Indigenous tribes traditionally live in harmony and reciprocity with the Earth, and have much wisdom to share. However due to the armed conflict in Colombia, many are now displaced and classed as vulnerable populations.
My Story
It is my privilege to work alongside a group of women artisans whose vision is to reclaim ancestral territories so that essential natural resources can be preserved and protected.
Since connecting in 2023, I have been buying handicrafts from these women and selling amongst my community back in Britain. Having built a donation into the cost, I have been able to send additional funds back to the women.
How You Can Help
On visiting the reserve recently I was humbled to see the impact of the contributions made so far. The women have bought seeds and created thriving organic and medicinal gardens so the families have access to healthy unprocessed food and traditional medicine, and so that they can sell at the market.
They also have a 'seed' of capital which they intend to grow - please help us with this! - to ultimately purchase land in the mountains, with access to clean water and away from the risk of flooding.
Once secured, these lands will be placed under the protection of the tribe and its descendents, preserving the water, the forest, the soil and the abundance of flora and fauna in this special and magical place.
Vision
A formal association has been created, with the aim to 'recover, strengthen and preserve the cultural fabric of the community' and to 'protect, recover and heal our Mother Earth'.
Not only this, but there is an intention to inspire other vulnerable populations around the world - with this project a model for a more connected, reciprocal and compassionate way of living, in harmony with nature.
Next Steps
I was honoured to be asked to stay for longer at the reserve, to learn more about the medicinal plants and traditional healing wisdom of the tribe, and to help and support the project.
If this sounds good to you, why not join us? We can offer homestays and a unique insight into traditional culture and healing wisdom and stunning diversity in the beautiful and peaceful Sibundoy valley.
The next stage will be to construct a traditional maloca - tribal meeting house - at the reserve, for ceremonies and traditional medicine.
Gratitude
Every single £ or $ you can offer will make a difference to this project. Every penny received will be transferred to ASOJUABNA, the organisation created by the Kamentsa women, so that they can buy land to preserve and protect on behalf of all of us.
I just can't describe how it was to see the tears of joy and immense gratitude at the contributions made to this project so far.
We would be so very grateful if you could support our project. We would welcome any donation. You could choose to invest in one of our exclusive rewards, such as a written blessing or an online energy cleanse.
Or maybe you'd like to come and visit yourself and find out more? In which case we can set up a four-day homestay for you, with an opportunity to experience traditional medicine if you wish to.
Please do also share our link with your networks.
Thank you. Many blessings to you.