A 2022 Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist in Science & Technology
An Indigenous environmental scientist breaks down why western conservationism isn't working--and offers Indigenous models informed by case studies, personal stories, and family histories that center the voices of Latin American women and land protectors.
Despite the undeniable fact that Indigenous communities are among the most affected by climate devastation, Indigenous science is nowhere to be found in mainstream environmental policy or discourse. And while holistic land, water, and forest management practices born from millennia of Indigenous knowledge systems have much to teach all of us, Indigenous science has long been ignored, otherized, or perceived as "soft"--the product of a systematic, centuries-long campaign of racism, colonialism, extractive capitalism, and delegitimization.
Here, Jessica Hernandez--Maya Ch'orti' and Zapotec environmental scientist and founder of environmental agency Piña Soul--introduces and contextualizes Indigenous environmental knowledge and proposes a vision of land stewardship that heals rather than displaces, that generates rather than destroys. She breaks down the failures of western-defined conservatism and shares alternatives, citing the restoration work of urban Indigenous people in Seattle; her family's fight against ecoterrorism in Latin America; and holistic land management approaches of Indigenous groups across the continent.
Through case studies, historical overviews, and stories that center the voices and lived experiences of Indigenous Latin American women and land protectors, Hernandez makes the case that if we're to recover the health of our planet--for everyone--we need to stop the eco-colonialism ravaging Indigenous lands and restore our relationship with Earth to one of harmony and respect.
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"Through her words, Hernández invites readers into a world of vivid imagery and emotion, where the personal and the political are intertwined.
The poems in "Fresh Banana Leaves" are deeply rooted in Hernández's experiences as a first-generation Mexican-American, and she explores themes of family, tradition, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. She also grapples with larger issues of racism, xenophobia, and the challenges of living in a world that often feels hostile to those who are different.
Hernández's writing is both lyrical and accessible, and she has a gift for capturing the essence of a moment or a feeling in just a few words. Her imagery is vivid and evocative, and she uses language to paint a picture of the world that is both beautiful and challenging.
Overall, "Fresh Banana Leaves" is a beautiful and moving collection of poetry that offers a unique perspective on the complexities of identity and belonging in the 21st century. Hernández's writing is powerful and evocative, and her poems will stay with readers long after they have finished the book. This collection is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary poetry, Mexican-American literature, or the challenges of living in a world that often seems to value conformity over diversity.
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David Mannix PhD (5 out of 5 stars)