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Killa Raymi Festival and Indigenous midwifery honour life in Ecuador

Andrea and her son, Gael, help set up the altar for the Killa Raymi ceremonies. Andrea is a graduate from the first class of CISAHW’s school, and her son has grown up within the community of midwives. They hope Gael will become the next generation of Indigenous knowledge keepers.

September 25, 2024

By Jose Zarate

Killa Raymi, or the Festival of the Moon, is a vibrant celebration in the Andean world that occurs between September 21 and 23. This festival marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. As the first ritual or agricultural festival of the year, it signifies the time for preparing the land for planting. Killa Raymi is also known as a celebration of the feminine, symbolized by the earth and the moon, reflecting its deep connection to fertility. This event heralds the planting season for maize, beans, fava beans, and other grains, honouring the essential roles women play in these agricultural practices.

The Indigenous peoples of the Andes possess a unique worldview that emphasizes the natural and social environments in which they coexist, fostering principles of equality and balance. For them, everything embodies a spirit and energy, promoting harmonious coexistence between the runa (human) and the universe (Pachamama or Mother Earth).

The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) partners with three Indigenous organizations dedicated to promoting Indigenous midwifery practices, including the Consejo Indígena de Salud Ancestral Hampik Warmikuna (CISAHW) in Ecuador, where Killa Raymi was recently celebrated. These partners aim to preserve traditional knowledge and empower communities in Mexico, Peru and Ecuador through culturally appropriate maternal health care. The connection between Killa Raymi and Indigenous midwifery practices, particularly as emphasized by PWRDF partners, underscores the holistic worldview shared by many Indigenous cultures.

Killa Raymi serves as a significant festival that highlights the intricate relationship between spirituality, the environment and knowledge practices. This celebration reflects a profound spiritual connection to nature, recognizing the moon’s vital role in agricultural cycles and human life. Rituals during the festival often involve offerings, prayers, and dances that seek to maintain harmony with the cosmos and express gratitude for nature’s life-giving forces.

Carmita Moran, leader of CISAHW, plays the churo, a traditional Andean wind instrument used in various cultural and ceremonial contexts. The ceremonies took place in Cotacachi, where their Indigenous midwifery school is located.

Indigenous midwifery is deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs, much like Killa Raymi’s reverence for the moon and nature. Midwives often incorporate spiritual practices, rituals, and teachings that honor the life cycle and the profound connection between mother, child, and the natural world. Both Killa Raymi and midwifery practices reflect a deep respect for life and the sacredness of birth.

Just as Killa Raymi emphasizes sustainability and environmental stewardship, Indigenous midwifery includes an understanding of natural resources. Midwives may use local herbs, plants, and traditional healing practices that reflect a sustainable relationship with the environment. This invaluable knowledge is passed down through generations, ensuring the preservation of both cultural and ecological wisdom.

The festival also serves as a time for sharing traditional knowledge, mirroring how Indigenous midwifery practices emphasize mentorship and education. Elders and experienced midwives play a crucial role in teaching younger generations about birth, parenting, and the importance of caring for both family and land. This transmission of knowledge ensures that these practices remain vibrant and relevant.

Killa Raymi fosters communal ties, paralleling the role of midwives in community support. Indigenous midwives serve as key figures, providing not only birth support but also education and advocacy for maternal health. The collective celebration during Killa Raymi strengthens social bonds, reflecting how midwifery creates networks of care and support among families.

Both Killa Raymi and Indigenous midwifery focus on holistic well-being. While Killa Raymi honors the cycles of nature that impact agricultural and personal health, midwifery emphasizes the health of mothers and children, integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual care. This approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of nurturing relationships.

The link between Killa Raymi and Indigenous midwifery reflects a shared understanding of the interconnectedness of life, culture, and the environment. By preserving and promoting these practices, PWRDF partners contribute to the resilience and vitality of Indigenous communities, highlighting the significance of holistic approaches to health and well-being.

The Indigenous partners of PWRDF – CHIRAPAQ from Peru, KINAL Antzetik from Mexico, and the Consejo Indígena de Salud Acestral Hampik Warmikuna (CISAHW) from Ecuador – share common goals and have made notable strides in promoting Indigenous midwifery. These organizations focus not only on improving maternal health outcomes but also on strengthening community ties and cultural identity. Their collaborative efforts contribute to greater recognition of Indigenous knowledge and practices within healthcare systems, fostering a more inclusive approach to maternal health.

In October 2024, PWRDF will meet with these three partners in Ecuador to learn more about their programs, strategies, achievements, and visions for the future. This gathering could be historic, with PWRDF playing a pivotal role as the pioneering international funding partner supporting a hemispheric Indigenous agenda focused on preserving and training Indigenous midwifery for future generations across the Americas.