17/04/2025
Dr. Mariana Vergara, EdD (Mapuche/Aymara), is an educator and activist who developed Mindfulness into Action (MIA), a transformational learning methodology based on Indigenous ancient knowledge.
MIA helps participants identify, observe, and change self-sabotaging behaviors. “Research in neuroscience supports the idea that 95-98% of what we do is the result of unconscious habits that override conscious thought and truly drive our behavior.” – Mariana Vergara.
MIA focuses on epigenetics, empowering individuals to address complex societal issues by fostering greater self-awareness and consciousness through cycles of reflection. Vergara has used MIA to help communities heal and develop the activist skills needed to confront oppression, change policies, and build solidarity. Much of her work has taken place in Ecuador, where Indigenous participants in MIA reclaimed their land from invading mining companies and upheld Indigenous rights to their land. This Kichwa community in the Amazon rainforest grows traditional crops and cultivates medicinal trees and plants. Vergara brought students from Europe and the USA to live with Indigenous families, learning traditional medicines while paying “tuition” to their Kichwa hosts.
Currently, Vergara is conducting post-doctoral research supporting Indigenous immigrants from South and Central America to ensure their children have access to quality education in Rockland County, NY. MIA participants incorporate Indigenous practices into their daily lives, fostering sustainable, transformational professional and personal change.
Listen to her presentation: Using “Mindfulness Into Action (MIA)” to Successfully Resolve Intense Conflicts Between Indigenous Communities and Mining Companies within the Amazon River Basin. Employing MIA to Strengthen Our Commitment to Protect Pachamama and All Our Relations live on May 3rd or recieve recordings after the event!
You can register at www.ojisda.org/virtual-spring-summit-2025 or with the link in our bio!
