In November, Benki and a delegation representing the Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute embarked on a journey to Europe, marking a pivotal continuation of Benki’s extensive international engagements as an environmental activist and leader. During this tour, Benki actively participated in hands-on projects, showcasing his leadership and sharing practical insights. His influence over the years has inspired …
On November 21st, The “Guardians of The Forests” series premiered at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. Hosted by The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation during the Forests and Communities Initiative conference, this event introduced a documentary series highlighting the importance of preserving our planet’s vital forest ecosystems. The series, led by five directors …
On November 27 at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the Campus XL session “Indigenous peoples, guardians of biodiversity” gathered five forest guardians: Benki, Twyla Edgi-Masuzumi, Hilarion Kassa Moussavou (Mambongo), Tumursukh Jal, and Mundiya Kepanga. They interacted with 800 middle and high school students from 26 schools in and around Paris. Additionally, a thousand students from …
BRIDGING CULTURES AND WISDOM AT UNESCO’S CAMPUS XL Read More »
The Principality of Monaco hosted the inaugural Conference of the Forests and Communities Initiative (FCI) from November 21 to 23, gathering over 100 experts, including Indigenous and local community leaders, scientists, and stakeholders. Under the leadership of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, pivotal discussions emerged, emphasizing the recognition of indigenous knowledge and culture, …
Raine Piyãko, Vice-President of the Institute and a young Ashaninka leader, recently marked a significant milestone in his musical journey with the digital release of his debut EP, “Como um Beija Flor” (Like a Hummingbird), on April 22. The EP, a carefully composed work, showcases Raine’s talent as a poet and musician, translating the …
COMO UM BEIJA FLOR – DEBUT ALBUM AND CONCERTS BY RAINE PIYÃKO Read More »
In October, during the second day of the Institute-hosted conference titled “Dialogues on border territorial protection strategies in the Upper Juruá / Yurua / Upper Tamaya” (Brazil-Peru),” the Ashaninka community Apiwtxa, along with the Sawawo and Dulce Gloria communities, donated 300 “tracajás,” commonly known as yellow-spotted river turtles that are native to the region, to …
In late August, Institute founder Benki Piyãko and his family briefly visited the Restauracao community, only to return to a sky that was obscured by wildfires around the Institute. The unfolding crisis marked a testament to community strength and dedication to safeguard the Amazon during an unprecedented three-month drought, sparking fierce wildfires. Around Benki gathered …
THE INSTITUTE’S STRUGGLE AGAINST DEVASTATING FIRES IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2023 Read More »
With a vision to safeguard the environment and nurture local communities, the Institute has embarked on a Fish Farming initiative. The Upper Juruá Region has been grappling with the adverse impacts of climate change. Prolonged droughts have desiccated rivers, lakes, and springs, crippling fish migration and posing significant challenges to local populations reliant on …
CULTIVATING SUSTAINABILITY: YORENKA TASORENTSI INSTITUTE’S FISH FARMING INITIATIVE Read More »
On August 16th, Benki Piyãko was invited to speak at a high-level dialogue with indigenous leaders across the Amazon Basin during the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, USA. The event, “An Urgent Call to Protect the Amazon: An Interfaith Rainforest Initiative Dialogue with Indigenous Peoples,” was delivered as a plenary session for …
UNITING FAITH AND ACTION: BENKI AT THE PARLIAMENT OF WORLD RELIGIONS IN CHICAGO, USA Read More »
In June, Benki, accompanied by a delegation from the Institute, concluded the annual US tour with the Boa Foundation at the Aniwa Gathering in Big Bear, California. Serving as the indigenous Director of the Boa Foundation, Benki played a key role in sharing messages and prayers with nearly 800 participants, including over 40 indigenous …
During his USA tour, Benki sat down for a podcast recording with social entrepreneur Michael Trainer. This conversation delved into the heart of indigenous wisdom, the vital importance of environmental stewardship, and the transformative power of ancient intelligence in today’s world. Michael Trainer, known for his dedication to connecting leaders with communities and fostering positive …
This past May in New York City, Benki met with the distinguished human rights lawyer Steven Donziger. During their meeting, they had a robust exchange of ideas and stories about the paramount importance of safeguarding our planet, championing environmental justice, and protecting the human rights of local and indigenous communities in the Amazon rainforest. …
During his USA tour, Benki Piyako’s journey took him to New York City, where he participated in an event organized by the United Nations Development Program’s Equator Initiative, titled ‘Cultural Resistance and Environmental Stewardship in the Amazon Rainforest.’ This gathering provided a platform for Benki and his team to present the work of the …
UNDP EVENT: CULTURAL RESISTANCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP IN THE AMAZON RAINFOREST Read More »
A diverse audience gathered at the Tibet House, the Cultural Center of H.H the Dalai Lama, in New York City for an enlightening evening with Benki, where he shared his insights into the Ashaninka mythology and how their ancient knowledge systems have kept the Amazon rainforest intact. In doing so, he highlighted the vital importance …
In an urgent call to action, during the peak of the summer, the global community united to address a critical threat facing Brazil’s indigenous peoples. The Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB) sounded the alarm on Bill 490/2007, legislation that will bring severe consequences to the rights and well-being of Brazil’s indigenous communities. It …
GLOBAL CAMPAIGN TO PREVENT HISTORIC INJUSTICE AGAINST BRAZIL’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES Read More »
At the Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute, a remarkable transformation is underway as we take a giant leap towards sustainability. We’re thrilled to announce the installation of solar panels, a milestone made possible through the generous support and collaborative efforts of The 11th Hour Project, Empowered by Light, and the dedicated team at Ion Energia. Solar energy …
HARNESSING THE SUN’S POWER: SOLAR PANELS ILLUMINATE THE YORENKA TASORENTSI INSTITUTE Read More »
Benki Piyãko, during his visit to Europe was invited to Carros, a village in the South of France to share his vision with Middle School students and adults by speaking about his experience and planting trees. Agroforestry techniques from the Amazon were studied to be implemented in the region and create a sustainable ecosystem where …
Benki’s visit to the South of France, November 2019 Read More »
The third indigenous Ayahuasca Conference was the first event of its kind to be held at the Yorenka Tasorentsi center, with more than 200 attendees, key spokespeople included Benki Piyãko, Biraci Nixiwaka Yawanawa, Putanny Yawanawa, Biraci JR Iskukua Yawanawa Francisco Piyãko,, Naiber Pontes, Ninanwa Pai da Mata, Shainay Puyanaway, Xiti Nukini and Haru Kuntanawa. The …
Ayahuasca Spiritualities at the Parliament of the World’s Religions For the first time since the Parliament of the World’s Religions began in 1893, indigenous peoples of the Amazon attended this global interfaith gathering in a spirit of inclusion, respect, compassion and tolerance. The Parliament was held from November 1-7, 2018 in Toronto, Canada, and indigenous …
The Parliament of World Religions, in Toronto, Canada. November 1-7, 2018 Read More »
Benki Piyako has dreamt about creating an organization dedicated to traditional indigenous practices since a very young age. The teachings passed on in the Ashaninka culture have a lifelong heritage and it is our duty to protect it. The creation of the Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute is a way of ensuring that these memories are passed …
