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BENKI PIYÃKO
Founder and President
Benki Piyako, the founder of the Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute, is an indigenous political and spiritual leader from the Ashaninka tribe working for the preservation of nature and the protection of the right of indigenous peoples, their culture and lands. He fully commits himself to healing the world through the traditional knowledge that has been passed down from his ancestors.
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RAINE PIYÃKO
The Vice-President
Raine Piyãko, born on May 11 1998, is the son of Benki Piyãko and belongs to the Ashaninka community along the Amônia River. Since childhood, Raine has been a dedicated apprentice to his father, absorbing the intricacies of traditional medicine, cultivation methods, harvesting practices, and the profound significance of the forest that he calls home. At the age of 25, Raine Piyãko currently holds the esteemed position of Vice President at the Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute.
Administration Team
A group of over 15 young leaders of indigenous and non-indigenous descent has been accompanying Benki Piyãko for the past 10-15 years and are trained in agroforestry, traditional medicinal practices, construction, administration and more. They are responsible for the development and organizational structure of the Yorenka Tasorentsi center.
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Naiana
Financial Manager of the Institut
Naiana Gomes Bezerra was born on May 15 1989, in Marechal Thaumaturgo, Acre, Brazil. In 2005, she began to support Benki Piyãko’s projects by joining a group of young people, organized by Benki, to work on environmental recovery and protection projects carried out in the Beija Flor, Centro Yorenka Ãtame, and Raio do Sol projects. Today she works as the Financial and Administrative Manager of the Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute.
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Jack
Administrative manager, local and regional purchasing and logistics department
Edson Gomes Bezerra, better known as Jack, has been working with Benki Piyãko since 2016, supporting Benki’s work in different areas, such as organizing local and regional logistics and managing the Institute’s facilities. Jack is married and has two children.
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Roseli
Internal Facilities Coordinator
Roseli Nogueira is Benki’s wife and has been accompanying his work since 2016. Roseli works in coordinating the internal logistics of the Institute and is also involved in the sale of local artisanal products. Roseli has a daughter with Benki, Aninka.
Action Team
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Léo
Technical Manager and President of the Guardians of the Forest Association
Francisco Leonilson Oliveira Da Silva, born on December 23 1987, in Marechal Thaumaturgo, Acre, Brazil, joined a youth group led by Benki Piyãko in 2005, when he was 18. Since then, he has been a dedicated collaborator on various projects initiated by the Ashaninka leader. With the establishment of the Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute, Leonilson actively participates in projects related to tree planting, seedlings, vegetable cultivation, pond management and apiculture, and is also the President of the Guardians of the Forest Association.
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Zé Maria
Fish Farming and Reforestation
Zé Maria has been accompanying Benki’s work since 2009. He has acquired expertise in sustainable agroforestry and fish farming techniques and has played a substantial role in the construction of the Institute.
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Ze Kuntanawa
Fish Farming and Reforestation
Ze Kuntanawa is originally from the Kuntanawa People and started accompanying Benki in 2010. He has acquired expertize in sustainable agroforestry and fish farming techniques and has played a substantial role in the construction of the Institute.
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Yowenki
Fish Farming and Reforestation
Yowenki, the son of Benki, has been actively supporting his father’s work since 2018. He has acquired a diverse skill set in agroforestry and holds the invaluable knowledge of the Ashaninka people of forest preservation. From a young age, Yowenki absorbed the spiritual wisdom of the Ashaninka people, passed down by his grandfather, Aricemi. He plays a pivotal role in assisting his father with various projects at the Institute.
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Açúcar
Fish Farming and Reforestation
Francisco Lima, born in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, is engaged in local cultivation practices. In 2012, he joined Benki Piyãko’s reforestation efforts and has been involved in the Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute since its creation. Today he specializes in agroforestry and sustainable agriculture, while also holding a degree in general administration. Açúcar’s journey includes becoming a member of the Natural Reserve Rubber Tapper’s Association and contributing to the planting of more than 500,000 seedlings. His perspective is enriched by a blend of Indigenous influences with Benki Piyãko’s teachings.
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Chagas
Machine Operations
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Zenilde
Maintenance
Maria Zenilda has been supporting Benki’s work since 2015 and is married to José Maria.
