Pioneering leader of the Indigenous movement in Ecuador, María Blanca Chancoso Sánchez, has won the José Peralta literature prize for her autobiography Los hilos con los que he tejido mi historia. The prize was awarded by the municipality of Quito as part of the annual celebrations that recognize the work of the most remarkable artists, writers, and researchers of Ecuador.
Land is Life supported the writing process of the book that not only tells the story of an Indigenous woman but also describes the history of the Indigenous movement in Ecuador. Blanca narrates the story from a unique perspective of a daughter of Indigenous parents who moved to a city, a woman leading the Indigenous movement, a tireless Indigenous defender, and a mother.
“Estoy muy agradecida porque es un gran estímulo para seguir trabajando. El reconocimiento que me han dado en la vida es hermoso. Es un cumplido. A finales de los 90 se intentó hacer un folleto con mi trabajo y el de otros líderes. Ahora bien, este libro es grande, donde se incorporan más historias. Siento que el impulso está ahí para continuar con lo que hemos estado haciendo.”
[I am very grateful because it is a great stimulus to continue working. The recognition that they have given me in life is beautiful. It’s a compliment. At the end of the 90’s, an attempt was made to make a brochure with my work and that of other leaders. Now this book is a big one, where more stories are incorporated. I feel like the momentum is there to continue what we’ve been doing.]
Blanca Chancoso
Land is Life honors the remarkable work of Blanca and warmly congratulates her for the award. Please find here the link to purchase Blanca’s book.
