Gathering Unites Columbian Indigenous & Spiritual Groups

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Bogota, Colombia – To commemorate the UN International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, UPF-Colombia held an event at the Botanical Garden in Bogotá on August 8, 2026. This was the sixth such event under a joint project between UPF-Colombia and the Colombian Assembly of Religions and Spiritualities (ACRE).

The gathering of indigenous, religious and spiritual communities included the Huitoto from the Amazon; the Nasa or Páez from Cauca, Muisca, Embera and Yanacona; Christian communities of the Veterocatolicos de Colombia (Old Catholic Church of the Americas) tradition; and representatives of the Franciscan order, the Unification Church and the Taoist community.

The event followed the format of an ancestral indigenous tradition, which consists of meeting in a Circle of the Word – in which leaders listen to each other with respect, share their wisdom and seek healing for their communities – around the sacred fire of the Maloca, the spiritual center of the ceremony. All participants are invited to express their views on issues such as maintaining harmony with nature and peace in the family and the community.

Elder Fidencio, the officiant of the Maloca, spoke at length about the importance of caring for nature and having a deep relationship with water. Elder Olivia from the Nasa community of Cauca shared about the difficulties faced by indigenous peoples in their region and their determination to build peace. Muisca leader Ms. Olga Lucía shared her admiration for these ancestral communities and their knowledge rooted in their culture.

The Christian leaders emphasized the importance of reducing aggression, criticism and selfishness in order to cultivate environments that foster love, friendship and forgiveness toward others. Several participants in the prayer circle remarked on the beauty of the Maloca and the positive spirit that permeated the entire gathering.

In his address, the president of UPF-Colombia, Mr. William Rodríguez, emphasized UPF's five principles of peace. He then named 11 indigenous leaders from these communities as Ambassadors for Peace, for their religious and social leadership and their exemplary commitment to fostering peace.

The Taoist community of Colombia gave a martial arts and tai chi presentation, inviting everyone to achieve mind-body unity, improve their health through different martial arts postures, and attain greater harmony with nature.

By William Rodríguez, President, UPF-Colombia August 8, 2026