In the lush Amazon rainforest, on the banks of the mighty Gregório River, rises the Yawarani village, home to the Yawanawá people in Tarauacá. Founded almost a decade ago by Doña Fátima and her brother Roque, the village owes its name to the late Yawarani shaman, who left this world in 2018. This is a place where tradition intertwines with nature and Yawanawá culture flourishes.
A project for living well: sustainability in full swing
Investing in plantations and believing in the project of living well, Aldeia Yawarani stands out as the third of the 12 Yawanawá villages. With about 200 inhabitants divided into 65 families, this community is a living testimony of the commitment to the preservation of the Yawanawá culture.
The profound knowledge of the culture is preserved by notable figures such as Pai Nane, the first Yawanawá teacher, and Teskum, Ninunihu, the wife of the venerable Yawarani grandfather. Doña Fátima Sheki Teshke, cacica and founder of the village, is an unwavering leader who played a crucial role during the land demarcation process, bravely facing the challenges imposed by the rubber tappers.
Refuge of the Yawanawá Culture: Dona Fatima and Pai Nani
From a very young age, Dona Fatima’s courage did not intimidate her in the face of challenges, along with her husband Pai Nani, another spiritual leader of the village. Daughter of the Yawarani shaman and Seya, of Kamanawa “Katukina” descent, Dona Fatima is fluent in three languages – Yawanawa, Kamanawa and Portuguese – contributing to the rich linguistic tapestry of the Yawanawa.
The Road to the Village: Yawanawá in the Amazon
To reach the Yawarani Village, the trip takes approximately 3 hours by car from Cruzeiro do Sul, and another 3 hours by boat, depending on the water level. This trip is in itself an enriching experience, connecting visitors with the immensity of the jungle and the essence of Yawanawá life.
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Discover the authenticity of the Yawarani Village, where tradition is woven into the fabric of nature, and every moment is a celebration of the richness of the Yawanawá culture.
