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Alejandra Arévalo Martínez

Alejandra Arévalo

Mamabena otra Ariabena

( Between another mountain)

Indigenous communities from different parts of Colombia have migrated to Bogotá and other large cities due to forced displacement by illegal armed actors and multinational companies with an interest in the natural resources in the areas where these communities live. Since their arrival in Bogotá, the communities have moved through different areas and parks of the city seeking to draw the attention of the government and citizens and to prompt measures and solutions for their current situation.


Since September 30, 2021, different Indigenous groups, including Embera Katío, Embera Dobida, and Embera Chamí, have settled in Bogotá’s National Park. They have described this settlement as part of their struggle for a better life, for a safe return to their ancestral territories, and in some cases for a dignified relocation to larger cities.



These communities have been partially transferred to temporary shelters. They still demand a dignified future outside the violence they have experienced for more than 20 years. However, the local mayor’s offices, ministries, and the government have been reluctant and distant in taking action to address this problem.


A young boy does his homework in the hut designed for his family. The various communities have tried to ensure that their children have access to school education. Volunteers from outside the government filled the role of teachers. Nora (22) came with her family to the national park in search of government support to return to her place of origin in Chocó. Nora draws the house where she used to live with her family in Alto de Andagueda. Enrico arrived at the park in early November 2021 with his entire family. He is also part of the indigenous guard that takes care of the diverse families Elivardo is the leader of the Embera Chamí community. He traveled from Risaralda to Bogotá with most of his family to demand a safe return and a dignified relocation. He dreams of making a career in the regaetton world as a singer and author in Bogotá. Alex is 20 year’s old from the Embera Katio community. On his neck are tattooed the initials of his girlfriend and family who are still in Alto de Andagueda, Chocó, Luis Fernando, Ofelia and their three children had arrived the day before at the National Park .

Blood under the Sundown Light

A Cloud above me

Guardavecinos

Ongoing

Hijos del Silencio

The forced Oblivion


A Cloud above me

Mamabena otra Ariabena

Sound of an echo

Guardavecinos


© Alejandra Arévalo 2026