YAWANAWA – MAY/JUNE 2020

Tawahw is an important spiritual representative of the Yawanawa people. He is son, apprentice, and heir of the legendary medicine man Yawarani, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 106. Tawahw carries much of the energy of his father with whom he traveled throughout Brazil bringing the Yawanawa magic. He was one of the first young leaders of the Yawanawa people to go through the higher initiation of their spiritual traditions, always accompanied by and learning from Yawarani. Today, besides being one important leader in his village, Nova Esperança (New Hope) and making medicine journeys to capitals of Brazil, Tawahw also plays an important role in documenting their day to day life in an international film project.

Makeushu is granddaughter of the legendary leader of the Yawanawa people Tuin Kuru, who very distinctively occupied the position of main chief before Biraci Nixiwaka, and is Putanny and Matsini’s father. Makeushu was also a pioneer in taking part of the group led by Yawarani, Biraci Nixiwaka and Putanny which conducted the very first Uní (Ayahuasca) open ceremonies outside the villages in 2009 in southeast states of Brazil. Said ceremonies opened the doors to the sharing of Yawanawa culture and spirituality to Brazil and the world and now after a period of 11 years without traveling, Makeushu is once again coming to Itaipava to represent her people, and will also be bringing her daughter. Makeushu has a very powerful voice, is one of the first women to acquire profound knowledge of Yawanawa’s spiritual chants and teacher of her daughters Ninunihu and Yaka. Makeushu is thus one of the leaders among the Yawanawa women in terms of Yawanawa culture and spirituality.

Tuin Kuru is also one of the few men from the younger generation of the Yawanawa who committed to the sacred Samakai (diet), their highest spiritual initiation. He is a nephew of chief Nixiwaka and brother of Pe˚, being one of the most talented musicians and guitar players of the Yawanawa people. After almost ten years, Tuin Kuru returns to Rio de Janeiro to take part in this very special retreat.

Ninunihu is the young daughter of Tawahw and granddaughter of the great medicine man Yawarani. She brings much strength in her songs and has accompanied her grandfather and father in spiritual ceremonies since childhood.

Wakia Un Manee is a full blooded Klamath/Modoc native of North America, medicine man, sundancer and leader of the Vision Quest and Inipi (Sweat Lodge) ceremony. From a young age he was brought up with the Lakota and Ojibway, so his work has been largely influenced by the traditions and culture of these two nations. Wakia graduated in psychology and political sciences and also studied theology. He founded and developed non-profit charitable organizations within various communities. As an activist, Wakia stood on the front lines, fought and defended the rights of native peoples, as well as environmental and ecological issues. His work is focused on empowering people to recognize and understand their own capabilities.

Adriana Ocelot is a medicine woman, sweat lodge leader, sun dancer in Tamoanchan ñ Mexico and Crow Dog’s Paradise – USA, leader of Vision Quest,moon dancer at Ollintlahuimeztli in Teotihuacan – México. Guardian of a RedMoon Temple for women’s retreats, healer in traditional native technique and in the use of medicinal plants.