When we first arrived at their village, after a grueling 52-hour journey, we were greeted with warmth by this wonderful Tikuna family. Despite being in their 70s, they rose at 4am each day, committed to working on their chagra, or field, ensuring they had enough food for themselves and their family. Living in a humble wooden cabin, alongside their daughter with special needs and their four grandchildren (9, 6, 3 & 1 year old), they embraced a simple yet meaningful existence.

However, like many other communities, los abuelos and their village faced a significant challenge - the loss of their cultural identity and a disconnection from their ancestral ways of life. Just two generations ago, they lived as indigenous people, hunting, fishing, and building their homes,  and mud utensils. But as the Internet reached their village, the allure of modern civilization began to erode their traditional practices. Ultra-processed foods flooded in, and their connection to the land and the desire for reforestation and cultivation began to fade.

This year, los abuelos experienced a summer like no other. As the Amazon faced its hottest summer in 37 years, the rising temperatures took a toll on their crops, threatening their staple food, Fariña. Despite this setback, they remained determined to continue cultivating but suffered respiratory issues, drought & shortage of drinking water. 

Moved by their resilience and determination, we embarked on a mission to support los abuelos and the community through reforestation of the Amazon. Through an Agroforestry system, we are working to plant a variety of food crops that are more resilient to climate change. This not only helps to preserve the Amazon, but also provides food security for los abuelos, their grandchildren, and the  community.

The Tikuna people, scattered across Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, represent one of the largest indigenous populations alive. Yet, many of their younger generations have lost touch with their cultural heritage. It is for this reason that we specifically chose to work with los abuelos. By inspiring and motivating them to think about the future, we hope to revive their cultural practices and protect their vulnerable family members, including los abuelos' daughter with special needs.

Through this project, we aim to connect with other indigenous communities, spreading the seeds of reforestation and food security throughout the Amazon. Despite arriving in their village without knowing their language, we were welcomed into their home with open arms. This profound experience will forever remain in our hearts, as we continue to support los abuelos and the Tikuna people.

Together, we can create a future where cultural heritage is celebrated, nature is respected, and communities thrive in harmony with the Earth. Our journey with los abuelos has taught us that with determination, resilience, and a deep love for our shared home, we can transform lives, one person and one community at a time. This is the legacy we hope to leave behind - a legacy of unity, restoration, and hope for future generations in the Amazon and beyond.