Indigenous dialogues: from Bolivia to Canada

Beyond the course of their stay, this initiative made it possible to gauge the full scope of such an exchange: it promoted knowledge sharing, opened spaces for intercultural dialogue and highlighted inspiring solutions from the Indigenous communities. At a time when climate and social issues require collective responses, this visit demonstrated the value of cooperation rooted in mutual learning and recognition of traditional knowledge.

The delegation was composed of Patricia Patiño, Executive Director of APCOB, and Mayerly Yaneth Rodríguez Cambara, a young Chiquitano Indigenous woman committed to climate justice and member of the JUMA (Jóvenes Chiquitanos Unidos por el Medio Ambiente). APCOB is a long-standing partner of CECI, having collaborated on both the Volunteer Cooperation Programme (PCV) and the Québec sans Frontières Programme (QSF).

Strengthening ties and sharing knowledge

Throughout their stay, the guests participated in a series of meetings designed to promote the exchange of expertise between Bolivia and Canada in a spirit of mutual learning. One key observation emerged: despite their diverse contexts, Indigenous communities in Canada and Bolivia face similar challenges, particularly in terms of climate justice, recognition of traditional knowledge and the defence of collective rights.

Their ancestral knowledge, which embodies vision and resilience, resonates deeply when lasting relationships are established between communities.

These meetings provided an opportunity to explore strong common ground on key issues: climate justice, gender equality, Indigenous women's leadership and the preservation of traditional knowledge. They also highlighted the importance of approaches based on reciprocity and mutual learning.

APCOB representatives emphasized the decisive contribution of PCV and QSF volunteers, whose commitment helps strengthen ties, support local initiatives and enrich collaborations with partner organizations. In this regard, Lydia Biron, a CECI volunteer in Bolivia, shared her experience during an event held at the offices of Global Affairs Canada, funder of CECI's Volunteer Cooperation Programme.

The exhibition ‘The matriarchs of the forest’ is on display until 9 January 2026 in the 1st floor of the Montreal Biodôme. It invites the public to reflect on the women who have had a significant impact on their lives: "What is the legacy of the women who have influenced your life in relation to nature? What actions do you wish to take to protect nature and future generations? " You can respond here : Matriarchs of the forest. This travelling exhibition was also on display at COP30 in Brazil. 

That same evening, Patricia Patiño and Mayerly Yaneth Rodríguez Cambara took part in the opening of the Climate Dialogues by participating in the panel on Indigenous women's leadership, highlighting the inseparable link between territory, culture and climate.  This political panel brought together members of parliament Alexandre Boulerice and Patrick Bonin, Verdun Mayor Marie-Andrée Mauger, Jean Lemire, Climate Change Envoy for the Quebec Government, and Francis Verreault-Paul, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador. The Bolivian delegation's contribution enriched the discussions with a perspective directly rooted in the realities of communities in the Amazon basin.   

  Towards a sustainable bridge between Indigenous communities  

  The discussions demonstrated the potential for building a sustainable bridge between the Indigenous realities of Canada and Bolivia. The Bolivian representatives highlighted the richness of Indigenous approaches to community engagement and environmental resilience, while the Quebec and Canadian partners welcomed with interest these perspectives rooted in the experiences of communities in the Amazon basin. 

To build on this momentum, the next step is taking shape: the creation of a virtual community of practice bringing together Indigenous actors from Canada, Latin America and Asia. This space will serve to strengthen ties, support ongoing exchanges, and promote the sharing of knowledge rooted in a perspective of sustainable and impactful collaboration.  

CECI warmly thanks all the organisations we met for their welcome and commitment. When communities engage in dialogue, recognise each other and join forces, new opportunities emerge to move forward together towards social and climate justice.