We are working with our Kofan allies to raise funds for the COVID19 emergency in the Northwest Amazon. Our objective is to safeguard & preserve the health and lives of the most vulnerable: the Elders who preserve the ancient cultural tradition of these indigenous nationalities & knowledge for protecting the rainforests. The loss of these Elders could be one of the greatest cultural catastrophes of our time.
OUR ASK
We are hoping to raise $10,500 (stretch goal $21,000) & to be able to achieve this goal we need YOUR help. Every $50 that we raise will allow an Elder & their family to remain home in isolation for 1 month. We are hoping to be able to raise enough to keep entire communities in isolation rings but we will focus on our Elders for now. ALL funds raised will go directly to food & supplies for 404 Kofan families in 12 different communities. Our allies on the ground will be managing the efforts from purchase to delivery. Thank you for your consideration and support.
A MESSAGE FROM THE KOFAN
The people of the ancestral Kofan settlement, AVIE, seek solidarity and support across the globe to help protect our most vulnerable Kofan communities. We need assistance with funds for basic supplies to be able to fully isolate and not become exposed to the outside. We would like to:· Strengthen communication between the Kofan communities, so that we can maintain ongoing conversations to identify strategies, share knowledge, wisdom, humanity and prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
· Support adults, elders and other people who are highly vulnerable with food and supplies in communities with the highest needs.
We, the Kofan people, live in isolated territories in the province of Sucumbíos in the northeast of Ecuador. In the year 1600, the Kofan were around 15,000 to 20,000 people. Between 1918-1923 we suffered a similar epidemic that caused thousands of deaths. Those who fled deep into the jungle managed to survive. And we are the ones who maintain this dream of a traditional way of life. Colonization has interfered in the national social, cultural and territorial life. Today, we are around 3,500 Kofan.
As the Amazon rainforest continues to burn, the Kofan people continue to fight against extractivism imposed by the neoliberal system which invades our home. Our traditional knowledge and experiences are the key to the long term preservation of the natural world. Our traditional ways bring balance to the rhythm of daily changes in the Amazon rainforest. This is one of the many contributions we make to the world.
We understand the level of contagiousness of the virus and risk that our communities face, therefore the larger risk to the planet. We plan to face this virus with love and wisdom, stop its spread, protect the most vulnerable and make our communities stronger in the process. TOGETHER WE CAN SAVE THE PLANET AND OUR LIVES.
#YoMeQuedoEnCasaConTuAyuda
#ICanStayHomeWithYourHelp
AMAZONAS INDÍGENAS KOFAN COVID19 RELIEVE COMUNITARIA
DONATE TO RELIEF FUND HERE
