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Project Coordinator

Masaryk University Language Centre

Project Manager

Barbara Staffolani

barbara.staffolani@cjv.muni.cz

Academic Coordinator

Athena Alchazidu

athena.alchazidu@cjv.muni.cz

Graphic design, web development

Dominik Tomčík

Instagram

Portal

The main outcome of the EPSULA project is the Educational Portal, which is divided into two main sections: the Collection and the Compendium.

EPSULA Collection

This section comprises a series of video recordings in Spanish and Indigenous languages, created with the collaborating communities in El Salvador and Ecuador, edited and subtitled. These recordings, their transcriptions and the edited videos are available at the links below:

  • Full EPSULA Collection

  • Youtube

EPSULA Compendium

In order to provide an effective use of the video recordings from the EPSULA Collection, the EPSULA Compendium was created. It includes 12 independent modules, each designed for focused learning and exploration. Each module represents a block that forms a coherent whole, focusing on selected themes set in their respective context. The EPSULA project thus presents a pedagogical framework through a modular approach that not only addresses issues of cultural diversity but actually turns them into opportunities for enrichment. By offering a structured, flexible, interdisciplinary and collaborative approach, it allows teachers and students to explore indigenous cultures from different perspectives, with sensitivity and a subtle understanding of the complexity of their reality.

We are honored to introduce the indigenous communities that participated in our project:

Ecuador

Achuar

Napo Kotokocha - Kichwa Amazónico

Shiripuno - Kichwa Amazónico

Saraguro

Cañari

Shuar

Waorani

El Salvador

Nahuat Pipil

Modules

01 - Community history and the roots of identity

02 - Intangible culture

03 - Tangible culture

04 - Language and communication

05 - Philosophy and Cosmovision Dichotomy

06 - Holistic Perspectives on Nature and the Environment

07 - Local, Regional and Global Geographical Contexts

08 - Economy Clash

09 - New Ways of Tourism

10 - Women and gender

11 - Approaches to Wellbeing

12 - Social bonds and social commitment

Community history and the roots of identity

Module 01

Community history and the roots of identity

This module comprises issues related to the history of indigenous communities, as well as narratives that account for the fundamental roots underlying collective identities.

Materials

Materials

Full module

If you want to view the module videos, be sure to download the document to your device.

Methodological guide

Video 1 - Interview with Mr. Maxmiliano Rivadeneira

Activity 1

Video 2 - Interview Mr. Chuji Wisum Tsunki

Activity 1

Video 3 - Interview with don Tito Cuadra. Nahuat-Pipil, Izalco, El Salvador

Activity 2

Video 4 - Interview with Ocagnuie Acuh. Waorani, Ecuador

Activity 2

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Intangible culture

Module 02

Intangible culture

Intangible cultural expressions are central to any society as they are integral to the identity of any community. This module focuses on rituals, oral traditions and social substance and explains their role in shaping identity and connection.

Materials

Materials

Full module

If you want to view the module videos, be sure to download the document to your device.

Methodological guide

Subtitles: Video 1 - Shuar - Welcome ritual Kintia Panki Community

Activity 1

Subtitles: Video 2 - Interview with Marcia Chumpi

Activity 1

Subtitles: Vídeo 3 - Nahuat-Pipil, Interview with Tactzin Nicolas Sanchez García: Canción 1

Actividad 1

Subtitles: Video 4 - Nahuat-Pipil. Interview with Tactzin Nicolas Sanchez García: Canción 2

Activity 1

Subtitles: Video 1 - Interview with Marcelo Ankuash

Activity 2

Subtitles: Video 2 - Interview with Victor Alfonso Ramírez and Vilma Aracely Mismit

Activity 2

Video 1 - Shuar – dance

Activity 1

Video 2 - Achuar - Marcia - women's song

Activity 1

Video 3 - Nahuat-Pipil, Interview with Tactzin Nicolas Sanchez Garcia: Song 1

Activity 1

Video 4 - Nahuat-Pipil, Interview with Tactzin Nicolas Sanchez Garcia: Song 2

Activity 1

Video 1 Shuar, Ecuador

Activity 2

Video 2 – Nahuat-Pipil, El Salvador

Activity 2

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Tangible culture

Module 03

Tangible culture

Cultural manifestations, from simple objects for everyday use, to elaborated artefacts used for special occasions in rituals and ceremonies are equally important, as they provide a complex picture of the social norms, aesthetic developments and technological advances that are part of everyday life.

Materials

Materials

Full module

If you want to view the module videos, be sure to download the document to your device.

Methodological guide

Video 1 Shuar, Ecuador, Interview with Marcelo Ankuash

Activity 1

Video 2 Achuar, Ecuador, Interview with Laura

Activity 1

Video 3 Kichwa Napo, Interview with Janet Rivadenuira

Activity 1

Video 4 Saraguro, Ecuador, Interview with María Angélica Chalán

Activity 1

Video 5 Shuar - Interview with Suana Shuir

Activity 1

Video 1 Shuar, Interview with Marcelo Ankuash

Activity 2

Video 2 and 3 Saraguro, Interview with Rosa Cango – First part

Activity 2

Video 2 and 3 Saraguro, Interview with Rosa Cango – 5th part

Activity 2

Video 4 - Saraguro – Interview with Hernán and Francisco

Activity 2

Videos 1 – Kichwa Napo - Interview with Janeth Rivadeneira

Activity 3

Video 2 or 3 - Waorani – Interview with Yehuanca Irumenga - Part 12

Activity 3

Video 2 or 3 - Waorani – Interview with Yehuanca Irumenga - Part 14

Activity 3

Video 4 Kichwa, Kotococha – Interview with Sheila Chimbo

Activity 3

Video 5 Nahuat, Interview with Nantzin Fidelina Cortéz

Activity 3

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Language and communication

Module 04

Language and communication

This module provides an approach to the world of indigenous languages. It goes beyond linguistic mechanics to reveal the cultural meaning embedded in words, and ways of expressing abstract concepts. At the same time it offers insight into unique worldviews and social structures.

Materials

Materials

Full module

If you want to view the videos of the modules, make sure to download the document to your device.

Methodological guide

Video 1: Interview with Marcelo Ankuash, Shuar

Activity 1

Video 2: Interview with Tito Pazin, Náhuat

Activity 1

Video 3 Interview with Aracely Mismat, Náhuat

Activity 1

Video 4: Interview with Laura Mukucham, Achuar

Activity 1

Video 3: Kichwa Napo, Story of the Stone

Activity 2

Video 1: Narration in Náhuat. El Salvador. Interview with María Úrsula García

Activity 3

Video 2: Saraguro Story, María Angélica Chalán

Activity 3

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Philosophy and Cosmovision Dichotomy

Module 05

Philosophy and Cosmovision Dichotomy

This module moves at the intersection of philosophical realms and indigenous ancestral wisdom explored from contemporary perspectives. Through academic inquiry, it fosters the learner ́s curiosity to unpack the dichotomy between traditional cosmologies and modern philosophies that influence thought and social frameworks.

Materials

Materials

Full module

If you want to view the module videos, be sure to download the document to your device.

Methodological guide

Video 1: Interview with Valeria Etzamaren –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ part 3

Activity 1

Video 2: Interview with Yehuanca Irumenga –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ part 4

Activity 1

Video 3: Interview with María Aguinda –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ part 1

Activity 1

Video 1: Interview with Víctor Alonso Ramírez Lati

Activity 2

Video 2: Interview with Nicolas Sánchez Vides

Activity 2

Video 3: Interview with Nantzin Sixta Pérez

Activity 2

Video 1: Interview with Wisum Chuji

Activity 3

Video 2: Interview with Nakaim Mukuink Najarip

Activity 3

Video 3: Interview with Marcia Chumpi

Activity 3

Video 4: Interview with Marcia Chumpi

Activity 3

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Holistic Perspectives on Nature and the Environment

Module 06

Holistic Perspectives on Nature and the Environment

This module is designed in order to explore ancestral wisdom of the indigenous communities and their perspective of Nature not as a resource meant to serve human needs, but rather as a harmonious living entity. It engages with holistic perspectives that weave interconnectedness, sustainability and spirituality into the traditional social structure.

Materials

Materials

Full module

If you want to view the videos of the modules, make sure to download the document to your device.

Methodological guide

Video 1: Interview with Alonso García

Activity 1

Video 1: Interview with Laura Mukucham

Activity 2

Video 1: Interview with Laura Mukucham - Transcription

Activity 2

Video 2: Interview with Mauricio Shimpi Ankuash

Activity 2

Video 2: Interview with Mauricio Shimpi Ankuash - Transcription

Activity 2

Video 1: Interview with Martin Chumpi

Activity 3

Video 1: Interview with Martin Chumpi - Transcription

Activity 3

Video 1: Interview with Dionisio Katan

Activity 4

Video 1: Interview with Dionisio Katan - Transcription

Activity 4

Video 1: Dance by Pablo Timias

Activity 5

Video 1: Dance by Pablo Timias - Transcription

Activity 5

Video 1: Interview with Shiki Alfonso Pinchu

Activity 6

Video 1: Interview with Shiki Alfonso Pinchu - Transcription

Activity 6

Video 1: Interview with Elias Akachu

Activity 7

Video 1: Interview with Elias Akachu - Transcription

Activity 7

Video 1: Interview with Isaías Héctor Sharup

Activity 8

Video 1: Interview with Isaías Héctor Sharup - Transcription

Activity 8

Video 1: Interview with Elena Acachu

Activity 9

Video 1: Interview with Elena Acachu - Transcription

Activity 9

Video 1: Interview with Raúl Alfonso Tula

Activity 10

Video 1: Interview with Raúl Alfonso Tula - Transcription

Activity 10

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Local, Regional and Global Geographical Contexts

Module 07

Local, Regional and Global Geographical Contexts

This module provides opportunities not only for exploring the geographical context regarding the environment, the climate and other important conditions, moreover it includes the interdisciplinary approach that allow „mapping“ local and regional History and stories that shape the life of indigenous communities. Through comparisons and analysis, the purpose is to explore the dynamic interplay between local landscapes and global influences, in order to understand how geography shapes identities, livelihoods and perspectives.

Materials

Materials

Full module

If you want to view the videos of the modules, make sure to download the document to your device.

Methodological guide

Video 1: Interview with Segundo Melchor Duchi

Activity 1

Video 1: Interview with Segundo Melchor Duchi - Transcription

Activity 1

Video 1: Interview with Yehuanca Irumenga

Activity 2

Video 1: Interview with Yehuanca Irumenga - Transcription

Activity 2

Video 2: Interview with Salvador Gualán

Activity 2

Video 2: Interview with Salvador Gualán - Transcription

Activity 2

Video 1: Interview with Nicolás Sánchez Vides

Activity 3

Video 2: Interview with Nicolás Sánchez Vides

Activity 3

Video 3: Interview with Nicolás Sánchez Vides

Activity 3

Video 4: Interview with Nicolás Sánchez Vides

Activity 3

Video 5: Interview with Nicolás Sánchez Vides

Activity 3

Video 6: Interview with Nicolás Sánchez Vides

Activity 3

Video 1: Interview with Juliana Ama

Activity 4

Video 1: Interview with Juliana Ama - 2

Activity 4

Video 1: Interview with Nakaim Mukuink Najarip

Activity 5

Video 2: Interview with Nakaim Mukuink Najarip

Activity 5

Video 3: Interview with Nakaim Mukuink Najarip

Activity 5

Video 4: Interview with Nakaim Mukuink Najarip

Activity 5

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Economy Clash

Module 08

Economy Clash

This module provides opportunities to examine the clash between traditional indigenous economies and external forces. Through scholarly inquiry and analysis it helps to clarify the impact of globalisation and market dynamics on indigenous economic systems. At the same time it highlights the delicate balance between sustainability and change.

Materials

Materials

Full module

If you want to view the module videos, be sure to download the document to your device.

Methodological guide

Video 1: Interview with Janeth Rivedeneira

Activity 1

Video 1: Interview with Okagnuie Acuh

Activity 2

Video 1: Interview with Zoila Moreto Yevez

Activity 3

Video 1: Interview with María Angélica Chalán

Activity 4

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New Ways of Tourism

Module 09

New Ways of Tourism

Within the academic study of tourism, this module redefines perspectives through indigenous eyes. It critically examines community-led initiatives, sustainable practices and cultural exchanges and provides an academic perspective on new dimensions of travel that promote indigenous heritage in search for mutual understanding.

Materials

Materials

Full module

If you want to view the videos of the modules, make sure to download the document to your device.

Methodological Guide

Video 1: Interview with Okagnuie Acuh

Activity 1

Video 1: Interview with Yehuanca Irumenga

Activity 2

Video 1: Interview with Janeth Rivadeneira

Activity 3

Video 1: Interview with Leonardo Tiwi

Activity 4

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Women and gender

Module 10

Women and gender

This particular module is of utter importance, as it illuminates the roles of women in Indigenous societies, as well as the recent changes considering women's empowerment that are apparent in some communities. Through scholarly inquiry, it reveals the diverse narratives shaping gender dynamics, resilience and empowerment.

Materials

Materials

Full module

If you want to view the videos of the modules, make sure to download the document to your device.

Methodological guide

Approaches to Wellbeing

Module 11

Approaches to Wellbeing

In addition to physical health, the module is designed to examine the mental, spiritual at an individual and community levels that define indigenous notions of a fulfilled and balanced life. In this sense this module reveals holistic perspectives on well-being as it is perceived by indigenous peoples.

Materials

Materials

Full module

If you want to view the module videos, be sure to download the document to your device.

Methodological guide

Social bonds and social commitment

Module 12

Social bonds and social commitment

This module explores the complex web of social connections that define community life. Through in-depth analysis, it encourages learners to explore the ethos of reciprocity, community support and social engagement that underpin indigenous societies.

Materials

Materials

Full module

If you want to watch the videos of the modules, make sure to download the document to your device.

Methodological guide

Video 1: Interview with Tsunkinua Sunka – part 1

Activity 1

Video 2: Interview with Janeth Rivadeneira –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ part 1

Activity 1

Video 3: Interview with Janeth Rivadeneira –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ part 2

Activity 1

Video 4: Interview with Janeth Rivadeneira –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ part 3

Activity 1

Video 5: Interview with Rocío Rivadeneira

Activity 1

Video 1: Interview with Tito Cuadra

Activity 2

Video 2: Interview with Raúl Alfonso Tula – part 8

Activity 2

Video 3: Video 2: Interview with Raúl Alfonso Tula – part 17

Activity 2

Video 4: Interview with Nicolas Sánchez Vides – part 2

Activity 2

Video 5: Interview with Nicolas Sánchez Vides – part 3

Activity 2

Video 1: Interview with Segundo Chinkim Sanchim – part 4

Activity 3

Video 2: Interview with Segundo Chinkim Sanchim – part 5

Activity 3

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