McKenna Coca Summit
Wisdom of the Leaf: McKenna Coca Summit
Embracing the Wisdom of the Coca Leaf: A Transformative Gathering at Willka T’ika
For a visual overview of what was discussed at the conference, watch this Wisdom of the Leaf video
McKenna Coca Summit
In the serene embrace of Peru’s Sacred Valley, Willka T’ika had the profound honor of hosting the “Wisdom of the Leaf” McKenna Coca Summit from February 3rd to 7th 2025. This transformative gathering, orchestrated in collaboration with the esteemed McKenna Academy of Natural Philosophy and renowned anthropologist Dr. Wade Davis, delved deep into the multifaceted significance of the coca plant—a symbol of cultural heritage, medicinal potential, and environmental sustainability.
A Sanctuary for Reflection and Growth
Willka T’ika’s sacred gardens and tranquil spaces provided the perfect backdrop for this profound gathering. Participants found solace and inspiration within our Seven Chakra Gardens, where guided meditations and sacred ceremonies allowed for deep introspection. Many reflected that the meticulously crafted itinerary offered a perfect balance of intellectual engagement and spiritual renewal – an apt setting for the nature of the topics discussed.
Significance of the Coca Leaf
“Plant medicines work beyond the physical response; sometimes, it’s your Spirit or emotion that needs healing, and plant medicines can address that also.”
– Lily Choi Natural Healing
The coca leaf holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in South America, especially in Andean communities. For centuries, indigenous people have used the leaf in ceremonies, rituals, and daily life; whether chewing coca helps with altitude sickness, fatigue, and hunger or for its use as a spiritual tool, connecting people to the divine and their ancestors.
The leaf is a symbol of cultural revival; in recent years, there’s been a push to reclaim the coca leaf as a symbol of indigenous identity, distancing it from its association with the illegal drug trade to its original identity and use. Many advocate for its traditional uses to be protected and recognized, viewing it as a symbol of resistance against colonialism and external pressures, as well as a powerful reminder of cultural heritage.
‘Many advocate for its traditional uses to be protected and recognized, viewing it as a symbol of resistance against colonialism, external pressures, and as a powerful reminder of cultural heritage.’
The McKenna Coca Summit: A Confluence of Minds and Hearts
The summit convened a diverse assembly of experts, Indigenous leaders, and passionate advocates, each bringing unique perspectives to the discourse on coca. The meticulously crafted itinerary offered a harmonious blend of presentations, discussions, and experiential activities, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in the sacred traditions and scientific exploration of the coca leaf.
McKenna Summit
Exploring the Dimensions of Coca
Through panel discussions, interactive workshops, and traditional coca leaf ceremonies, attendees gained a profound appreciation for the plant’s rightful place in history and contemporary society. A recurring theme emerged: Coca is a plant of reverence, not fear.
From Bolivia to Colombia to Peru, coca has been an integral part of cultural identity and healing practices for millennia. The summit called upon the international community to distinguish between the sacred coca leaf and its chemically altered derivative, cocaine, which has fuelled destructive drug policies worldwide. By shifting the narrative, we can move toward informed policies that prioritize harm reduction, economic empowerment, and Indigenous sovereignty.
Speakers
Among the esteemed presenters was Dr. Wade Davis, an anthropologist and ethnobotanist celebrated for his work on Indigenous cultures and their relationship with sacred plants. His keynote address traced the 8,000-year history of coca in Andean societies, dispelling myths that have long demonized the plant. Dr. Davis emphasized that coca is not cocaine any more than potatoes are vodka! Rather, coca is a revered medicinal and cultural ally of Andean communities.
Dr. Dennis McKenna, of the McKenna Academy of Natural Philosophy, organizer and renowned ethnopharmacologist and psychedelic researcher, shared insights into coca’s role within the broader landscape of plant medicines. Drawing from decades of study in Amazonian and Andean traditions, Dr. McKenna explored how coca interacts with human physiology and consciousness, advocating for a science-based approach to coca legalization that integrates both Indigenous wisdom and modern research.
Indigenous perspectives formed the heart of the summit, with leaders like Imikã Tarirú of the Tubu Hummurimassa Tribe sharing ancestral wisdom about the plant’s sacred role in spiritual and physical well-being. Their voices underscored the urgent need for policies that honor traditional knowledge systems rather than imposing external regulations that disrupt Indigenous ways of life.
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