Help Yawanawa people in Aldeia 7 Estrelas protect the land.

Ni Uiti, in Yawanawá language, means “heart of the forest”. An expression that well represents the Yawanawa Sete Estrelas Village, located on the upper Gregório River in Acre.

The Yawanawá people who live here are part of a large network of indigenous communities who work to preserve the Amazon rainforest through maintaining their culture and spirituality and the land that provides what they call a 'living pharmacy'.

You can check out this communities website here to learn more: https://www.aldeia7estrelas.com/about/

Recently they have been experiencing extreme floods and fires threatening their livelihood and their ability to maintain their traditions. We are organizing this fundraiser to provide immediate relief efforts and also to support their ability to create sustainable agricultural methods which will allow them to continue to live on their traditional territories in a time of unpredictable climate patterns.

Xinu Yawanawa, who will be receiving the money donated here, is a young leader who has reached out for support as he works to protect his community and their traditional ways of being in these uncertain times. With the recent floods, it has been harder to fish along the river, which has fed them for thousands of years. These types of drastic changes necessary to adapt to their environment are why we are asking for funds to help them adapt to the unpredictable and changing weather patterns.

We are a community of concerned Canadians who value and have great respect for indigenous cultures and ways of being. Inspired by the struggles on Turtle Island (North America) for indigenous sovereignty and self-determination, we strive to be respectful guests of the land we are on and give back to our indigenous siblings around the world.

In 2020 I travelled to Acre, Brazil to find healing for myself and connect with this community who welcomed me with open arms. While my group stayed here I found healing and support for my depression and addictions and mental health and I am forever grateful for my time in this sacred place. I am personally invested in helping to ensure the forest and the people who know it and protect it are supported to be able to welcome all people who need this kind of support for future generations.

Please give today and help protect a vital source of health and healing for future generations. Every dollar donated will go directly to the hands of this community and with your help we will ensure the forest and the people who know its ways are there for many years to come.

Gratidão and Haux Haux!