For the past several years I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the beautiful Mentawai Islands. During these visits I’ve developed a profound appreciation for the Mentawai islands, its beauty & the amazing Mentawai people I have met.
The Mentawai culture faces increasing threats from globalisation and environmental changes. Resisting pressure to lose their precious culture, Suku Mentawai runs a cultural and ecological education program for its youth aiming to preserve, celebrate and pass on this unique heritage to the next generation.
Over the next few months, Suku Mentawai will be campaigning to raise much needed funding to build a large education centre and facilities on Siberut Island to serve as a hub for Mentawai cultural education. The proposed Mentawai Cultural Education Centre is essential in allowing the Mentawai people to share their customs, language & traditions with future generations & visitors from around the world.
Or in their words .. “This Cultural Centre is so important for our future. If we do not take the initiative then our culture will be lost and our children & community will be destined for poverty, or worse, disappear... We have seen a really positive impact on our Mentawai community since our program has begun. The program is now running in six different villages and we have over 350 students. We dream of sharing our culture with others, both tourists and other Indigenous communities worldwide. We are looking to the future, knowing that we are becoming stronger every day. This is one step to get us there.”
This is where I need your help. To support the efforts of Suku Mentawai in building & establishing this centre, I’ve decided to take a bold step—I'm shaving my head! It’s a symbolic gesture to show my commitment and solidarity with their cause, I hope it will inspire you to join me in making a difference.
Suku Mentawai aim to raise $62,000 to complete this culture centre project & have already raised $13,000. 100% of the funds raised will go directly to their cause - creating a space where the Mentawai people can host, teach & learn, preserving their rich culture for years to come.
Increased threats to the preservation of their unique culture, history, traditions, languages & stories is their ongoing reality, but the Suku Mentawai Foundation & community are fighting to change this and have asked for our help. They risk losing their culture, their identity. This is so important, & such an incredible opportunity for us to contribute towards!
To check out the culture & history of the Mentawai, check out the info and photos of the accounts below:
Information about Suku Mentawai can be found here: History | Suku Mentawai
All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible!
Thank you for your generosity & support!
Organizer
Liam Fickert
Organizer
Berkeley, NSW
Indigenous Education Foundation (IEF)
Beneficiary