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.

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 and showcasing five indigenous leaders entrenched within endangered primary forests across the globe, revolves around environmental preservation and biodiversity protection. The premiere gathered producer Muriel Barra, director Luc Marescot, and the five guardians: Benki Piyãko from Brazil, Hilarion Kassa Moussavou “Mambongo” from Gabon, Twyla Edgi Masuzumi from Canada, Mundiya Kepanga from Papua, and Tumursukh Jal from Mongolia. Their joint presence in Monaco before COP 28 was intentional, aiming to convey a strong message to the world about the urgency of environmental conservation.

The featured episode, “Brazil – Replanting the Amazon,” directed by Luc Marescot and highlighting Benki’s environmental initiatives, took center stage at the event. This selection held symbolic significance as the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation recently inaugurated a branch in São Paolo, Brazil, reinforcing the global importance of the showcased conservation efforts. Post-screening discussions delved deeper into each guardian’s environmental work, emphasizing the recognition of indigenous wisdom and the integration of their knowledge into global conservation endeavors.

The significance of this premiere extends beyond the confines of Monaco. Embarking on a two-week tour across France, the guardians aimed to extend their message and foster greater awareness about forests’ invaluable role in sustaining life on Earth.

On November 25th, The Guardian’s tour continued to the inaugural ‘Evian Summit. This summit brought together the Five Guardians in engaging workshops focused on the central theme of forest protection with the aim of empowering youth to actively participate in creating innovative and inclusive solutions. These collective efforts aimed not only at accessibility but also to instill commitments that resonate across generations, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future for all.

On December 2nd, the five Forest Guardians convened once more for the highly anticipated documentary launch event at La Gaîté Lyrique in Paris. The occasion also included an engaging discussion session to foster interaction with the audience. Attendees were provided a unique platform to directly engage with the leaders, allowing them to pose questions and actively participate in a profound exchange of experiences.

“Guardians of The Forests” premiered on Arte TV on December 9 and became available on http://arte.tv starting December 2.

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, advocating for rights-based approaches, embracing gender equality frameworks, harmonizing environmental laws, and reimagining funding and governance models.

The inaugural evening featured the “Guardians of The Forests” series premiere, showcasing vital forest ecosystems worldwide. The episode “Brazil – Replanting the Amazon,” highlighting Benki’s environmental leadership, showed how indigenous communities foster forest conservation. The series aired on Arte TV on December 9 and was made accessible on http://arte.tv from December 2.

The conference included Sebastião Salgado endorsing forest restoration and praising Benki’s work. Benki emphasized our connection to nature and the responsibility for Earth’s well-being. Nemonte Nenquimo Waorami highlighted collective action and women’s role in decisions. Professor Carlos Nobre advocated blending Western science with indigenous wisdom. Txai Surui raised concerns about legislative threats to Brazilian indigenous territories, calling for global support.

The conference concluded collaboratively with breakout sessions, during which YTI contributed to drafting a Call to Action echoing the resolve to drive meaningful change through collective efforts. Additionally, a musical rendition of traditional Ashaninka chants performed by Raine Piyãko, Rosane Puyanawa, and Piyanko Piyãko paid tribute to the tireless guardians safeguarding our forests.

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 wisdom of his people into a captivating sonic experience.

“Como um Beija Flor” features a collaborative effort, bringing together voices from Raine’s generation, including Piyanko Piyãko, Rosane Puyanawa, and Eriya Luiza. The EP also includes collaborations with Brazilian artists such as Lucas Noronha, Leo Barbieri, and Max Leblanc, resulting in a vibrant fusion of artistic expression.

The EP’s release was followed by Raine’s Live Debut at the Hotel Café in Los Angeles on June 5, organized as part of Benki’s tour in the US. Subsequently, in November, Raine embarked on the Institute’s Tour in Europe, delivering captivating performances in various settings, including the FCI Conference in Monaco on Nov 21-23, where he was invited by Prince Albert and the Monaco Foundation.

The diverse and enchanting sounds of “Como um Beija Flor” resonate globally, inviting listeners to join Raine on a musical exploration through platforms like Spotify, Soundcloud, and Apple Music. The EP not only uplifts its audience but also serves as a conduit for messages from the forest, inspiring a deep love for nature and fostering a united path forward marked by joy. The harmonious collaboration that birthed this symphony has allowed Raine’s music to take flight, creating magical connections and moments of artistic resonance around the world.

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 fishing for sustenance. In response to these challenges, the Institute has taken proactive steps to counter the looming social catastrophe by establishing 28 fish ponds. These existing fish ponds serve as sanctuaries for native fish species, including Curimatã, Piau, Tambaqui, Tambacu, and Tilapia.

The Institute’s Fish Farming initiative serves a dual purpose: to address the pressing need for food security and provide viable alternatives to traditional cattle ranching and illegal fishing practices in the region. With plans to expand this endeavor through an additional 80 ponds, the Institute aims to meet the heightened local demand caused by environmental adversities. The scarcity of fish due to climate-induced changes has affected families’ ability to secure adequate food. Benki and the team at the Institute aim to alleviate the region’s hunger, poverty, and food insecurity by bolstering pisciculture projects.
Central to the success of this initiative is the engagement of Marquinho, a pisciculture technician entrusted with overseeing the project. His role is pivotal in ensuring the sustainable production of high-quality fish, which will be made available at fair prices, enabling economically disadvantaged families to access nutritious food year-round. Moreover, this initiative presents an economic alternative to expanding cattle farms, contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

Beyond the immediate impact on the Institute’s community, Benki envisions a broader dissemination of knowledge. Through technical workshops and the establishment of breeding facilities, the Institute aims to equip other communities with the tools and expertise to cultivate their own food sustainably. This approach eliminates costly transportation from distant towns and fosters self-reliance within communities.

Photograph by Aaron Vincent Elkaim.

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 elders from around the world.

This year at Aniwa, Benki was joined by his son Raine, Vice President of the Institute, and his nephew Piyanko. The gathering united indigenous leaders, including Apache, Kogi, Huni Kuin, Kayapo, Hopi, Muscogee, Mayan, Thunghutti and Bundjalung, in service for humanity.

Benki addressed various topics, including relationships, environmental activism and the significance of music in Ashaninka culture. Raine and Piyanko, as youth leaders, shared their perspectives with aspiring young activists.

Benki’s resonant message, “let us always help the ones in need”, reflects the Institute’s commitment to positive change and extending support to those facing challenges. 

The 4-day gathering concluded with a profound collective prayer, as indigenous leaders from over 40 nations prayed simultaneously for humanity.

Photograph by the Aniwa Media Team.

Michael Trainer, known for his dedication to connecting leaders with communities and fostering positive change, described this conversation as “one of the most important” in his podcast series. This is a testament to the depth of insights and wisdom shared by Benki during this enlightening exchange.

In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, Benki’s message is a powerful reminder to rekindle our connection with ancient wisdom. He embodies the essence of a true wisdom keeper, offering a beacon of light in an age that often overlooks the profound teachings of indigenous cultures.

This podcast episode is a must-listen for those deeply concerned about the planet or contemplating the transformative journey with the healing plant ayahuasca. Benki’s words carry a weight of wisdom that resonates deeply, providing valuable insights into our relationship with the natural world.

In addition to this enlightening conversation, Michael Trainer presented in the podcast also a sacred chant performed by Benki’s son, Raine, accompanied by Benki’s nephew, Piyanko, adding another layer of depth to the rich tapestry of indigenous wisdom and culture.  The video for the chant can be viewed Here.

Listen to the Podcast Here.

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. 

Steven Donziger’s unwavering dedication to the cause of climate justice is nothing short of an inspiration. For decades, he has been at the forefront of the struggle to compel corporations to answer for their destructive actions toward our planet. His lifelong commitment to this cause has earned him accolades and recognition worldwide. Steven Donziger’s monumental role in the historic trial against Chevron 20 years ago, brought by Amazon communities in Ecuador, is a testament to his relentless pursuit of justice. Over eight years, the affected communities and their legal team fought tirelessly to secure a $10 billion judgment against Chevron. This landmark decision was resoundingly affirmed by six appellate courts and 28 judges, including the entire Supreme Courts of Ecuador and Canada.

Despite this unequivocal legal victory, Chevron has evaded its responsibility, opting to launch a multi-billion dollar campaign against Steven and the affected communities instead. The human toll of this corporate misconduct is staggering: hundreds of Indigenous peoples have lost their lives to cancer, tens of thousands face severe health issues, and the threat of death looms over countless others. The devastation is unfolding in the heart of the Amazon, affecting communities and ecosystems vital to South America and the entire planet.

The meeting between Benki and Steven serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring us all to redouble our efforts to fight climate justice and protect our planet and its people.