The Guarani Guardian: The Story of Anna Romero

In the heart of Paraguay's lush landscapes and vibrant culture lies a journey woven with the threads of resilience, struggle, and triumph. The journey of Ana Romero, a guardian of Paraguay’s indigenous heritage and a beacon of hope for her people.

Ana's story begins in the department of Boqueren, in the upper expanse of the Paraguayan Chaco where the rhythmic melodies of the Guarani people echo through the ancient forests. She was born into the pueblo indigena guaraní, one of the 19 indigenous communities of Paraguay. Growing up in the shadow of the Chaco War, Ana listened to her grandfather's stories of survival, sparking a deep curiosity about her heritage. She would listen to the tales and the vivid experiences of her grandfather as her 60 fellow grandchildren would walk with her through former military bases, hospital tents, and land where war once was. She developed a burning desire to learn more and more of where she was from, her family's stories, and the tales they had to tell. She felt a restless yearning for knowledge. In the walls of her local school her intellect blossomed, but it was when her elders encouraged her to join the cultural youth group of her pueblo, where she really delved into the intricacies of her cultural heritage, and immersed herself in the tradition of her people. 

It started with her working with the other youth leaders in her community to host the Arete Guasu, a 3 day fest where all the families of the Guarani community would come together to honor the dead, and to remember the history of their people. They would dance, tell stories of their upbringings, dress up, and play games that dated back to the earliest time of their people. However, her elders noticed something special in her: her compassion, her yearning to bring change, and the strength she found through her culture. They knew that she was destined for greatness. They knew that she would be the light guiding forward the fight to protect the cultural heritage of Paraguay. 

Anna was appointed as a member of the youth council of her tribe, a significant honor bestowed upon her. In her tribe, as in many others, women serve as the guardians of knowledge and culture. Entrusted with the preservation of language, territory, traditional crafts, and ancestral wisdom, they are the beating hearts of their communities, carrying the accumulated knowledge of generations. Recognizing the pivotal role of indigenous women, Anna felt a profound sense of duty to advocate for increased participation in political, social, and economic spheres: “It is important that within the political programs and in the very powers of the State they take into account the vision of indigenous women,” emphasizes Romero. She understood that the role of women’s perspective in shaping policy and governance was critical. And inclusively empowering indigenous womens’ voices is crucial for the survival and prosperity of their communities both now and in the years to come.

Armed with ambition and armed with a degree in international relations, Anna embarked on a mission to uplift her community and amplify the voices of her culture on a global stage. Her journey led her to the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, where she stood shoulder to shoulder with the Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST), rallying for the conservation of native lands in the Amazon. Upon returning home, she founded the Indigenous Youth Union of Paraguay, a platform dedicated to empowering youth and women to become the future stewards of indigenous cultures. From Belgium to Brazil, Anna's travels left an indelible mark, reminding us all that we are guardians of biodiversity, custodians of history, and architects of our future. She urges us to take action and shape the world we envision for generations to come.