Leadership Enock Taurepang and Chief Birac Brasil
As a form of exchange, in search of obtaining new experiences and knowledge, the deputy coordinator of the Indigenous Council of Roraima (CIR), Enock Taurepang, was visiting the Yawanawá people. Between January 16 and 19, the leader was together with Biraci Brasil Júnior, chief of the Nova Esperança village, which is located in the Indigenous Land of the Gregório River, in the municipality of Tarauacá, in the state of Acre.
Enock Taurepang says that the experience in the Nova Esperança village was very important, as he got to know the reality of the Yawanawá people. He faced a long three-day trip, from the departure from Boa Vista-RR. Including air, land and boat trips lasting 4 hours to the village. He experienced the form of organization, how they work on sustainability, indigenous politics, education, health and spiritual culture.
He also highlighted the important work of Chief Biraci Brasil within the community. For example, the creation of the Isku Vakehu center, which will work on the appreciation of the language, belief, ritual and dances of the Yawanawá. In addition to working in another space to receive great presentations, the Arena da Queixada. Another interesting point was the exchange of leaders from other peoples who are interested in the issue of reforestation.
"I found this joining of leaders interesting, one helping the other. I saw the issue of traditional medicine, which in this pandemic period, especially the tea I was able to try. I also had the privilege of participating in the ceremony of connection and spiritual cleansing, in which it did me a lot of good, this was one of the reasons why I went there", said Enock.
Joining of indigenous leaders
In addition, he highlighted the importance of the reactivation of the Amazon Training Center (CAF), where he met the leader Biraci Yawanawá. The center provides the coexistence and formation of a family made by leaders and this is important in the indigenous movement. It is important to be connected, expand knowledge and brotherhood. Through the exchange of experiences you can achieve greater goals as an indigenous movement.
"Biraci was a leader who studied together with me at CAF and since 2010 we have never been apart, we have always remained connected, each one seeing the growth of the other. That is why CAF is important in resuming these activities, as the center is very important in the formation of leaders. This year, it is very likely that I will return there with the Yawanawá people with a group of young people to take traditional seeds and to get more knowledge and other things," he said.
Biraci Júnior, is the son of Chief Biraci Brasil Yawanawá, a historical leader of Acre, with an expressive projection. He is one of the indigenous leaders responsible for the rebirth of knowledge, rituals of healing properties and the conquest of the importance of the shaman. Today, Chief Iskukua, as he is known, carries his father's knowledge. He highlights the importance of the visit made by Enock Taurepang.
"I received a visit from my great brother and friend, Enock Taurepang, who stayed a few days here in my community working together with us and also participated in a special and very strong ritual. Bringing this energy from the forest, healing, cleansing and revitality. For me it was a great honor to receive him in my village and take care of him a little. He does a very important job in Roraima, taking care of other communities, leaders and peoples", he commented.
Implementing the Reforestation Alliance project in the Indigenous Land
Chief Biraci Júnior is a leader who seeks sustainable alternatives to maintain his community. One of the main sources of the people is the handicrafts and experiences of retreats they do. In addition to the work of ethno-tourism, receiving people, visitors from other parts of the country. People will experience it in the Amazon, within the Yawanawá village.
"Many come to experience the traditional knowledge, the songs, the traditional medicines, ceremonies and rituals that we do. These last few days, we have been working implementing the Aliança Reflorestar project. In which we are reforesting part of my community that was made into a swidden that became capoeira. We are revitalizing, to bring a more productive soil and also planting fruit trees around the village to have food for the animals and for us", he highlighted.
Biraci Yawanawá thanked the gift brought by Enock Taurepang, traditional seeds of the Zamaka Ydai seed network, such as: rice, beans and corn. Now the chief intends to visit Enock Taurepang to learn about the reality of the work, the way of living and getting to know the indigenous communities of Roraima.
"For me it was an honor and privilege to receive him here, to share a little of this work and this project. He saw a work that I am starting, a center for traditional studies for the Yawanawá people, where it will be a school where we will be taking children, young people to study the languages, plants and many other subjects that exist in the forest. Enock was able to experience all this and brought a great gift to us, which were several seeds from the region where he lives. It was exciting this moment to make this exchange and receive this gift here for our lands. So for me it was a great privilege to receive his brother, a great warrior in the fight for indigenous peoples", concluded the chief.
