and leaders from across Latin America, representing a wide range of ages, perspectives, and expertise. The richness of our dialogue—both in structured sessions and informal discussions while traveling—encouraged me to think deeper about decolonization and presenting my students in Wheaton with additional diversified learning materials. Our visits in Medellín also fostered an environment for interdisciplinary sharing of scholarship and research that broadened my professional horizons. As a linguist, this experience inspired me to resume studying Portuguese, spurred by the trilingual conversations in English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese. Moreover, the discussions with Emberá leaders about the need for biblical and educational materials in their native language highlighted an area of necessary research, prompting me to continually think about how language access can serve as a form of care and advocacy.

The Memorial Indígena workshops left me with a profound sense of connection to a community of scholars and leaders united by shared purpose and vision. The experiences in Medellín and with the Emberá community challenged me to reflect on my daily sacrifices, my impact on others, and my sense of purpose. I am deeply committed to returning to engage further with the Emberá and other Indigenous leaders in Latin America. These reflections also heightened my awareness of the earth and nature as integral to

God’s creation and the responsibility we bear to care for it, particularly in solidarity with Indigenous communities in Colombia and beyond.

Thank you to HNGR, Drew, and Jocabed for this transformative experience.

Dr. Arielle Akines

Modern and Classical Languages

Reflection written as part of Stott Fellows 2024