Protecting the Amazon by empowering the Indigenous population

Indigenous communities in Brazil have been protecting the Amazon forest for thousands of years. Deforestation and encroachment on the land not only threaten the forest, but also the indigenous culture and traditional way of life. The Huni Kuin in the western Amazon have preserved much of their original culture. They still speak their own language, Hatxa Kuin, and live mainly from hunting, fishing and making traditional jewelry. 

Much of the traditional knowledge and crafts (fabric production, weaving, pottery, medical knowledge, etc.) is passed down from generation to generation by the women. The preservation and protection of biodiversity is very important to them. 

A center for Ainbu Dayá: empowering the indigenous women of Brazil
 
Ainbu Dayá is an association of indigenous Huni Kuin women in the Jordão region. The centre is intended to provide a forum for the women to work together in groups and families, exchange ideas and cooperate. Workshops and further education are also planned. The centre will strengthen the independence, recognition and activism of women and is crucial to advancing the cause of indigenous women. Courses and workshops will strengthen indigenous traditions and make education more accessible. 
 
We need your help to raise funds to purchase the Indigenous Centre for the Huni Kuin community. 

Indigenous communities are among the most vulnerable groups in society and are also the most threatened, not only by attacks, murders and land invasions, but also by climate change and much more. Again, it is indigenous women in particular who have focussed activism and global attention on the Amazon forest and indigenous peoples. The more threatening and aggressive the destruction of the Amazon forest has become, the more have joined in to actively defend the forest and their homes and to draw the world's attention to the catastrophic conditions. 

Economic independence and their own representation play an important role in preserving and protecting their culture and habitat. The centre in Jordão will be a place for the women, where not only cultural exchange between the communities can take place. An official center will also be a milestone for the political representation and activism of the Huni Kuin women.