The Enabling Power of Culture: The Effects of Myths of Creation on Cultural Practices and Green Energy Choices in Ecuador

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Kimmerer (2015) exposed an intricate relationship between the Native Americans of the Great Lakes of North America and their natural environment. The author unveils a distinct difference between the culture of the Western world and that of the native inhabitants of North America by researching the myths of creation that are dominant in Native American communities. For instance, by establishing that sweetgrass, or wiingaashk, is honoured as one of the four sacred plants of the indigenous people. Among others, this plant is protected and preserved within their lands while simultaneously proven to be of importance in the studied myth of creation. In essence, she hints at an existing ‘Culture of Sustainability’ that can be linked to their myths of creation. A recent emphasis on indigenous literature and alternate forms of knowledge showcases the need for novel approaches to attain true reform within the sustainability realm. The concept of ‘inner worlds’ already proposes a convincing approach within this new movement, but additionally, other forms of knowledge are increasingly used to research climate change.

However, the opportunities that renewable energy provides are less extensively researched within this context. This thesis aims to embrace this recent shift in knowledge generation by studying indigenous creation stories in the Andean region of Ecuador. It examines whether and how such stories are told and subsequently examines how they link to sustainability concerns. These insights are used to explore the varying cultural practices affecting the relationship between the indigenous people and their environment. The possible presence of a ‘culture of sustainability’ is used to study the importance of an indigenous worldview towards sustainable concerns, and in particular to renewable energy.

Finally, this thesis reveals that myths of creation and the practice of telling them are becoming increasingly rare in indigenous communities in modern-day Ecuador. The continuous encroachment of indigenous people and their land sees traditional cultural practices fade. As a consequence, the sharing of traditional myths of creation seems to occupy a less prominent place in their traditions. However, the cultural practices that are said to be influenced by creation myths do hint at a distinct ‘Culture of Sustainability.’ Together with factors such as monitoring indigenous lands, viability, and long-term cost-effectiveness, a Culture of Sustainability can be regarded as influential in facilitating approaches regarding renewable energy.