Gran Tierra Energy recognizes the importance of strengthening relations with Indigenous communities living in areas near GTE’s operations. With this in mind, Gran Tierra, in partnership with the World Corporation for Women in Colombia (CMMC) created the Threads of the Earth (Hilos de la Tierra) program in 2021, which aims to recover ancestral practices through the creation of handcrafted designs using recycled materials as well as innovate with new materials and techniques in design.
In Putumayo, the program works with artisans and ethnic women’s groups using natural fibers, dyes, seeds, and recycled goods to help facilitate the recovery of ancestral practices. In the Middle Magdalena Valley, the program works with vulnerable women dedicated to fashion. The project is aimed at improving the incomes of participants and addresses gender bias in traditional family dynamics. Since its inception, Hilos de la Tierra has supported 255 artisans, 90% of whom are women and launched over 130 product lines.
The handcrafted products reflect the culture, traditional practices, and history from local Indigenous, Afro-Caribbean and rural communities. These traditional artisans preserve their culture through their collections and share stories about their lived experiences and their territories as a way to inform and educate others.
The resulting collections have been presented at 14 major Colombian and international shows, including Expoartesanías in Bogotá, Feria Eva, various trunk shows, and Vancouver Fashion Week in Canada. While runway and trade show participation generate important exposure, the program’s core impact lies in increased financial autonomy at the community level; particularly in regions where formal employment opportunities are limited.
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