Just a few generations ago, the Yawanawá culture was in ruins, decimated by rubber barons and then by missionaries. They lived through generations of abuse and the outlawing of their language, songs, dances, and sacred culture. Inspired by a higher power, Nixiwaka gained the rights to their ancestral lands, built a new village, and began a campaign of cultural revival. They brought back the Yawanawá songs, dances, and ceremonies, while also opening their culture to the outside world. They believed that creating bridges of connection could be symbiotic.
In just the last 30 years, the Yawanawá have reinvigorated their culture, built multiple new villages, and created a thriving eco-tourism based on the authentic sharing of their sacred ways with people who come respectfully to learn. Projects from agro-forestry and permaculture to sustainable energy to traditional education and the healing arts are ongoing and in development. Youth are choosing to stay in the villages to help co-create a healthy future.
And so we see the deeper relevance for our Colibri tribe, we who dream of creating a more beautiful world: The Yawanawá have already lived through a re:genesis with Sacred Culture as the driving force. This is the guiding inspiration we anchor through Colibri Spirit: Let us gather together to sing, dance, pray and play in the name of co-creating heaven on earth!