The members of this community, comprised of 78 families, are descendants of seringueiros (rubber tappers) with connections to the Piyãko family. For generations, these families have lived near the Ashaninka community in Brazil, cultivating the land and planting native fruit trees. However, recent government demarcation efforts have forced these families from their homes and the natural abundance that they had nurtured over decades.

In April, Benki and his team set out on a mission to locate suitable land for relocation and found a property spanning approximately 300 hectares close to the Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute. By securing this land for the displaced community, Benki has averted the imminent threat of homelessness for these families, creating a new chapter in the long story between these families and his own.

With the support of the Institute, the families have begun resettling and are actively rebuilding their lives while once again assuming the role of stewards and caretakers of their new surroundings. Benki remains committed to bolster these efforts by providing assistance in the creation of a sustainable fish pond system and with reforestation efforts. Through this process, Benki and the community aim to cultivate another pillar of biodiversity and land stewardship in the region.

In February and March, the overflow of some of the main rivers, such as the Acre and Juruá rivers, triggered a state of emergency in 19 municipalities in the state of Acre, including Marechal Thaumaturgo, where the Institute is based. The floods devastated the homes of more than 2000 people in the municipality and destroyed crops, livestock and fish, creating widespread vulnerability and food shortages.

Within the Institute, the floods resulted in the loss of a approximately 90,000 fish. The Institute managed to mitigate some of the damage through focused efforts to recover fish, which were living in the ponds, and other animals that were swept away or displaced by the floods. As part of local recovery efforts, Benki initiated a program to address the severe lack of basic necessities, distributing food baskets and fish to the community.

The flooding necessitated an immediate harvest of crops to prevent further damage, leading the Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute’s team to assist local farmers in harvesting cassava to produce flour, which can be stored for longer periods.

In April, Benki also supported neighboring communities in implementing their own fish tank systems. This is another example of the Institute’s ongoing commitment to nurturing food sovereignty in the region, fostering a resilient community capable of responding to the increasing environmental crises driven by climate change.

Rosa’ne, a young activist, musician, and spokesperson for the Puyanawa community, joined hands with Raine, Vice President of the Yorenka Tatsorentsi Institute and eldest son of Benki Ashaninka.

Led by Cacique Joel Puyanawa and with wise words from Benki, the ceremony was a blend of cultures and traditions, symbolizing the unity between the two communities.

Amidst the rituals, symbolic items were exchanged, each carrying significance. The Ashaninka Women’s Kusma and Feather Crown, symbols of leadership and heritage, passed hands, signifying the integration of the two families. Additionally, the exchange of urucum and jenipapo, traditional paints of the Ashaninka and Puyanawa respectively, represented the merging of customs and values, weaving a tapestry of shared identity and purpose. As the day gave way to night, the festivities continued with vibrant music echoing through the village. The newlyweds, along with members of both communities, filled the air with melody, inviting all to dance and revel in the joyous occasion. Caiçuma flowed freely and laughter mingled with the sounds of guitars and drums, creating an atmosphere of pure celebration and unity. Raine and Rosa’ne’s wedding was more than a union of two individuals—it was a celebration of love, culture, and the power of community. As the echoes of their wedding songs faded into the night, they left behind a legacy of love that will continue to resonate for generations to come.