Marisol Culej Culej, an Indigenous community knowledge educator and activist for women's human rights, has delivered the 2025 Narrm Oration reflecting on the harmonious, intersecting ways of Mayan living.
Marisol is a Tsotsil speaker originally from the municipality of Huixtán, an Indigenous community in Chiapas, Mexico.
Her oration, titled "The meaning of good living, from the Indigenous Peoples' cosmovision (Maya)" was delivered in Spanish and Tsotsil with English subtitles and audio interpretation.
The meaning of good living from the Mayan' cosmovision implies a harmonious and respectful relationship with nature and the community.
Understanding this connection, together with valuing and respecting our environment, provides the foundation for developing a sense of good living.
The history of the Mayan peoples, including the Tsotsils of Chiapas, is notable for their resistance to colonisation and defense of their territory and culture.
Marisol spoke to how Mayan language and traditions reflect a profound connection with nature. Concepts such as Ch'ulel (totality of the human being: spirit, think, emotions, and physical body) illustrate the importance of life and spirit in all beings.
"To rescue Indigenous languages is a fundamental act of resistance, since during colonisation we were forced to forget our words and feel ashamed to speak them," she told the audience.
"Thus, by understanding the importance of language, resistance, and culture, we connect human beings with Mother Earth."
Marisol Culej on the way to the Pyowachue' volcano, known as the Chichonal, in northwestern Chiapas, Mexico. Pyowachue' means the woman who lives in the mountain, in the Zoque language. Picture: Miriam Linares.
Marisol has been a popular education teacher in San Cristóbal de las Casas and a Tsotsil teacher for Indigenous women and for those wanting to learn about Mayan culture.
The annual Narrm Oration is the University of Melbourne's key address that profiles Indigenous leaders from around the world to enrich our ideas about possible futures for Indigenous Australia.
Narrm is the Woi Wurrung word for the Melbourne region. This year's address was the third time the Oration has been delivered in an Indigenous language, following Professor Yalmay Yunupiŋu in 2024 and Akawyan Pakawyan in 2023.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Professor Barry Judd hosted the event and affirmed its significance as a key event for the University.
"The Narrm Oration is one of the University's most important opportunities to learn from Indigenous leaders across the world, and to deepen our understanding of the knowledge systems that should guide our collective future," Professor Judd said.
"Having this year's address delivered in Spanish and Tsotsil affirms our commitment to elevating Indigenous languages and worldviews, and recognising the wisdom and sophistication they bring".
Professor Cath Chamberlain gave the response to the Oration.
"It was an honour to respond to this year's Oration," Professor Chamberlain said. "We can all learn from Marisol that well living is not about wealth, but about living with dignity, healthy food, and a balanced heart."
View the orations here.
