Two years after my mother died, I decided to head to her home country of Colombia, to try and complete the documentary she left unfinished. I was grieving, lost, and looking for connection. Making El Bastón, I risked my own life filming in rural Colombia, as did she, almost thirty years before. My mom had to hide from FARC rebels under bananas in a riverboat, and I had to hide from their descendants in the back of a restaurant kitchen. I think whereas Victoria was inspired, I was more reckless, and yet, I am better for it. My hope is that I can, with the small contribution of this film, inspire others grappling with an overwhelming sense of futility, and — of course — raise awareness about the Nasa People and their struggle for survival. Ultimately, I think the story of Indigenous resistance, 500 years in the making, is the real teacher.