#12

Artist Statement by Edgar Woo: "Generosity can also flow like the Chagres River. The Emberá, also called the protectors of Mother Nature, are an indigenous tribe in Panama known for agriculture and fishing. After the Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal were established as national parks in 1985 to protect the water resource, commercial development and activities like small agriculture and fishing were prohibited. This impacted the tribe and their survival. After much thought and no government help or intervention, they decided to pivot and rely on the Chagres River for tourism. They learned to monetize visits to their villages, taking you through the river to showcase their culture and activities, which in exchange has helped them thrive. The Chagres River continues to keep giving to the tribe as they keep protecting it."