Indigenous Teachings and "Deep Rivers"

             Arguedas “Deep Rivers” is ultimately a testament to his life growing up and the harsh intersectionality of trying to exist in two worlds. He had a similar upbringing to that of Ernesto and I think that this shone through in his novel in the ways in which he talked with such passion about the Indigenous culture and the ways it was enacted in his life. 

Ernesto's story is that of alienation and trying to exist in two worlds. He is constantly trying to find ways to exist within the environment of his Catholic school while he stays true to his upbringing. The tribulation he experiences of existing within the school is a story of Ernesto trying to find himself again and maturing in an environment that is not accepting of beliefs that differ from theirs. Hence why the ending is so open ended, we learn alongside Ernesto so we only know what he knows. As he becomes exposed to the harsh realities of this school, he realizes the beliefs he holds true to himself and what he is not willing to change. The clash between Ernesto and the environment of the catholic school is a parallel to the clash between the fundamental beliefs of these two groups. The Catholic church was a system that was ultimately created for and to benefit the upper class. Whereas Indigenous culture does not seek to use religion and the earth for profit but instead their belief system aids them in their gratitude and connection to the earth, leading to a better treatment of it. 

One of the main aspects of this novel is the portrayal of the Indigenous view of nature and their connection to it. This is shown in the tender way in which Ernesto describes the landscape around him. Even in his love letter for Markask’a’s, he uses nature to describe feelings of love; “You are in the sun, in the breeze, in the rainbow that glistens beneath the bridges…” (Arguedas 74). Even though this letter is not for him to give, he is able to use nature as a vessel for talking about love. Ernesto’s relationship with nature exists beyond a physical plane, it is a spiritual gratitude for the gifts and beauty of the earth. 

I think this novel can tell us a lot about what we still have to learn as a society about Indigenous beliefs and the ways in which we interact with the world around us. The connection Ernesto has to the land ultimately creates this moral code in him, as he navigates the world developing it. The basis of this code I believe is the Indigenous teachings of reciprocity and gift giving. The basis of this is the earth as a gift giver and how that relationship only works through reciprocity; giving back in ways we can. This cultivates a deep connection with the earth as we become aware of how many gifts are given to us. 

A key moment in this novel that struck me was the demonstration of resilience held by the group of women demonstrators in chapter seven as they fought to redistribute the salt that was taken from them. This demonstrates themes of not just empowerment but female empowerment, a striking back at the upper class. We see this flare of passion come up again in Ernesto as he says; “I was excited by the women’s violence. I felt like rushing at somebody, like fighting.” (Arguedas 91). The book describes these women as powerful and a force to be reckoned with, so much so that they move Ernesto to join them and shout in unison. I found this to be a very interesting moment in the novel of female empowerment, especially for the time it was written. 

My Question for you is: How do you think you can implement more gratitude and reciprocity in your life towards the earth/nature?