Ancestral Rescue & Protection Program for the Indigenous Peoples of the Upper Solimões River in Amazonas, Brazil

The Kokama people are traditional inhabitants of the Amazon region, with a population of 19,052 people in Brazil alone (SIASI/SESAI, 2020), with significant communities along the Solimões River, including in Santo Antônio do Içá, Amazonas. Although their communities faced severe challenges through colonization, forced displacements, and extractivist waves that led many to temporarily suppress their indigenous identity, since the 1980s there has been a strong movement of cultural and identity revitalization. 

As skilled fishers and agriculturists, they maintain their traditional economy while adapting to contemporary challenges. Their communities are organized through strong kinship ties, and they preserve important cultural practices such as the ajuri (collective work followed by communal meals). The Kokama actively engage in political movements to secure their rights to land, healthcare, and culturally appropriate education.

The Kambeba, with approximately 1,500 people in Brazil, have demonstrated remarkable resilience in preserving their identity. Their history reflects both profound challenges and inspiring revival.

Much like the Kokama, and according to Instituto Socioambiental, the Kambeba had ceased to identify as Indigenous due to the violence and discrimination they faced from non-Indigenous people in the region since the mid-18th century. However, "it was the growth of the Indigenous movement from the 1980s onwards, and in particular the clear recognition of Indigenous rights by the 1988 Constitution and the multiplication of Indigenous organizations, that encouraged the Kambeba to begin to reaffirm themselves and fight for Indigenous causes."

Since then, they have assumed a prominent position in the region due to their considerable capacity for political negotiation and liaison with other Indigenous groups, government agencies, and organizations from the surrounding national society.

Kokama and Kambeba territories play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Upper Solimões River system. The communities maintain traditional agricultural practices, including the cultivation of manioc, yam, sugarcane, and various fruit trees, though these practices are increasingly challenged by climate change impacts. The region now faces both prolonged rainy seasons and unprecedented droughts, while increasing deforestation has led to more frequent forest fires, significantly affecting their lands and traditional ways of life.

Both Peoples have historically demonstrated remarkable resilience in maintaining their cultural practices and traditional knowledge despite external pressures. The Kokama, for instance, have maintained important traditional practices such as the ajuri, a system of collective work where a traditional drink, pajuaru, made from fermented manioc, is shared - demonstrating the resilience of their community bonds despite historical pressures on their identity.

The Kokama and Kambeba and communities face several interconnected challenges that threaten their cultural survival and the wellbeing of their youth:

Drug Trafficking and Border Vulnerability
Their location at the Brazil-Colombia-Peru border has made their territory vulnerable to drug trafficking routes that traverse the rivers and forests. This situation creates serious risks for community youth, who face pressures and threats from trafficking networks operating in the region.




Cultural Preservation Challenges
The communities struggle to maintain their ancestral knowledge and practices in the face of pressures from non-Indigenous society. For the Kambeba, this challenge is particularly acute. As documented by the Instituto Socioambiental, their history includes periods where they "ceased to identify themselves as Indigenous due to the violence and discrimination perpetrated by non-Indigenous people in the region since the mid 18th century."

Kokama and Kambeba Indigenous Associations represent a powerful example of Indigenous-led organizing in the Upper Solimões region. These grassroots organizations emerged from the communities' determination to protect their children and youth while strengthening their connection to traditional culture and territory.

The associations work to create spaces where traditional knowledge and contemporary skills can flourish together. Throughout the week, community volunteers lead sessions in Indigenous arts, music, and sports, creating environments where young people can develop their talents while staying deeply connected to their cultural heritage. These programs now serve hundreds of children and youth across the region.

The work of these associations reflects the broader history of Indigenous organization in the region. The Tikuna, for example, have a strong tradition of educational initiatives, exemplified by the Organization of Bilingual Tikuna Teachers (OGPTB), which has played a crucial role in developing culturally appropriate education. Similarly, the Kambeba have established themselves as skilled negotiators and bridge-builders between different Indigenous groups and outside organizations.

Despite operating with extremely limited financial resources, these associations have created lasting impact through their commitment to community involvement and cultural preservation. Their approach emphasizes the strengthening of family bonds and the transmission of traditional knowledge between generations, while also preparing young people to navigate contemporary challenges.

The Ancestral Rescue & Protection Program represents an ambitious vision to preserve Indigenous ways of life through youth education and cultural preservation. At its heart, this initiative recognizes that protecting young people from contemporary threats requires more than just preventive measures – it demands the creation of meaningful alternatives that connect them to their heritage and community while building skills for the future.

Each day, the program brings together children and youth for activities that weave together traditional and contemporary knowledge. In the mornings and evenings, community volunteers teach Indigenous handicrafts, passing down techniques that have been preserved through generations. These sessions flow into instruction in ancestral music and dance, where young people learn not just the forms but the deep cultural meanings behind these expressions. Environmental education takes place through direct experience with the territory, as elders share traditional ecological knowledge about the forest and rivers.

The program's sports component combines traditional Indigenous games with contemporary athletics like futsal and volleyball, fostering physical development while preserving cultural practices. Chess instruction develops strategic thinking skills, while Indigenous storytelling sessions ensure the continuation of oral traditions and cultural narratives.

Cultural preservation efforts extend beyond the classroom through the recording of Indigenous music and the creation of documentaries that document traditional knowledge. Regular community performances and events provide opportunities for young people to showcase their learning while strengthening community bonds. Inter-community exchange programs allow participants to share experiences and knowledge across different villages, building networks of cultural resilience.

To support these activities, the project will establish needed infrastructure through the acquisition of musical instruments – both traditional and modern – along with audio equipment for recording cultural activities. Computers and printers will enable digital documentation of cultural knowledge, while sports equipment and handicraft tools will support physical and artistic development. Educational materials and uniforms will be provided to ensure all children can participate fully regardless of their family's economic situation.