In an increasingly digitalized world and with globalization like never before in human history, indigenous culture is about to be swallowed up by progress. If we don't dedicate resources to protecting and promoting indigenous culture and values, they will disappear.
Preserving culture
Indigenous people have a great challenge ahead of them, as they live between two worlds. The fast-paced modern world of the digital age coexists with their traditions and values. They must strengthen their identity and culture, as it is all too easy to be swallowed up by modern globalised society.
We have held meetings with indigenous craftspeople to improve their production processes and recover traditional techniques that, due to convenience, are disappearing.
We are encouraging the use of local materials and teaching the use of natural dyes that have been used by their ancestors for thousands of years. At present, much of their raw material is bought from the markets, and the wool is highly processed using chemical dyes while the paints are highly polluting.
HANDICRAFT
They have their own handicrafts that are very characteristic of their town, where they make necklaces, bracelets, headdresses, fabrics, wood carvings, bows, etc.
We are encouraging the use of local materials and teaching the use of natural dyes that have been used by their ancestors for thousands of years. At present, much of their raw material is bought from the markets, and the wool is highly processed using chemical dyes while the paints are highly polluting. We are preparing an indigenous curriculum to teach the traditional values of their culture, activities needed for their life and to cover the Brazilian school curriculum in case anyone wishes to continue their education. This is a slow, expensive process, as there is no indigenous curriculum in the state of Acre.
CULTURE
The Huni Kui indigenous worldview and culture have traditionally been transmitted orally and are currently being lost. We have donated a personal computer and a camera so that they can record their stories, their culture with texts, photos and videos.
MUSIC
They are very happy towns where traditional and group songs unite them very much. There are several groups that sing traditional songs in front of each other like a battle. The songs are sung at receptions, celebrations and rituals. Their music is very present in their lives. We are organizing the recording of their music in professional studios so that they can be known worldwide, thus promoting their traditional music.
EDUCATION
We are organizing an indigenous studies plan where we can teach the traditional values of their culture, activities necessary for their life and cover the Brazilian academic record in case someone wants to continue their education. This is a process that seems slow and complex, since there is no indigenous studies plan in the state of Acre.