In an increasingly digitized world and with globalization unlike anything we have ever seen in human history, indigenous culture is about to be swallowed up by progress. If we do not devote resources to protecting and promoting indigenous culture and values, they will disappear.
Culture and values of the Carapanã beach indigenous territory
Isolated indigenous peoples continue to live in their own world, with their own culture and values. The real challenge lies in the towns that coexist with the outside world. These are people who have access to television, some of them to the Internet, and are even increasingly using cell phones. In other words, the door to a modern society with many dangers for which they are not fully prepared is opening in a very simple way, especially in terms of wanting to be like those on the outside, thus losing their identity. To maintain their culture and values, we have been holding meetings with various groups with the idea of promoting their identity. Lines of work have been developed in different areas:
CRAFTS
They have their own handicrafts that are very characteristic of their city, where they make necklaces, bracelets, headdresses, fabrics, wood carvings, bows, etc.
In the past, handicrafts 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 to do their work. They promote the leadership of master artisans in the community to teach young people and children, encouraging the preservation and improvement of Huni kuin art.
CULTURE
The Huni Kui indigenous worldview and culture have traditionally been passed down orally and are currently being lost. We donated a personal computer and a camera so that they can record their stories and culture through texts, photos, and videos.
MUSIC
These are very happy cities where traditional and group songs bring people together. There are several groups that sing traditional songs in front of others as if in a battle. The songs are sung at receptions, celebrations, and rituals. 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 lives, and cover Brazilian academic history in case anyone 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.