Azimuth World Foundation - Connecting the Dots

It’s an honor to share our conversation with Verenilde Pereira, a pioneering voice of Afro-Indigenous literature and journalism in Brazil. Born in Manaus in 1956, the daughter of a black mother and an Indigenous Sateré Mawé father, Verenilde’s personal history embodies the complexities of Amazonian identity. A journalist, researcher, activist and writer, Verenilde has dedicated her life to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities in the Amazon. Her novel "An Endless River", published in 1998 and recently rediscovered and acclaimed, is considered a founding work of Afro-Indigenous Brazilian literature. Through the lives of four female characters, Verenilde portrays the devastating impact of a religious mission on a traditional community. With a PhD in Journalism and Society from the University of Brasilia, her thesis on the media coverage of the Waimiri-Atroari conflict denounced the deep and recurring media bias against traditional communities, through a work that reflects her commitment to challenging dominant narratives and amplifying voices that have almost been silenced. We’re very excited to talk to Verenilde at FOLIO festival, where we took part in a round table on “World Configurations". At Azimuth World Foundation, we want to highlight the importance of Indigenous knowledge in creating solutions to global challenges. Verenilde Pereira's perspectives and work can help us in this mission, and offer valuable lessons on how we can build bridges across different kinds of knowledge. . Official website for FOLIO - Obidos International literary Festival: https://foliofestival.com/ . WATCH the video version of this interview or READ transcripts in English and Portuguese here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/verenilde.html . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

É uma honra falar com Verenilde Pereira, voz pioneira na literatura e jornalismo afro-indígena do Brasil. Nascida em Manaus em 1956, filha de mãe negra e pai indígena Sateré Mawé, Verenilde personifica na sua própria história as complexidades da identidade amazónica. Jornalista, investigadora, activista e escritora, Verenilde tem dedicado a sua vida a dar voz às comunidades marginalizadas da Amazónia. O seu romance "Um Rio Sem Fim", publicado em 1998 e recentemente redescoberto e aclamado, é considerado uma obra fundadora da literatura afro-indígena brasileira. Nele, através das vidas de quatro personagens femininas, Verenilde retrata o impacto devastador de uma missão religiosa sobre uma comunidade tradicional. Doutorada em Jornalismo e Sociedade pela Universidade de Brasília, a sua tese sobre a cobertura mediática do conflito Waimiri-Atroari denunciou a profunda e recorrente violência mediática contra comunidades tradicionais, um trabalho que reflete o seu compromisso em desafiar narrativas dominantes e amplificar vozes que foram, quase, silenciadas. Estamos muito entusiasmados por poder falar com Verenilde no FOLIO, onde participámos na mesa-redonda "Configurações de mundos”. Na Azimuth World Foundation, queremos ajudar a sublinhar a importância do conhecimento indígena na criação de soluções para os desafios globais. A obra, as perspectivas e trabalho de Verenilde Pereira podem ajudar-nos na nossa missão, e oferecem-nos lições valiosas sobre como podemos construir pontes entre diferentes formas de conhecimento. . Website Oficial FOLIO - Festival Literário Internacional de Óbidos: https://foliofestival.com/ . VEJA a versão em vídeo desta entrevista ou LEIA a versão escrita em Português ou Inglês aqui: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/verenilde.html . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

Over the last 30 years, the emergence of contemporary Indigenous literature in Brazil has become a fundamental act of re-existence. While the preservation of Indigenous Peoples’ territorial rights remains the most visible aspect of their struggle in Brazil, this fight would be incomplete without defending their intangible heritage. Their worldviews, their symbols, their ancestral knowledge. In this realm, the flourishing of Indigenous literature plays a vital role. Our guest for this episode, Kaká Werá, stands as one of the pioneers and most influential voices in this movement. A writer, educator, and public speaker, he has dedicated over three decades to preserving and sharing Indigenous traditional knowledge. Author of 16 books, including award-winning works like the “Land of 1000 Peoples” and “Thunder-Boy”, his work has been crucial both in strengthening Indigenous communities, and helping non-Indigenous society recognize the fundamental value of cultural diversity. We had the privilege of speaking with Kaká during FOLIO, the Óbidos International Literary Festival, where he presented his latest book, “Tekoá: The Art of Good Living”, a work that distills the ancestral Tupi Guarani philosophy of living well. During the festival, we also joined him for a round table discussion on World Configurations, exploring how Indigenous worldviews can shape our imagination of possible futures. Our conversation not only traces his literary journey, but also offers deep insights into how ancient Indigenous wisdom can light the way forward through humanity's contemporary challenges. . Official website for FOLIO - Obidos International literary Festival: https://foliofestival.com/ . WATCH a video version of this interview or READ transcripts in English and Portuguese here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/kakawera.html . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

Nos últimos 30 anos, a emergência da literatura indígena contemporânea no Brasil tem surgido como um ato fundamental de re-existência. Se a preservação dos territórios materiais dos povos originários é a face mais visível da luta do movimento indígena no Brasil, é igualmente verdade que essa luta estaria incompleta sem uma defesa dos territórios imateriais - as visões de mundo, símbolos próprios e saberes ancestrais - e na qual a proliferação da literatura indígena ocupa um lugar central. O nosso convidado deste episódio, Kaká Werá, é um dos precursores e vozes mais relevantes deste movimento. Escritor, educador e conferencista, tem dedicado mais de três décadas à valorização e difusão dos saberes tradicionais dos povos originários. Autor de dezasseis livros, incluindo obras premiadas como "A Terra dos Mil Povos" e "Menino-Trovão", o seu trabalho tem sido fundamental tanto para o fortalecimento das próprias comunidades indígenas como para que a sociedade não-indígena reconheça o valor fundamental da diversidade cultural. Tivemos o privilégio de conversar com Kaká durante o FOLIO - Festival Literário Internacional de Óbidos, onde apresentou o seu mais recente livro "Tekoá: A Arte do Bem-Viver", uma obra que sintetiza a filosofia ancestral Tupi Guarani do bem viver. Durante o festival, participámos também numa mesa redonda sobre Configurações de Mundos, explorando o papel das cosmovisões indígenas na imaginação de futuros possíveis. A nossa conversa revela não apenas a sua trajetória literária, mas também uma profunda reflexão sobre como os saberes milenares dos povos originários podem iluminar caminhos para os desafios contemporâneos da humanidade. . Website Oficial FOLIO - Festival Literário Internacional de Óbidos: https://foliofestival.com/ . VEJA a versão em vídeo desta entrevista ou LEIA a versão escrita em Português ou Inglês aqui: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/kakawera.html . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation in the landscape of Indigenous literature. Diverse voices, long muted by the constraints of non-Indigenous literary traditions, are now emerging with profound resonance and undeniable urgency. Our understanding of the world we inhabit can no longer overlook the vital contributions of Indigenous worldviews and the lived experiences of authors who embody these identities. As our guest today, Ellen Pirá Wassu, powerfully articulates, Indigenous literature serves as an essential instrument “of resistance and re-enchantment”, a crucial means of postponing the end of the world. Ellen exemplifies this transformative literary movement, weaving together poetry, performance and activism in a practice that honours both the written word and deeper forms of knowing - what she beautifully describes as “river bathing and talking with flowers”. Currently pursuing her doctorate in Comparative Modernities at the University of Minho, Ellen has enriched the literary landscape with two significant works published by Urutau: “ixé ygara voltando pra 'y'kûá” and “yby kûatiara um livro de terra”. We were honoured to engage with Ellen during FOLIO - the Óbidos International Literary Festival, in Portugal, where we also participated in a round table discussion exploring world configurations and the vital role of Indigenous worldviews in imagining possible futures. The conversation we share here extends far beyond conventional literary discourse. It invites us to fundamentally reconsider our relationship with language and the world we inhabit. Ellen will also be participating in "Roots of the Future - A Dialogue with Indigenous Peoples and Allies on Culture, the Environment and Rights”, and event organized by Azimuth World Foundation, taking place on January 11, 2025, in Pavilhão do Conhecimento (Lisbon,. Portugal). . Official website for FOLIO - Obidos International literary Festival: https://foliofestival.com/ . WATCH a video version of this interview or READ transcripts in English and Portuguese here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/ellenwassu.html . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

A literatura indígena tem experimentado uma transformação extraordinária nos últimos anos, com a emergência vozes diversas do silenciamento histórico imposto pela literatura não-indígena. Pensar, falar e escrever sobre o mundo que habitamos já não pode excluir o contributo das cosmovisões indígenas e da imaginação e experiência de autores que vivem essas identidades.Afinal, a literatura indígena, através do seu poder único “de resistência e reencantamento”, é um ferramenta essencial para “adiar o fim do mundo”, como afirma Ellen Pirá Wassu, a nossa convidada de hoje. Ellen é precisamente uma dessas vozes, que une poesia, performance e activismo numa prática que abraça tanto a palavra escrita como “o banho de rio e a conversa com flores”. Doutoranda em Modernidades Comparadas pela Universidade do Minho, publicou em 2021 "ixé ygara voltando pra 'y'kûá" e em 2023 "yby kûatiara um livro de terra", ambos pela Urutau. Tivemos o privilégio de conversar com Ellen durante o FOLIO - Festival Literário Internacional de Óbidos, onde também partilhámos uma mesa redonda sobre Configurações de Mundos e o papel das cosmovisões indígenas para imaginar futuros possíveis. A conversa que aqui partilhamos transcende a mera discussão literária e chama-nos a repensar a nossa relação com as palavras e o mundo que habitamos. Ellen vai também participar no “Raízes do Futuro - Diálogo com Povos Indígenas e Aliados sobre Cultura, Ambiente e Direitos”, um evento organizado pela Azimuth World Foundation, que acontece a 11 de Janeiro de 2025 no Pavilhão do Conhecimento, em Lisboa. . Website Oficial FOLIO - Festival Literário Internacional de Óbidos: https://foliofestival.com/ . VEJA a versão em vídeo desta entrevista ou LEIA a versão escrita em Português ou Inglês aqui: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/ellenwassu.html . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

As an ally organization to Indigenous Peoples, committed to exclusively supporting projects by small grassroots organizations, Azimuth World Foundation has had the opportunity to see first-hand the countless barriers that Indigenous communities face in accessing mechanisms to fund their projects. This is an alarming reality, given the enormous challenges faced by Indigenous communities globally. That against this backdrop only 0.6% of donations from global funds reach Indigenous communities is astonishing and demands deep reflection. This figure was published in a recent report commissioned by International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP), a network of Indigenous and non-Indigenous funders dedicated to directly supporting Indigenous communities. Azimuth is proud to be an IFIP member. This network is deeply committed to decolonizing philanthropy. One of the central elements in this search for a more just, effective and humane philanthropy is the strengthening of Indigenous-led Funds. Indigenous-led Funds are now an integral part of the landscape, and their work deserves to be widely recognized. That's why we're delighted to have Claudia Soares Baré, Secretary Director of Podáali - Indigenous Fund of the Brazilian Amazon, Josimara Melgueiro de Oliveira, Coordinator of the Rio Negro Indigenous Fund (FIRN) between 2021 and 2024, and Monica Wigman, who coordinates IFIP's Indigenous-led Funds department. Three testimonies that we are sure will help us better understand the crucial importance of Indigenous-led Funds, particularly in Brazil. . Learn more and spread the word about Indigenous-led Funds: https://internationalfunders.org https://fundopodaali.org.br https://firn.foirn.org.br . WATCH a video version of this interview or READ transcripts in English and Portuguese here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-indigenousfunds.html . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

Enquanto organização aliada dos Povos Indígenas, apostada em apoiar exclusivamente projetos de pequenas organizações de base, a Azimuth World Foundation tem tido a oportunidade de constatar de perto as inúmeras barreiras que as comunidades Indígenas encontram no acesso a mecanismos de financiamento para os seus projetos. Esta é uma realidade alarmante, tendo em conta os enormes desafios que as comunidades Indígenas um pouco por todo o mundo enfrentam. Que perante este panorama, apenas 0,6% das doações de fundos globais cheguem às comunidades Indígenas é avassalador e exige uma reflexão profunda. Este número foi divulgado num relatório recentemente comissionado pela International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP), uma rede de financiadores Indígenas e não-Indígenas, dedicados a apoiar diretamente comunidades Indígenas, e da qual a Azimuth se orgulha de fazer parte. Uma rede que está profundamente apostada num caminho de descolonização da filantropia. Um dos elementos centrais nesta procura de uma filantropia mais justa, eficaz e humana é o fortalecimento dos Fundos Indígenas. Os Fundos Indígenas são hoje uma realidade incontornável, e o seu trabalho merece ser amplamente reconhecido. E por isso, deixa-nos imensamente felizes ter hoje connosco Claudia Soares Baré, Diretora Secretária do Podáali – Fundo Indígena da Amazônia Brasileira, Josimara Melgueiro de Oliveira, Coordenadora do Fundo Indígena do Rio Negro (FIRN) entre 2021 e 2024, e Monica Wigman, que coordena a área de Fundos Indígenas da IFIP. Três testemunhos que temos a certeza nos ajudarão a compreender melhor a importância crucial dos Fundos Indígenas, muito particularmente no Brasil. . Saiba mais sobre o trabalho dos Fundos Indígenas: https://internationalfunders.org https://fundopodaali.org.br https://firn.foirn.org.br . VEJA a versão em vídeo desta entrevista ou LEIA a versão escrita em Português ou Inglês aqui: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-indigenousfunds.html . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

In the highland forests of central Kenya, the Ogiek thrived as hunter-gatherers for centuries. But from the colonial era to the present day they have faced wave upon wave of encroachment into the ancestral lands they have stewarded for so long. This has posed enormous challenges to their survival and well-being. Still, their fight for recognition, and for the fulfilment of their rights, has been a source of immense inspiration for Indigenous communities worldwide. For this episode, we are joined by Daniel Kobei, the Executive Director of the Ogiek Peoples' Development Program, who has played a pivotal role in the legal case brought to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, demanding justice for the abuses committed by the Kenyan government against the Ogiek. The outcome of this legal battle constitutes a historical landmark, not only for the Ogiek, but for all the Indigenous communities in Africa facing displacement and forced eviction. Through his organization, he has also overseen numerous projects benefiting the Ogiek communities in areas such as Corporate Governance and Institutional Capacity, Education, Culture, Language, Land Rights, Natural Resources, Environmental Conservation and Climate Justice. Daniel has extensive experience participating in international advocacy and decision-making forums, establishing international alliances, and contributing meaningfully towards a robust and impactful worldwide Indigenous Rights movement. . Follow the Ogiek Peoples’ Development Program on social media and through their official website: https://ogiekpeoples.org . WATCH a video version of this interview or READ transcripts in English and Portuguese here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-daniel-kobei.html . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

In a recent episode of our podcast, we had an enlightening conversation with Iñupiaq Conservation Biologist Dr. Victoria Buschman about the role of Arctic Indigenous communities in shaping conservation strategies. Today, we are expanding upon our previous discussion to more deeply explore a decolonizing approach to Arctic research in general. We are privileged to have not just one, but two highly knowledgeable guests joining us for this episode: Dr. Cana Uluak Itchuaqiyaq and Corina Qaaġraq Kramer, who are not only sisters but also collaborators currently spearheading the groundbreaking Respectful Research intiative. Dr. Cana Uluak Itchuaqiyaq is assistant professor of technical and scientific communication at Virginia Tech. Cana is Iñupiaq, from Northwest Alaska and an enrolled member of the Noorvik Native Community. The digital humanities, data analysis, critical race theory, and Indigenous knowledges are combined in Cana’s research, in order to investigate the intersections of identity, science/technology/medicine, colonialism, and culture. Their work sheds light on how the marginalization of underrepresented scholars and communities is often perpetuated in mainstream academic, institutional, and societal practice. Corina Qaaġraq Kramer, also of Iñupiaq descent, hails from the Native Village of Kotzebue. As a community leader with extensive frontline experience, Corina brings a unique expertise to her work, specializing in bridging traditional Indigenous knowledge and values with Western institutional practices to enhance the well-being of Native communities, health, and sovereignty. Notably, Corina played a pivotal role in establishing the Sayaqagvik system of care for children, youth, and families in Northwest Alaska. She served as a co-investigator at Siamit Lab, an innovative academic–tribal Health Partnership affiliated with Harvard Medical School, and held the position of community director for the Della Keats Fellowship, a postgraduate program based in Northwest Alaska supporting the development of the next generation of Indigenous health leaders. Recently, Corina founded Mumik Consulting, dedicated to assisting Indigenous-serving organizations in enhancing their initiatives. . We strongly encourage our listeners to continue exploring Cana and Corina’s work: https://respectfulresearch.com . WATCH a video version of this interview or READ transcripts in English and Portuguese here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-cana-corina.html . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

In recent years, we have seen a global resurgence of the Indigenous movement. For the world’s Indigenous Peoples, in all their diversity, new technologies have brought greater visibility, anchored in these Peoples’ ability to construct their own narratives about the past, the present and the future. A new visibility that has created bridges of solidarity between Indigenous Peoples, but also with non-Indigenous people all over the world. More than ever, it is essential to strengthen this resurgence of the Indigenous movement in the face of energy transition and environmental protection international policies. In this crucial moment we must ensure that the foundations of our common future protect human rights. And especially the rights of Indigenous Peoples, in whose territories natural resources and biodiversity are protected, essential for maintaining balanced ecosystems. In the work of Edson Krenak all these issues intersect, creating a unique path of Indigenous rights activism. Edson is Advocacy Coordinator at Cultural Survival, and he leads the organization's work in Brazil. He is also deeply involved in the Keepers of the Earth Indigenous Fund, through which Cultural Survival supports Indigenous-led projects focused on environmental protection and territorial sovereignty. Alongside his work capacitating and supporting Indigenous organizations, Edson has dedicated his life to the dissemination of Indigenous cultures (including as an award-winning author), to the promotion of decolonized history education, and to the creation of alliances that strengthen the Indigenous movement, both in Brazil and internationally. We must also highlight his role on SIRGE Coalition’s executive committee, an alliance that is doing remarkable work to ensure that the rights of Indigenous Peoples are respected in policies regarding the extraction of essential transition minerals. Edson is currently finishing his PhD in Legal Anthropology at the University of Vienna in Austria. . Follow Edson Krenak’s work at https://www.culturalsurvival.org & https://www.sirgecoalition.org . WATCH a video version of this interview or READ transcripts in English and Portuguese here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-with-edson-krenak.html . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

Nos últimos anos, temos assistido a um ressurgimento do movimento Indígena a nível global. As novas tecnologias têm permitido que a enorme diversidade de Povos Indígenas do mundo ganhe mais visibilidade, e que o faça ancorada na capacidade de construir as suas próprias narrativas sobre o seu passado, presente e futuro. Uma nova visibilidade que tem criado pontes de solidariedade entre os Povos Indígenas, mas também junto dos não-Indígenas, um pouco por todo o mundo. Mais do que nunca, torna-se essencial fortalecer este ressurgimento do movimento Indígena, em face das políticas de transição energética e de proteção ambiental definidas internacionalmente. Vivemos um momento crucial para garantir que as bases do nosso futuro comum estejam assentes na defesa dos Direitos Humanos, e muito particularmente nos Direitos dos Povos Indígenas, em cujos territórios se encontram protegidos recursos naturais e índices de biodiversidade indispensáveis ao equilíbrio dos ecossistemas. No trabalho do Edson Krenak, o nosso convidado de hoje, todas estas questões se entrecruzam, criando um percurso singular de luta pelos direitos dos Povos Indígenas. Edson é Advocacy Coordinator na Cultural Survival, onde também guia o trabalho da organização no Brasil. Está ainda envolvido na coordenação no fundo Indígena Keepers of the Earth, através do qual a Cultural Survival apoia projetos Indígenas de proteção ambiental e soberania territorial. A par deste trabalho de capacitação e apoio a organizações Indígenas, Edson tem dedicado a sua vida à divulgação das culturas Indígenas (que inclui a produção do seu premiado trabalho como autor), à promoção de uma educação descolonizadora da história, e à criação de alianças que fortaleçam o movimento Indígena, tanto no Brasil como internacionalmente. É de destacar a sua atuação no comité executivo da SIRGE Coalition, que tem desenvolvido um importante trabalho no sentido de garantir que os direitos dos Povos Indígenas são respeitados nas políticas de extração dos minerais essenciais à transição energética. Edson está atualmente a terminar o doutoramento em Antropologia Legal pela Universidade de Viena, na Áustria. . Siga o trabalho de Edson Krenak’s em https://www.culturalsurvival.org & https://www.sirgecoalition.org . VEJA o vídeo desta entrevista ou LEIA a versão escrita, em Português ou Inglês, em: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-with-edson-krenak.html . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

In this episode, we dive into Decolonizing and Indigenizing Philanthropy, movements that are changing how non-Indigenous donors support Indigenous-led organizations, and promoting the creation and expansion of networks for Indigenous-led funds. Our guest today, Naomi Lanoi Leleto, a Maasai from Narok, Kenya, is at the forefront of these movements. She is a board member at the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples, as well as Program Coordinator for Global Indigenous Grantmaking and Coordinator for the East Africa Advisory Board for the Global Greengrants Fund. Naomi worked as a Women Land Rights Program Officer at the Kenya Land Alliance, advocating for the effective implementation of constitutional provisions to secure women's land rights. She has extensive experience advocating for inclusive grantmaking that upholds the rights, self-determination, and environmental work of Indigenous Peoples. Naomi has a Master's degree in Legal Studies from the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program at the University of Arizona and has contributed to the UN's Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues since 2011. . Follow Naomi Leleto’s work at https://www.greengrants.org & https://internationalfunders.org . WATCH a video version of this interview or READ transcripts in English and Portuguese here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-with-naomi-leleto.html . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

Batwa communities in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC are clear examples of the devastating effects of fortress conservation, the colonial model for nature preservation that posits the mutual exclusion of nature and humans. Often, the designation of protected areas leads to the displacement of the very people responsible for stewarding that ecosystem—those who thrived in and relied on that land for their spiritual and physical sustenance. In the Bwindi forest in 1991, wildlife conservation efforts pushed Batwa communities to the margins of Ugandan society. Unable to navigate this society, their marginalization deepened. And this very brief, abrupt, and violent chapter had devastating consequences for a people who had been thriving for millennia as forest dwellers. We are honored to have Sylvia Kokunda as our latest guest on Connecting the Dots. Sylvia, a Batwa leader, is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Action for Batwa Empowerment Group, a non-profit Ugandan organization working to empower the Batwa. After completing a bachelor's degree in Public Administration and Management and a Master of Arts in Organisational Leadership and Management, Sylvia decided to commit her life to representing her community at national, regional, and international human rights forums, where she has boldly spoken out against the unbearable injustices that the Batwa continue to suffer under the Ugandan government's watch. Her organization's projects empower the Batwa community through advocacy, education, skills development, healthcare, commercial agriculture, tourism and research to holistically transform their lives and culture for a prosperous future. Action for Batwa Empowerment Group also engages with several national and international stakeholders to find a comprehensive approach and solutions that address the challenges the Batwa face. . Follow the work of Action for Batwa Empowerment Group: https://www.abeguganda.com . WATCH a video version of this interview or READ transcripts in English and Portuguese here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-with-sylvia-kokunda.html . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

In a rapidly changing world, the urgency to protect nature is undeniable. However, there is an uncomfortable truth we must confront. The climate change and biodiversity crisis, largely caused by the West's lifestyle and consumption patterns, disproportionately affects communities in Africa and all of the global South. And that's not all. In the West, we often envision conservation through romanticized images of pristine natural landscapes inhabited by charismatic megafauna, leading to generous financial support for conservation organizations. . These conservation organizations often displace communities by creating pristine nature wildlife reserves or parks, and thus conservation refugees expelled from their ancestral lands. Ironically, it is these very communities that have conserved the areas through their lifestyles and ancestral knowledge of the land and ecosystems. Conservation is an exceedingly intricate reality, deeply entangled with the history of colonialism and the global capitalist market. Its geopolitical implications and impact on Indigenous and local communities should not be underestimated. While the concept of protected areas appears deceptively simple and universal, it masks a complex and at times violent and corrupt reality. Stripping away the powerful myth-making machine surrounding conservation requires a candid and unflinching gaze into its inner workings. . Guiding us on this journey to explore the path of decolonizing conservation is Dr. Aby Sène-Harper, a distinguished faculty member in Parks and Conservation Area Management at Clemson University, South Carolina. Her groundbreaking research delves into the intersections of parks and protected areas governance, livelihoods, nature-based tourism, and the relationship between race and nature. With her extensive writings on the colonial structures of power and conservation, Dr. Aby Sène-Harper has shed light on essential issues that demand our attention and action. We are eager for our listeners to join us in exploring her extraordinary work, as it inspires all to embark on a transformative journey towards decolonizing conservation. . WATCH a video version of this interview or READ transcripts in English and Portuguese here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights.html . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

It's impossible to discuss the global climate and biodiversity crisis without talking about the Amazon. Deforestation, illegal mining and logging have reached alarming levels in recent years, pushing crucial ecosystems to the brink. The Amazon bears the visible scars of our collective impact on the planet: pollution, overconsumption, inequality, alienation. In Brazil, Indigenous communities continue to struggle for their right to inhabit and manage their land. Their lives are under constant threat, despite their globally recognized invaluable contribution to our environmental well-being. Colonization is far from over, and survival is on the line for many of these communities. It's a critical time to listen to people like Ana Rosa de Lima, the founder of Meli Bees Network, who works to protect Indigenous Peoples' rights and self-determination. Drawing from her Indigenous ancestry and driven by the ecological, cultural, and social tragedy unfolding in the Amazon, Ana Rosa and a generation of Amazonian leaders established Meli Bees. Their goal is to strengthen land protection and regeneration through Indigenous and local-led projects. Ana Rosa is committed to amplifying the voices of the communities she works with and creating networks of knowledge, solidarity, and allyship to tackle the enormous challenges we face. . WATCH a video version of this interview (English and Portuguese subtitles available) or READ transcripts in English and Portuguese here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-with-ana-rosa-de-lima.html . Learn more about Meli Bees Network: https://www.meli-bees.org . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

Earlier this year, Azimuth World Foundation, in collaboration with Jamii Asilia Centre and Global Wisdom Collective, co-hosted a side event at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York. This event provided a platform for our partners to share the framework of "Revitalize the Roots," an intergenerational knowledge-sharing project they have developed for the Endorois community in Kenya. But the event also allowed us to hear from remarkable speakers who shared their experiences in passing down traditional Indigenous knowledge to the younger generations. Among these inspiring speakers was Christine Kandie, a member of the Endorois community and the Executive Director of the Endorois Indigenous Women Empowerment Network (EIWEN). Founded in 2016, EIWEN initially served as an advocacy platform for the rights of Endorois women, girls, and individuals with disabilities. Over the years, it has grown in its ambition to champion the rights of Indigenous communities all over Kenya and across Africa. The Endorois people have twice faced forced evictions from their ancestral lands. The first was prompted by the government to create a game reserve for tourism development, and the second was due to the devastating impacts of climate change. Christine's unique perspective as an Endorois woman and a person with a disability enables her to present the importance of intersectional approaches in securing the rights of Indigenous Peoples with much more clarity. EIWEN's distinctive approach encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, aiming to holistically improve the lives of those it serves. From empowering Indigenous women to assume leadership roles to documenting traditional knowledge and integrating it into resource management through the creation of the Endorois Biocultural Protocol, EIWEN has made significant strides. Ms. Kandie has taken her experiences and powerful message to international platforms, gaining visibility and garnering support for her community's struggles. She has also forged global alliances and is a shining example for countless communities facing similar challenges. We are truly honored that she has joined us on "Connecting the Dots." . WATCH a video version of this interview or READ transcripts in English and Spanish here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-with-christine-kandie.html . Keep up with EIWEN’s inspiring work: https://endoroisindigenouswomen.org . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

According to Global Witness, three people are killed every week while trying to protect their land and their environment from extractive forces. Many are Indigenous Peoples, whose stewardship of their territories has been key to the maintenance of balanced, biodiverse ecosystems. Drilling, mining, logging, intensive agriculture, the threats are too many to count, as are the ways in which they affect these communities, whose relationship to the land is often their material, cultural and spiritual backbone. Indigenous rights are not only violated by these aggressors, but also by governments who fail to implement crucial articles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, such as the right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent. More than ever, Indigenous communities need legal assistance to protect environmental defenders from unjust criminalization, to identify and take legal action against invaders, to hold aggressors responsible and to guarantee that the laws that are supposed to protect Indigenous communities are enforced and implemented. That’s exactly the kind of of support that EDLC - Environmental Defender Law Center has been providing for over 20 years. EDLC finds private lawyers to work for free on the behalf of communities looking for legal assistance, but also provides resources and grants. The organization specializes in cases of international significance, where innovative legal strategies can be developed and later replicated to help other environmental defenders. During this year’s International Funders for Indigenous Peoples global conference we crossed paths with EDLC staff attorney Fernanda Venzon, who generously shared with us extremely valuable insights from EDLC’s vast, global experience defending environmenntal defenders. . WATCH a video version of this interview or READ transcripts in English and Spanish here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-with-the-environmental-defender-law-center.html . Learn more about Environmental Defender Law Center’s current and past cases, and overall mission here: https://edlc.org . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

An inspiring conversation with the Asháninka activist and filmmaker in training, who is bringing visibility to the struggles of Indigenous women and girls in her native community of Cushiviani (Satipo, Peru). . Throughout history, cinema has often perpetuated stereotypes and misrepresented Indigenous Peoples, their communities, aspirations, and wisdom. Today, storytelling still tends to prioritize narratives about Indigenous Peoples rather than amplifying Indigenous authors’ own voices. But initiatives such as the Indigenous Cinema program developed by Chirapaq (Centro de Culturas Indígenas de Perú) are working to bring Indigenous creators to the forefront. By providing equipment and building capacity in filming and editing skills among Indigenous youth in Peru, Chirapaq's workshops enable them to explore and shed light on the issues that matter most to them. The result is a collection of original and powerful short films that challenge conventions. Among these talented creators is Sofía Chapay Marcos, a young Asháninka activist who recently presented her community's short film, "Noñantarí," at the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples Global conference. Translated as "what I really live and feel" in Sofía's Native Asháninka, it’s a strikingly honest portrait of the profound violence experienced by the children in her community. The courage displayed by these young storytellers has sparked intergenerational reflection within the community, brought attention to the crisis of violence perpetrated by outsiders near Sofía's village, and resonated deeply with international Indigenous audiences. The issue of violence against Indigenous women and girls is a global crisis, and films like "Noñantarí" are instrumental in fostering global solidarity among Indigenous communities. We are immensely honored that Sofía accepted our invitation to be interviewed for "Connecting the Dots." Her inspiring work, profound wisdom, and unwavering love for her community make this interview a very special one for us. Sofía’s story is for her to tell. . WATCH a video version of this interview or READ an English transcript here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-with-sofia-chapay-marcos.html . Learn more about Chirapaq’s Indigenous Cinema program: http://chirapaq.org.pe/en/secciones/indigenous-cinema . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

Earlier this year, Azimuth attended the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples global conference in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. This was such a special moment for us, as we got to connect with like-minded funders, meet Indigenous organizations and so many inspiring people working on the frontlines for their Indigenous communities from all over the world. We had been following NDN Collective’s work for a long time, developing a great admiration for their Land Back, Climate Justice and Racial Justice campaigns, just to name a few. And when we learned that NDN Collective would be at the IFIP Conference, and more specifically their grantmaking arm, NDN Foundation, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to have a conversation about Indigenous-led funds and the unique role they play in decolonizing philanthropy. Associate Director at NDN Collective's Foundation Tina Kuckkahn and Director of Grantmaking Nicole Yanes were incredibly generous to spend some time with us, and the passionate way in which they describe the work of NDN Foundation can only make us hopeful for a future where Indigneous communities are more empowered, their rights fully respected and their self-determination upholded. As both Tina and Nicole told us, NDN Collective is just starting, and we can’t wait to see what comes next. . WATCH the video version of this interview (English and Spanish subtitles available) or READ a transcript in English or Spanish here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights.html . Keep up with NDN Collective’s campaigns and learn about ways to directly support their extraordinary work: https://ndncollective.org . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/