In an increasingly digitalized world with a globalization unlike anything we have ever seen in human history, indigenous culture is on the verge of being swallowed up by progress. If we do not dedicate resources to protecting and promoting indigenous culture and values, they will disappear.
Culture and values of the indigenous territory of Praia do Carapanã
Isolated indigenous peoples continue to live in their world, with their culture and values. The real challenge lies in the cities that coexist with the outside world. These are people who have access to television, some of them to the Internet, and they even use cell phones more and more. In other words, the door to a modern society with many dangers for which they are not fully prepared opens in a very simple way, especially that of wanting to be like outsiders, thus losing their identity. In order to maintain their culture and values, we have held meetings with various groups with the idea of being able to promote their identity. Lines of work have been developed in different areas:
CRAFTSMANSHIP
They have their own crafts that are very characteristic of their city, where they make necklaces, bracelets, headdresses, fabrics, wood carvings, bows, etc.
In the past, crafts were made with natural products from the region. For example, to obtain fabrics, they planted cotton, used natural dyes and made the fabrics. Nowadays, they buy synthetic wool and highly polluting chemical dyes with which to do the work. Promoting the leadership of master craftsmen from the community to teach young people and children, encouraging the preservation and improvement of the Huni Kuin art.
CULTURE
The Huni Kui indigenous worldview and culture have traditionally been transmitted orally and are currently being lost. We donated a personal computer and a camera so that they can record their stories and culture with texts, photos and videos.
MUSIC
They are very happy cities where traditional and group songs unite them. There are several groups that sing traditional songs in front of each other like a battle. The songs are sung at receptions, celebrations, 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 study 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 study plan in the state of Acre.