Keepers of the Mountains

Patagonia is world-renowned for its rich and unique natural ecosystems. Home to breathtaking extensions of mountains, lakes, rivers and forests it is treasured by climbers, hikers and nature lovers alike. We set out to document the relationship that the stewards of this land have with this place, interviewing refuge-keepers, climbers and people whose life is dedicated to preserving the nature of this place, with the hypothesis that this close relationship with nature has some effect in their consciousness.

During the process, we discovered two somewhat antagonistic cosmovisions in place: That of the Mapuche indigenous people that inhabited the land for hundreds of years, and that of the descendants of the European colonizers, which conquered the original Mapuche inhabitants. In the heart of Patagonia, the city of Bariloche, the statue of General Roca looms in the main square. For some, the hero who rid these lands of the indigenous tribes who were halting the formation of a unified nation. For others, the one who brought genocide to over 30,000 indigenous people. In his shadow, Patagonia continues to be divided to this day.

How are these two cosmovisions taking care of the land? What are the differences and similarities between their feelings and beliefs around nature? Can they join efforts, as Patagonia becomes increasingly threatened by excessive tourism, gentrification and the exploitative interests of transnational companies looking for its resources? Can the reverence that these two groups have for the land they both love, help bring their perspectives together? What healing would be required for this?