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Demand #5: Ancestral Knowledge

Global indigenous leaders are calling for 5 demands, in this series of playlists we explore each demand in turn.

Demand #5: Ancestral Knowledge

Appealing for the valuation and incorporation of ancestral knowledge on the policies to prevent and face climate change.

Burning the Bananal

Wildfires are increasing in their frequency and ferocity worldwide – they consume forests and destroy lives. Is there a more effective way to fight them? Fighting fire with fire Traditional fire management practices hold many answers. Controlled fires, which were widely banned by colonialist authorities, had long been used by indigenous peoples to maintain their […]

Yanomami Mushrooms: from forest to table

The Yanomami Mushrooms are the first edible mushrooms native from the Amazon. Launched in 2016, the ingredient of the forest has reached different parts of Brazil and of the world, carrying with it the value of the territory and indigenous knowledge, as well a great flavor. The sale of the Yanomami Mushroom is part of […]

Journey to Sacred Site in Fight to Stop Oil Exploration

Indigenous Haramkbut leaders lead journey to rediscover ancient sacred site to connect with their cultural past and protect their future.

Behind the Bayano

Film by Ivan Jaripio, indigenous filmmaker from the Embera community of Piriati, Panama. A hydroelectric power station was constructed in Panama in the 1970s – displacing indigenous Embera communities. Despite agreement from the state that their relocation would enable them to remake their lives through their traditions and customs, 40 years later they continue to […]

Being Emberá

Reclaiming and strengthening indigenous culture is vital to maintaining ancestral connections to nature. This must be passed onto future generations by celebrating indigenous traditions. Embera youth are spearheading a cultural revival, after decades of assimilation, through traditional body painting and storytelling. Meanwhile sustainable community forestry initiatives are creating low impact income for communities that rely […]

Girl besides flowers, Environmental tax to maintain forests in Costa Rica - If Not Us Then Who?
"We are a seed"

A few words from Tonnia Fernandez Solis. 1 minute of wisdom coming straight from the heart. Tonnia is coming from the Bribri Talamanca indigenous community in Costa Rica.

"It will be passed on to our children"

In 2013 the Honduran government granted almost 7% of its territory to the indigenous Miskito people who have lived traditionally on this land for centuries. Bans Lopez, a respected elder of community, shares his thoughts about Miskito people relation to the land.

Identity

A powerful film by Ivan Jaripio, Embera indigenous filmmaker from Panama. In this short creative film he contrasts indigenous traditions with the contemporary world of Panama. Faced with the territorial and cultural threat of modernization, the resistance of the indigenous peoples to defend their traditions is urgent.