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Artwork for Crossing The River
Crossing The River · Nov 13, 2025 · 44 min

Mari Luz Canaquiri: The Underwater Beings [ENG]

Mari Luz Canaquiri (Kukama Indigenous People, Peru) grew up knowing that the Marañón River is sacred, because they carry life itself. When oil spills poisoned its waters and her people, her voice was dismissed because she was a woman. Refusing to be silenced, she joined other Kukama women to found the Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana Federation, leading with a strength that is inclusive, resilient, and cannot be corrupted. Together, they won a landmark victory: the Marañón became the first river in Peru recognized as a subject of rights. In 2025, Mari Luz was honored with the Goldman Prize—the “Environmental Nobel”—for her fight to defend her river and her people.

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Mari Luz Canaquiri (Kukama Indigenous People, Peru) grew up knowing that the Marañón River is sacred, because they carry life itself. When oil spills poisoned its waters and her people, her voice was dismissed because she was a woman. Refusing to be silenced, she joined other Kukama women to found the Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana Federation, leading with a strength that is inclusive, resilient, and cannot be corrupted. Together, they won a landmark victory: the Marañón became the first river in Peru recognized as a subject of rights. In 2025, Mari Luz was honored with the Goldman Prize—the “Environmental Nobel”—for her fight to defend her river and her people.

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