Paka Kamãnawa

Paka Kamãnawa is a gifted medicine man, musician, and spiritual leader. Despite his young age, he has served as Cacique (chief) of his village, Timbauba, in the Rio Gregório region of Acre, Brazil, for several years.

Beginning his work with sacred medicine at the age of seven and assisting in ceremonies by fourteen, Paka has spent over seven years fully dedicating himself to the daily study of medicinal plants under the guidance of his teacher, Paje Kochti, the oldest healer of the Noke Koi people. His learning continues through prolonged initiations (diets) in the forest.

Paka is a descendant of the Kamãnawa clan, known as the “Jaguar People.” During one of his diets, he received the healing power of the jaguar, which he now channels in his healing practices.

As the founder of the Kamãyura group, Paka is dedicated to preserving and adapting traditional Noke Koi sacred songs, incorporating instruments into their performance. He also teaches these sacred songs to the youth of the Noke Koi tribe.

Paka is supported in his work by his wife, Rora Varinawa.