Protect The Rainforest & Indigenous Culture

We are the Higa-onon tribe, one of the major tribes on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. Our culture, beliefs and tradition are anchored in the rainforest we protect. In only a few days, we will convene all the tribes in the region for our sacred ceremonies and need your support.

We are facing severe challenges of deforestation, cultural exploitation, religious conversion and rainforest destruction. These gradually efface nature's connectivity, sacred beliefs and identity that affect cultural survival. Our tribal elders and leaders are fighting to bring the young people back to the community to learn the culture, beliefs and connection to mother earth for the next generation.

This is why we come together to retain our identity, culture, beliefs and connection to mother earth amidst the challenges. Every tribe has its perspectives about the creation of the universe, tribal astronomy, sacred ritual healings, sacred chanting, dancing and beliefs about the sacredness of the wildlife and rainforest.

To bring them together, we host the Sacred Rainforest and Culture Festival for five nights and six days to strengthen indigenous knowledge systems and practices. The event is essential to encourage the participation of the tribal members, particularly the young people, to become leaders to fight challenges for the next generation.

For the five nights of activities we need 3,000 Euros for food, transportation, venue, prizes, ritualists, women chanters, Baylan, and facilitators. We ask your kind heart to support our cause for the tribes, nature and wildlife.

If you support us, we are forever grateful and will honor your being in the sacred ceremonies. Please help us protect the sacredness of culture and nature.