In May and June, ACT hosted two leaders of the Kogi tribe—José de los Santos Sauna and Shibulata Zarabata. During their visit, Santos and Zarabata were the guests of honor at several events in both Washington, DC and California, including a reception at the Colombian Ambassador's residence and a presentation at Google. Just after their departure, however, we received alarming news that a corporate group had preliminary plans to build a large resort and marina next to Jaba Taniwashkaka—the first Kogi coastal sacred site we acquired and protected in 2013.
ACT News
Yachaikury Prepares for a Facelift
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2014
You may remember the great news about Yachaikury—the ACT-sponsored ethnoeducation school of the Inga people—from the spring, when the Colombian government announced it would become the country’s first private indigenous school transformed into a public institution. Just last week, we received another incredible update: the government may fund the school’s master architectural plan! By improving dormitories, classrooms and bathrooms, Yachaikury will become an even better place for children to live and learn.
Introducing the Monthly Giving Program
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2014
This month, ACT launches its monthly giving program—a way for donors like you to provide our indigenous partners, such as Alex Miguel Botina (pictured above), with a reliable, steady source of funding for projects. Those who join will enjoy a few perks including a tour of the ACT office and a bracelet made by one of our indigenous partners. To learn more about this program, contact Megan Morrison at 703.522.4684 or mmorrison@amazonteam.org
ACT Materials to Become Educational Tools in Surinamese Primary Schools
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Through generous funding from Nature’s Path and the Tico Torres Foundation, ACT created Junior Park Ranger manuals in partnership with our trained park guards. These booklets teach children about local flora and fauna, as well as basic principles of conservation. While these manuals were originally distributed to children in remote rainforest communities, Suriname’s Ministry of Education recently decided to include the resource as part of its new nationwide Environmental Education Box project. Now, children in all of Suriname’s 360 primary schools will also benefit from the manuals.
Our Newest Story from the Field
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Trek with Mama Margarita, a medicine woman of the Andes, into the páramo ecosystem high above the Sibundoy Valley, Colombia. Here, she collects medicinal plants that can lower blood pressure, calm upset stomachs, soothe arthritis and more. Published in The Huffington Post, this story includes incredible photos, video and amazing detail from one of our indigenous partners.
