Situated along the picturesque Gregoria River, nestled between Peru and Bolivia, and not far from Acre, is the Yawanawa tribe. Their language is part of the diverse Pano linguistic family, native to Western Amazonia. The tribe's economy heavily relies on hunting and fishing, especially during adverse weather conditions when these activities become crucial for their sustenance.

Intertribal Relations and Historical Development
The Yawanawá, known as 'the people of the wild boar', share their lands harmoniously with the neighboring Katukina tribe. Marriages between members of the two tribes, as well as alliances with foreign groups, are common and date back to the colonial era. Initially, these alliances were formed around the exploitation of resources like caoutchouc. However, modern alliances are more focused on sustainable practices that support the cultural and economic stability of these tribes.

Spiritual Beliefs and Practices
Spiritualism is deeply rooted in Yawanawa culture. The journey to becoming a Pajé is rigorous, involving numerous tasks and trials, such as the daunting task of extracting the heart of an anaconda or facing a swarm of bees. Candidates must adhere to strict dietary restrictions, avoiding meat, fruits, and sweets, and focus solely on traditional medicine for a year. Hallucinogenic plants, including ayahuasca, pepper, datura, Hapé, and Rustica juices, play a significant role in their initiation ceremonies.

The muka plant is revered as the most sacred among the Yawanawa. The plant is consumed only during special ceremonies, primarily by men embarking on the path to become warriors or healers. These initiation rituals are marked by unique incantations, the use of smudging herbs, and the recitation of prayers.

Hapé Tradition
Historically, the Yawanawa tribe adopted the use of Hapé following the passing of a revered healer. This sacrament is believed to cure ailments of the mind, psyche, and body, facilitating a deeper spiritual connection and enabling astral travel. The Yawanawa's Hapé, known as “Rume”, is a distinctive blend, primarily composed of Txunú tree bark ash and a strong Rustica, similar to mapacho.

The Txunú tree bark, known for its healing properties, is often used in Amazonian tribes, particularly in ayahuasca ceremonies. It enhances the ceremonial experience, easing symptoms like vomiting and aiding in spiritual cleansing. Initially, only male tribe members and the pajé, or medicine man, were permitted to use Hapé. However, this changed with the initiation of Hushahu Yawanawá, the tribe’s first female shaman. Her leadership and expertise in creating Hapé have earned her national recognition and inspired other women to pursue shamanism.

Today, Hushahu is one of the Yawanawá's most esteemed spiritual leaders, known for her exceptional Hapé snuff. Her contributions have not only enriched the tribe's shamanic traditions but have also played a pivotal role in advancing the status of women within the tribe and beyond.

We thank the Yawanawa peoples for sharing their love, knowledge, traditions and wonderful plant allies with us.

The Matsés, an indigenous group traditionally residing in the Amazon Rainforests of Brazil and Peru, are situated south of the more well-known Native American Tribes. They face significant challenges from unauthorized hunting by mestizos (non-native Peruvians and Brazilians), as well as threats from logging and oil companies. Their community is nestled in the areas surrounding the Yavari, Chobayacu, and Gálvez rivers, straddling the Peru-Brazil border.

For centuries, the Matsés have fiercely protected their territory and culture from external influences. It wasn't until 1969 that they ended their isolation, welcoming two female Christian missionaries into their fold. Known in Brazil as Mayorunas or Mayurunas, the Matsés speak a northern Panoan language, sharing linguistic roots with the Matis and Korubo tribes.

Over the past three decades, the Matsés have transitioned from a semi-nomadic lifestyle to establishing more stable settlements, a shift from their previous practice of relocating every few years due to resource depletion. Despite this change, their reliance on the rainforest remains vital, sourcing nearly all their food and tools through hunting, fishing, and tropical agriculture.

The Matsés, often called "Matses Indians" or "Matses Amerindians," have a mysterious origin. Some theories suggest their initial contact with Jesuit Missionaries occurred near Peru's Huallaga River in the 18th Century. Following devastating epidemics, they are believed to have migrated to their current location along the Peru-Brazil border, deliberately avoiding further contact with outsiders. Traditionally, the Matsés had a stark approach towards outsiders, either assimilating or repelling them. The term 'Matsés', meaning 'people' in their language, is how they identify themselves.

Discover the powerful and sacred Hapé of Katukina. The Katukina, also known as Atukina, Catuquina, Katokina, Katukena, and Katukino, are indigenous groups from southwestern Brazil that have a deep connection to the use of sacred plants. They believe themselves to be the first tribe to receive Kambo medicine from the frog and possess vast knowledge of the spiritual properties of plants. Experience the wild and powerful spirit of the jungle with their strong and deep Hapé.

The Katukina tribe, originating from five linguistic groups and now comprising three, is a distinctive community residing along the Gregorio and Jutaí Rivers in the Acre and Amazonas regions. Historically named by the government, the Katukina identify themselves through six clans: Varinawa (Sun), Kamanawa (Jaguar), Satanawa (Otter), Waninawa (Peachpalm), Nainawa (Sky), and Numanawa (Dove), each with unique beliefs and linguistic nuances.

Despite suffering severe population decline during the latex industry's exploitation, resulting in forced migrations and loss, the Katukina have since reclaimed their ancestral lands. From a mere 177 individuals in 1977, their numbers have rebounded to 594 by 2010.

Katukina society revolves around family structures, often forming villages with extended families. They practice endogamy, marrying within their Pano linguistic group, and polygamy is common. Gender roles are distinct: men engage in hunting and agriculture, while women focus on domestic tasks. Both genders, however, participate in shared activities like fishing and fruit collecting. Skill demonstration in respective roles is crucial for marriage eligibility.

Remarkably, the Katukina possess profound knowledge of sacred plants and spirits, particularly the Kambo medicine. Unlike other tribes relying on shamanistic practices, every Katukina individual can administer Kambo, a practice deeply embedded in their culture and shared with outsiders, earning them recognition as pioneers of this medicinal practice.

Guardians of Cultural Revival and Sacred Medicines

Historical Background

The Nukini tribe, part of the Pano linguistic family, is a small indigenous community found in the state of Acre, Brazil. Today, their population stands at around 750 members, a significant reduction due to the brutal rubber boom of the early 20th century. During this violent period, many Nukini were enslaved or massacred by rubber tappers, resulting in the loss of their language, traditions, and much of their population. Despite this, the Nukini have shown remarkable resilience, reviving their cultural heritage and strengthening their community through spiritual practices, craftwork, and sacred medicines, such as their renowned Hapé.

The Nukini were initially organized into small clans, including the Inubakevu (People of the Jaguar), Panabakevu (Açaí People), Itsãbakevu (Patoa People), and Shãnumbakevu (Cobra People). Each clan had its own distinct spiritual and cultural practices, though much of this was disrupted during the rubber boom. Today, the Nukini are committed to restoring their traditions and spirituality, focusing on the revitalization of their customs and the transmission of knowledge through sacred medicines and handicrafts.

Connection to Nature and Subsistence

The Nukini people live in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, a region known for its high floristic density and biodiversity. Their land, located along the streams of Timbaúba, Meia Dúzia, República, and Capanawa, provides them with access to a variety of medicinal plants, fruits, and animals essential to their daily life and spiritual practices. Hunting, fishing, and foraging remain central to their subsistence, with the forest offering a wide array of fruits like mango, coconut, cashew, and guava, all of which nourish the tribe and contribute to their sustenance.

The Nukini have also embraced traditional medicinal practices, with the women of the tribe playing a significant role in preparing healing remedies and creating sacred Hapé blends. Their deep understanding of the forest’s medicinal plants has enabled them to craft unique Hapé blends, which are highly valued for their energetic and grounding
properties.

Spiritual Practices and the Role of Ayahuasca

Spirituality plays an integral role in the Nukini way of life. Central to their spiritual practices is the use of Ayahuasca, a visionary brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaves. Ayahuasca ceremonies allow the Nukini to communicate with the spirits of their ancestors, seek healing, and receive guidance from the spiritual realm. For the Nukini, Ayahuasca is not just a medicine but a powerful teacher, offering insight into their lost traditions, songs, and spiritual practices.

Ayahuasca has been instrumental in the cultural revival of the Nukini people, helping them reconnect with their ancestors and reclaim their cultural identity. It has also become a key part of their healing practices, guiding them through personal and communal challenges, and opening the way for the recovery of their spiritual and cultural roots.

The Importance of Hapé in Nukini Culture

The Nukini are renowned for creating unique Hapé blends, which are often floral and aromatic, reflecting the tribe’s close relationship with the forest. Many of these blends are prepared by the women of the tribe, showcasing their knowledge of the forest and their spiritual insight.

Nukini Hapé is known for its calming, grounding, and heart-opening effects. It helps the user clear mental and emotional blockages while promoting spiritual clarity and focus. Some blends are designed for
protection and blessing, making them ideal for hunters and spiritual seekers alike. The Hapé tradition is deeply embedded in the Nukini’s spiritual life, with the medicine used during healing ceremonies to balance energies, clear negative thoughts, and connect with the sacred.

Cultural Revival and Challenges

The Nukini have faced numerous challenges throughout their history, from the violent exploitation during the rubber boom to modern-day threats posed by illegal loggers, drug traffickers, and external exploitation of their land. Despite these obstacles, the Nukini have successfully rebuilt a stable socio-economic structure, allowing them to preserve their culture and traditions while maintaining their connection to the forest.

In recent years, the revival of their cultural practices, including the use of Ayahuasca and Hapé, has empowered the Nukini to reclaim their heritage. Their focus on spirituality, sacred medicines, and handicrafts has become a vital part of their identity, helping them resist the pressures of the modern world and reconnect with their
ancestral roots.

Conclusion

The Nukini tribe, once on the verge of extinction, has emerged as a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and spiritual revival. Despite the catastrophic losses they suffered during the rubber boom, they have
reconnected with their traditions and strengthened their cultural identity through sacred plant medicines like Ayahuasca and Hapé. Their deep knowledge of medicinal plants and spiritual practices continues to
inspire those seeking healing and connection with the natural world. The Nukini’s unique qualities of feminine energy, spiritual wisdom, and connection to the land is deeply embedded in their Hapé, which not only serves as an important source of income but also as a tool for cultural preservation. Their ability to integrate sacred plant medicines into daily life and share their traditions globally has helped them protect their way of life, ensuring that their culture thrives and is passed on to future generations. Their commitment to preserving their land, traditions, and spiritual practices stands as a testament to the enduring strength of indigenous cultures in the Amazon.

Guardians of the Amazonian Tradition and Culture
Cultural Identity and Language
The Kaxinawa people, also known as Huni Kuin, meaning "True People," are one of the largest indigenous groups in Brazil's Acre state and eastern Peru. Their total population is estimated at around 10,000 individuals, spread between the two countries. Despite this number, their culture, language, and traditions face challenges from modern influences and external pressures.

The Kaxinawa speak a dialect from the Pano linguistic family, a branch they share with tribes such as the Yawanawa, Sharanawa, and Yaminawa. However, like many indigenous languages, their native tongue has been under threat due to the dominance of Portuguese and Spanish. In recent years, efforts have been made to revive and teach their native language, particularly to the younger generations, as a means of cultural preservation. The use of traditional songs and stories passed down from elders plays a critical role in language education.

Traditional Beliefs and Spirituality
Spirituality forms the backbone of the Kaxinawa way of life. The tribe holds a profound belief in the "yuxin," or spirit, which is seen as the bridge between humans and the natural world. Their shamans (pajes) are spiritual leaders responsible for maintaining harmony between the physical and spiritual realms, ensuring the well-being of the tribe. Pajes also serve as healers, using their deep knowledge of plants and spiritual practices to heal both physical and emotional ailments.

A defining feature of Kaxinawa spirituality is the use of Ayahuasca in sacred ceremonies. The brew is believed to help participants connect with the spirits of the forest and ancestors, gaining insights into life, nature, and the cosmos. The Kaxinawa are also known for their rich use of hapé—sacred snuff made from powdered Grandfather herb and other medicinal plants. hapé is used to cleanse the mind and body, heightening concentration, improving hunting skills, and fostering spiritual connection.

In their ceremonies, the Kaxinawa paint their bodies with natural dyes, such as urucum (annatto) and genipapo (genipa), and wear elaborate feather headdresses. These traditions serve not only as expressions of spiritual devotion but also as protective measures, keeping negative energies at bay.

Medicinal Knowledge and Plant Use
The Kaxinawa are renowned for their extensive knowledge of medicinal plants, passed down through generations. This wisdom is deeply tied to their spiritual practices and daily life, with a vast pharmacopeia of plants used to treat various illnesses. Their healing traditions are based on the idea that true health comes from spiritual alignment, and medicinal plants are used to restore this balance.

Among their most well-known practices is the use of Kambô—the secretion from the giant leaf frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor). Kambô is applied to small burns on the skin to induce intense purging, believed to detoxify the body and fortify the immune system. The treatment is often used to improve hunting abilities, enhance stamina, and cleanse the body of negative energies.
In addition, the tribe uses Samaúma (Ceiba pentandra) bark, Tsunu (Platycyamus regnellii) ash, and other potent plant substances to create hapé blends for cleansing, grounding, and protection. These traditional remedies are seen as essential to maintaining physical and spiritual health.

Environmental Stewardship
The Kaxinawa people are deeply connected to the Amazon Rainforest, which they consider both a source of life and a sacred space. Their knowledge of the forest is unparalleled, and they see themselves as the protectors of the land. This perspective extends beyond their tribal boundaries, as they actively participate in environmental preservation movements.

Kaxinawa communities practice sustainable agriculture, hunting, and fishing, ensuring that they do not deplete the natural resources around them. They engage in rotational farming to avoid over-exploitation of the land and use the forest's abundant plants for food, medicine, and spiritual purposes. Despite their sustainable practices, the Kaxinawa face constant threats from illegal logging, deforestation, and climate change, which continue to jeopardize their ancestral lands.

Historical Struggles and Resilience
The history of the Kaxinawa tribe is marked by periods of colonization, exploitation, and displacement, particularly during the rubber boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Like many indigenous groups in the Amazon, the Kaxinawa were forced into slavery by rubber barons, and their population was significantly diminished due to violence and disease.

Despite these challenges, the Kaxinawa have shown remarkable resilience. They have fought for the recognition of their territorial rights, and today, much of their land in Brazil is demarcated. Leaders such as Siã Kaxinawá have played critical roles in the fight for indigenous rights, founding organizations like the União das Naçoes Indigenas (UNI/AC) to protect indigenous communities and the rainforest. Siã Kaxinawá’s advocacy has also brought international attention to their plight, strengthening global alliances for indigenous sovereignty.

Modern Life and Cultural Revival
While modernization has introduced many challenges to the Kaxinawa way of life, the tribe is actively working to preserve its culture. Educational initiatives focused on language revitalization and cultural transmission are underway in many Kaxinawa communities. Schools are increasingly incorporating traditional teachings, stories, and songs into their curricula to ensure the younger generations understand and appreciate their heritage.

The Kaxinawa are also embracing technology as a means of cultural revival. Music, art, and even spiritual teachings are being shared with a global audience, helping to raise awareness about their struggles and contributions to the broader world. Through collaborations with international organizations and participation in cultural exchanges, the Kaxinawa continue to adapt while maintaining their identity.

Rapé and Ceremonial Use
Hapé plays a significant role in Kaxinawa spiritual practices. This sacred snuff is made from finely powdered Tabaco, often mixed with ashes from trees like Tsunu or Samauma. The Kaxinawa use Hapé to connect with the spirits, heal physical and mental ailments, and cleanse both the body and mind. When combined with chanting, it can elevate concentration, enhance hunting skills, and provide a gateway to the spiritual realm.

Each Hapé blend is unique to the practitioner or tribe, and the Kaxinawa are known for their diversity in recipes and ingredients. Depending on the plants used, Hapé can serve various functions—from grounding and calming the mind to creating a heightened sense of awareness for spiritual ceremonies. The Kaxinawa consider Hapé to be a powerful tool for personal growth, emotional release, and spiritual connection.

In Conclusion:
The Kaxinawa (Huni Kuin) people stand as a testament to the resilience and richness of Amazonian indigenous culture. With deep-rooted spiritual traditions, extensive medicinal knowledge, and a commitment to environmental stewardship, the Kaxinawa have maintained their way of life despite centuries of external pressures. Their ongoing efforts to preserve their language, culture, and territory serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of indigenous rights and the need to protect the Amazon Rainforest, which remains central to their identity and survival.

Through their art, music, healing practices, and leadership in social and environmental movements, the Kaxinawa continue to contribute meaningfully to the preservation of their cultural heritage and the Amazon ecosystem.

Guardians of Tradition, Sacred Plant Wisdom, and Resilient Culture
Nestled within the lush landscape of the Brazilian Amazon, the Puyanawa tribe embodies a harmonious blend of ancestral traditions, spiritual practices, and a deep connection to their environment. With roots stretching back centuries, the Puyanawa people have carefully preserved their cultural identity, even in the face of external challenges. Central to their way of life are the rituals of Hapé, a sacred snuff that connects them to the spirit of the forest, and a reverence for shamanic plants, which offer healing, insight, and connection to the divine. These practices highlight the tribe’s spiritual bond with the Amazon and its wisdom, establishing the Puyanawa as dedicated stewards of cultural and ecological resilience.

Puyanawa Tradition in Hapé
Hapé holds a sacred place within Puyanawa spiritual and healing practices, serving as a potent means of connecting to the forest’s energy and fostering clarity. Traditionally, Hapé is crafted by skilled medicine practitioners within the tribe, using a carefully balanced blend of powdered grandfather herb and ashes from various plants, each selected for its distinct energy and medicinal qualities. For the Puyanawa, Hapé is not merely a ritual snuff but a revered substance that aids meditation, grounds the spirit, and provides gentle yet profound insight. They frequently use Moi, a milder, aromatic variety of Nicotiana Rustica that reflects their preference for a smooth and balanced experience, suitable for both introspection and grounding.

The Puyanawa tribe crafts their Hapé blends with a higher proportion of grandfather herb and minimal ash compared to other tribes. This approach is common among more secluded tribes, who prefer the natural Moi for its mildness, distinct from the stronger Corda types. Moi, while gentler in strength, offers a uniquely pleasant energy, carrying a character and flavor that is both refined and deeply enjoyable.

A key ingredient in one particular Puyanawa Rapé blend is the ash from the Jagube vine (Banisteriopsis caapi), known as the “Mother Vine.” The Jagube vine is cherished in the Amazon for its grounding properties and spiritual potency, and the Puyanawa believe that even its ashes carry the vine’s protective spirit. These sacred ashes deepen the meditative experience, helping users release emotional burdens and achieve a state of tranquility and spiritual connection. This approach to Rapé emphasizes gentle clarity, grounding, and emotional release, making it an invaluable tool for meditation, healing, and cultivating a deeper awareness of oneself and the natural world.

Connection to Shamanic Plants and Amazonian Wisdom
The Puyanawa’s relationship with shamanic plants extends beyond Rapé to include various plants traditionally used for healing, spiritual journeys, and insight. Among these is Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi), a powerful plant medicine considered by many Amazonian tribes as a direct link to the spirit world. The Puyanawa hold Ayahuasca ceremonies to promote physical and spiritual healing, gain insight, and connect with ancestral knowledge. In these ceremonies, experienced shamans guide participants through transformative experiences, helping them navigate personal growth and emotional release while fostering a profound connection to the plant’s wisdom.

The Puyanawa also use other medicinal and aromatic plants, such as Pixuri, which is often added to Rapé blends for its grounding, warm, and clarifying qualities. Pixuri’s scent and subtle energetic effects complement the Tabaco and ash, enhancing focus and uplifting the spirit. Each plant the Puyanawa work with is believed to have its own spirit and specific purpose, whether for healing, grounding, or enhancing intuition. Their deep connection with these plants underscores their role as protectors of Amazonian wisdom and traditions, maintaining these practices with reverence and care.

Historical Background: The Rubber Boom and Its Devastating Impact
The Puyanawa, like many indigenous tribes in Acre, experienced a dramatic upheaval during the early 20th-century rubber boom. This period of intense resource extraction brought an influx of settlers and “rubber barons” to the Amazon, often resulting in violence, disease, and exploitation of indigenous peoples. Traditionally inhabiting the tributaries of the Moa River, the Puyanawa were forcibly displaced by landowners like Colonel Mâncio Agostinho Rodrigues Lima. They were compelled into labor in the rubber extraction areas, known as “seringais,” where conditions were akin to slavery.

Under the control of rubber barons, the Puyanawa lived through what they refer to as a period of “captivity.” Families were separated, with men sent to tap rubber while women and elders managed agricultural work and heavy labor. In these harsh conditions, they were denied any rights to their ancestral lands and suffered from diseases brought by outsiders, which further decimated their population. The death of Colonel Lima in the 1950s finally marked an end to their forced labor, yet the Puyanawa were left with no legal claims to their land and continued to struggle within a rubber-dependent economy.

Cultural Suppression and Revival Efforts
During this period of captivity, the Puyanawa were subjected to forced assimilation policies. They were missionized, placed in schools that prohibited the use of their language, and banned from practicing their traditional customs. Cultural expressions such as facial tattoos and rituals were erased as the Puyanawa adapted to survive within a restricted environment. By the 1980s, the tribe was on the verge of losing many elements of its identity, with only a few native speakers of their language and elders who still practiced traditional crafts.

Cultural Markers: Tattoos and Craftsmanship
Facial tattoos are a prominent cultural marker for Pano-speaking tribes like the Puyanawa. Traditionally, these tattoos consisted of lines extending from the mouth to the earlobe, often highlighted with blue markings around the lips. The tattoos, typically applied to children aged eight to ten by elders, symbolized belonging and identity. By the 1980s, however, only three Puyanawa individuals bore these tattoos, highlighting the erosion of such practices during the period of forced assimilation. Alongside tattooing, the Puyanawa maintained traditional crafts, including basket-making, pottery, and the creation of ceremonial items, though these too were largely preserved by only the elders.

Subsistence and Sustainable Agriculture
In the present day, the Puyanawa live in two main villages, Barão do Rio Branco and Ipiranga, located in the municipality of Mâncio Lima. Subsistence agriculture remains a core aspect of their lifestyle, with each family cultivating a mix of traditional crops like manioc, maize, and beans alongside more recently introduced crops such as coffee and sugarcane. These agricultural practices support the tribe’s self-sufficiency, providing food for local consumption and surplus for trade with nearby settlements.

Beyond cultivation, the Puyanawa continue seasonal foraging for wild fruits, medicinal plants, and materials for traditional crafts. Although hunting has decreased due to deforestation and reduced wildlife, they still rely on the forest’s resources for various daily needs. Their reliance on sustainable agriculture demonstrates their enduring connection to the land, honoring the ancestral knowledge passed down through generations.

Environmental Stewardship and Reforestation Initiatives
Since the demarcation of their land in 2001, the Puyanawa have become committed advocates for environmental conservation and reforestation. They have collaborated with organizations like the Reforest Alliance to restore degraded areas within their territory, implementing projects that include seedling nurseries, agroforestry systems, and reintroducing native species. Their efforts have led to the planting of thousands of seedlings across several hectares, helping to combat deforestation and revitalize the Amazon’s ecosystem.

Through this work, the Puyanawa demonstrate their role as stewards of the forest, with projects that not only protect biodiversity but also create a sustainable future for their community. Their initiatives showcase a successful model of indigenous-led environmental preservation, emphasizing the importance of native species and sustainable land use in maintaining ecological balance.

The Role of the Puyanawa Agroextractivist Association (AAPBI)
The establishment of the Poyanawa Agroextractivist Association of Barão and Ipiranga (AAPBI) in 1988 marked a new chapter in the Puyanawa’s journey toward self-reliance and economic empowerment. Through this association, the tribe has mobilized resources for community-led projects, including livestock breeding, flour production, and agricultural mechanization. Additionally, the AAPBI has facilitated partnerships with organizations like the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to implement sustainable practices that preserve the forest’s ecological integrity.

The AAPBI’s work has not only strengthened the tribe’s economy but also provided opportunities for skill development in areas like environmental monitoring, administration, and financial management. Through these efforts, the Puyanawa have gained greater autonomy and improved their quality of life, paving the way for a sustainable future grounded in their cultural values and commitment to the land.

In Conclusion:
The Puyanawa tribe’s story is one of resilience, revival, and reverence for both the natural and spiritual worlds. From their traditions in Rapé and shamanic plant use to their leadership in environmental conservation, the Puyanawa continue to uphold their cultural heritage while contributing to the protection of the Amazon rainforest. In doing so, they exemplify the wisdom and strength of indigenous communities, bridging the past with the future and inspiring all who value the earth’s natural and cultural treasures.

People of the Blue Bird
The Shanenawa, whose name derives from "shane" (blue bird) and "nawa" (foreigner or people), are known as the "Blue Bird People" of the Brazilian Amazon. Part of the Pano linguistic family, they inhabit the mid-north region of Acre on the left shore of the Envira River in the municipality of Feijó, near the border with Peru. This rare blue bird that gives them their name is considered a sign of conflict or war among indigenous groups, and its rarity mirrors the tribe's own unique position—there is only one Shanenawa tribe in Acre, with no other in Brazil. Their territory was officially recognized and homologated under the name Katukina/Kaxinawa Indigenous Land, a designation that arose from a historical misunderstanding when they were confused with Katukina Indians, but which they chose not to correct, fearing loss of their land rights.

Resilience Through Rubber Boom Devastation
The Shanenawa's history mirrors the tragic experience of most indigenous populations in Acre, falling victim to the rapid and violent occupation of their region during the rubber boom of the early 20th century. Rubber plantation owners forcibly took Shanenawa land and made tribe members into virtual slaves, leading the remaining Shanenawa to flee the rubber-producing areas and retreat deeper into the Amazon rainforest. Initially used as a workforce to supply meat and food to rubber workers, they were later forcibly integrated into rubber extraction and tasked with "taming" other indigenous peoples on the upper Envira River. After numerous relocations and fearing the lengthy history of violence and injustice, the Shanenawa eventually settled in their current territory, enduring decades of exploitation and cultural suppression.

Language Preservation and Cultural Revival
Despite being prohibited from speaking their language during the rubber extraction period, the Shanenawa never forgot their native tongue, which belongs to the Pano linguistic family. However, historical ridicule and discrimination led them to stop transmitting the language to their descendants, creating a younger generation educated only in Portuguese. Today, while elders maintain fluency in Shanenawa and young people primarily speak Portuguese, there are active efforts to preserve their language through community schools that serve as spaces for indigenous language learning, in contrast to urban schools that often disregard indigenous ways of life. In 1990, the Brazilian government officially recognized and demarcated the Shanenawa Indigenous Land, providing a crucial foundation for their cultural preservation and self-determination.

Sacred Medicine Traditions
Central to Shanenawa spirituality is their rich tradition of shamanism, with shamans known as Pajés or Tawas serving as revered healers, leaders, and intermediaries between human and spirit worlds. Ayahuasca, a powerful psychoactive brew, is central to Shanenawa shamanic practices, used in ceremonial contexts to commune with spirits, gain insight into the mysteries of the universe, and promote physical and emotional healing. Traditionally, ceremonies were held at sacred sites where massive Sama Uma trees grow, considered the mother of the forest where souls of ancestors pass and all knowledge is gathered. Beyond ayahuasca, the Shanenawa employ various plant medicines known as "remédios da floresta" (forest remedies), including herbs, roots, and bark, each believed to possess unique healing properties.

The Art of Sacred Hapé
The Shanenawa have a rich tradition of using Hapé, which they consider sacred herbal snuff integral to their cultural and spiritual practices. Within the tribe, only two individuals are designated to make Hapé, reflecting the sacred nature of this responsibility and deep forest knowledge required. The preparation is meticulous, often involving tobacco combined with medicinal herbs chosen for specific properties and intended effects. Shanenawa Caneleiro, one of their distinctive blends, uses Caneleiro ashes known among the Shanenawa for their ability to balance fire and grounding, producing strong and clean Hapé with immediate activation. Special herbs like Kapayuba are traditionally used in ceremonies to open visions and enhance spiritual connection, particularly during Ayahuasca ceremonies to strengthen perception and deepen connection with healing songs.

Community-Based Tourism and Cultural Exchange
In recent years, the Shanenawa Village has embraced community-based tourism as an alternative for preserving their forest while welcoming visitors interested in learning about living in harmony with nature. As chief Tekavainy Shanenawa explains, tourism only became a reality three years ago, with Brazilian and foreign visitors coming to the Katukina Kaxinawa territory seeking ancestral knowledge of forest medicine, particularly ayahuasca use that was preserved despite a 30-year ban. This model strengthens tradition as young people choose to stay in the forest and preserve culture, with indigenous people leading their own narratives—as chief Teka notes: "Today, each tourist has the opportunity to hear the story straight from us, the story I heard from my grandfather." The community also hosts the annual Caiçuma Festival, featuring traditional fermented manioc drink, which brings together various ethnic groups and has become part of Feijó's cultural calendar.

Guardians of the Forest
Despite ongoing threats from deforestation, pollution, and land invasions requiring constant vigilance and advocacy, the Shanenawa remain resilient and committed to preserving their cultural heritage. The tribe has embraced opportunities for cultural exchange through festivals, art exhibitions, and educational programs, sharing their wisdom while asserting rights to self-determination and cultural autonomy. They rely on fishing, hunting, and farming for their livelihood, growing manioc, maize, bananas, and beans, while some families keep chickens, pigs, and goats to supplement their diets. As custodians of the Amazon rainforest and guardians of ancient wisdom, the Shanenawa embody the enduring spirit of indigenous resistance and resilience in the face of adversity.

The Shanenawa's journey from near-extinction to cultural renaissance stands as a powerful testament to indigenous resilience and the transformative power of maintaining spiritual traditions. Their story reminds us that cultural preservation is not merely about maintaining the past but actively creating a future where ancient wisdom guides modern challenges. We honor the Shanenawa people for their unwavering commitment to protecting the Amazon rainforest, preserving their sacred medicines, and courageously sharing their ancestral knowledge with the world, ensuring that the spirit of the Blue Bird continues to soar for generations to come.