Xipaya Indigenous Land

Kaarimã village, located within the Xipaya Indigenous Land in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, lies in the municipality of Altamira, Pará, Brazil. This region, part of the vast Amazon biome, is one of the most ecologically significant areas on Earth, providing a vital habitat for an incredible array of wildlife. Beyond its rich biodiversity, the Amazon is a living library of medicinal plants, deeply interwoven with Indigenous knowledge and traditions that have been passed down for generations. Protecting this land is not just about conservation—it is about preserving the cultural and ecological heritage that sustains both the environment and the Indigenous communities who have lived on this land for centuries.

Despite its ecological and cultural significance, this territory has faced relentless threats from exploitation and development. Over the decades, the region has been profoundly impacted by colonization, the construction of the Transamazon Highway, and escalating land conflicts. Major industrial projects, such as the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam and the proposed open-pit gold mine by the Canadian company Belo Sun Mining Ltda, have further endangered the land and its people. The Amazon has already lost 65 million hectares of native vegetation over the past 30 years, yet Indigenous Lands remain among the most resilient bastions against deforestation.

Mission

Through the Age of Union support, Juma’s mission on this project and partnership is to honour, revive, and share ancestral knowledge deeply rooted in the territory while protecting the forest and its wildlife. With a vision of empowering a new generation of young indigenous people, this approach aims to preserve indigenous ways of life and protect the environment, promoting the health of the Xipaya territory and its positive impact on the planet.

• Juma Institute Headquarters: Establish a new space, the Juma Institute headquarters, in Kaarimã village, designed to honour traditional architecture. This space will host educational activities, traditional medicine teachings, community events, and gatherings for indigenous communities.
• Community Partnerships: Engage the Kaarimã community, nearby villages, and other local communities, along with two regional non-profits and key representatives (such as universities and governmental agencies) to initiate essential discussions for planning the project’s program of activities, with a focus on preserving cultural heritage and the environment.
• Empowerment of Change Agents: Support the development of youth and women to empower them as advocates for environmental protection and local rights. Offer programs that encourage impactful actions, recover and share ancestral knowledge, and prepare them as future community leaders and agents of change.
• Ranger Program: Strengthen and promote indigenous territorial management and protection efforts to support environmental conservation, reduce illegal activities that threaten the territory, and enhance community security. Promote sustainability through collective decision-making and inclusive governance.

Roots and Shoot

Age of Union has joined forces with the Jane Goodall Institute’s globally recognized Roots & Shoots program to support youth leadership and environmental stewardship in Indigenous communities. Through this partnership, the Xipaya Roots & Shoots Project plays a crucial role in empowering young people in the village, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become future activists and leaders dedicated to protecting the forest and its biodiversity.

By valuing and revitalizing ancestral Indigenous knowledge, the project ensures that traditional wisdom is passed down to new generations, strengthening cultural identity while fostering a deep connection to the land. This intergenerational exchange not only preserves the Xipaya people’s heritage but also reinforces their role as guardians of the Amazon rainforest, ensuring the long-term protection of their territory and the ecosystems it sustains.