The Guardians of Nature According to the Balatipone People
Cosmological Narratives. Spirituality. Indigenous Knowledge
This dissertation aims to understand the relationship between cosmological narratives and environmental education among the Balatiponé indigenous people, strengthening our traditional Balatiponé knowledge regarding the guardians of nature (father of the forest, water creature, tulua, and divination spirit). The objectives were: to sensitize students and the community about the meanings of the guardians of nature as beings present in Balatiponé culture. The research is based on a qualitative approach, using interviews with a native Balatiponé consultant. It is noteworthy that experiences with the spiritual plane are restricted, delicate, and must be respectful, as few people can access this hidden world that exists in our forests and rivers. It is common knowledge that Mother Nature has her guardians, called by many Balatiponé "owners" or "enchanted beings." Often, these apparitions are visual, through smells, or sounds.