Leaders of the Waorani and Winnemem Wintu join together in ceremony and friendship

Caleen and Nemonte (photo by Will Parrinello)

Nemonte Nenquimo, president of the Waorani of Pastaza, was welcomed by Chief Caleen Sisk to Buliyum Puyuuk (Mt. Shasta). Nemonte’s lawsuit against the Ecuadorian government protected 500,000 acres of Waorani ancestral territory in the Amazon rainforest from oil industry exploitation. Awarded a Goldman Environmental Prize, she was also named a UN Environment Programme Champion of the Earth, and one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2020 by Time Magazine.

Nemonte and her family enjoyed camping, singing, dancing, and swimming in the Winnemem Waywacket (McCloud River) with the Tribe. Thanks to filmmaker Will Parrinello for making the introductions. Here’s a link to his 8-minute film about Nemonte’s work.