Continuing the legacy of Natem Anank at the Natema Jee Cultural Center
We are the Nunkai Foundation continuing the legacy of our mentor Natem Anank whose mission was to fight for the preservation of the traditional Shuar culture and their ancestral homeland which are being destroyed at a rapid pace. He inspired many and created a noble path for us to follow.
Our mission is the rescue, preservation, and conservation of traditional Shuar culture and their ancestral homelands in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
The Shuar define themselves as a thousand-year-old native society, settled in a territory of ancestral possession, with their own worldview, autochthonous language (Shuar Chicham), customs, and traditions.
We love and respect our Mother Earth because she provides us with everything we need for our families and communities to live in a healthy and ecologically balanced environment.
Natem taught us how important it is to build a human bridge in the world that unites people from all tribes with PEACE, LOVE, UNDERSTANDING and RESPECT.
Current situation
The Shuar define themselves as a thousand-year-old native society, settled in a territory of ancestral possession, with their own worldview, language (Shuar Chicham), customs, and traditions.
Within a single generation, the world they have known for thousands of years could disappear without a trace. Communal lands are being sub-divided and sold to outsiders at cut-rate prices. Logging, mining, and the introduction of pesticides have killed many species of wildlife and caused health issues to Shuar tribal members of all ages. They are being forced out of their rain forest homes and into cities where they have little choice but to assimilate and leave their culture and agroforestry traditions behind. Before they started eating Western food and taking pharmaceuticals, it was normal for Shuar elders to live well beyond 100 years of age. Now ‘modern’ ailments such as heart disease and cancer are increasing morbidity among the Shuar at younger ages.
Goals
~ To preserve and rescue traditional ancestral customs
~ Create educational programs within the Shuar culture as well as intercultural exchanges
~ Maintain habitat that will attract and protect birds and animals
Our programs will be located at the Natema Jee Cultural Center, Morona Santiago Province, in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Our programs will include topics such as: plant identification, conservation, and uses, learning traditional songs and dances, weaving, ceramics, and Shuar mythology.
Help us preserve an ancient culture while protecting the lungs of the world
Contributions to our cultural and reforestation projects helps preserve the ancestral wisdom of local indigenous communities while also helping to regulate the global climate. If you would like to assist us in these efforts, tax-deductible donations can be made through the Indigenous & Ancestral Wisdom & Healing organization: Project – Nunkai Ethnobiological Foundation