Escudilla (ehs-koo-dee-yah, bowl), a word steeped in cultural significance, evokes images of cherished gatherings and revered landscapes. Like a ceremonial bowl that families gather around, our Earth cradles and sustains us, yet it is now in a state of decline. It's time for us to unite and labor for the preservation of all wild places, wildlife, and our communities.
In the Southwest of the US, the mountain, Escudilla, stands tall as a symbol of resilience and loss. Aldo Leopold immortalized her for the grizzly Bigfoot, a majestic creature now lost to history. Despite Bigfoot's demise, Escudilla endures as a silent sentinel on the horizon, a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings.
In indigenous lore, the Raven is a powerful creator and a trickster. There is hope for the return of the Bear, a symbol of strength and balance in nature. Let us heed the wisdom of these ancients.