Mónica Rivera F. Kalkín

Mónica Rivera F. Kalkín is Mapuche through her grandfather. She was born in a fishing village near the mouth of the Mataquito River in Chile. She spent her childhood sailing, collecting shellfish, weaving fishing nets, making clay pottery, and cooking on a wood fire. Today, she dedicates her life to protecting nature.

Mónica feels a strong connection with the Creator—her faith runs in her veins. Writing about indigenous peoples is an honor for her because, through their daily actions, they show themselves to be ancestral guardians of nature who deserve recognition and appreciation.