Tell us more about the challenge of the project.What is the problem you are trying to solve? Why is the problem significant?

Cultural preservation is crucial for the environmental protection of the Amazon because Indigenous communities possess ancestral knowledge and sustainable practices that are vital for maintaining the biodiversity and ecological balance of the region. 

Tell us more about the proposed solution of the project.How will it work?

In March 2025, during a two-week immersion to São Gabriel da Cachoeira, AM, the Cobra Canoa team will distribute equipment, train filmmakers, engage with local stakeholders, and create two short films to establish the groundwork for the "Cultural Guardians" project.

This initiative aims at preserving the cultural and linguistic heritage of the indigenous communities in the Alto Rio Negro region through a network of young cultural guardians. The Alto Rio Negro is home to 23 Indigenous nations, each contributing unique languages, traditions, and knowledge systems that are invaluable to global cultural and environmental heritage. 

Central to this project is the principle that Indigenous people themselves are the protagonists and owners of the initiative, ensuring that the documentation and dissemination of their heritage is conducted with authenticity, respect, and empowerment. Cultural Guardians, equipped with audiovisual and research skills, will systematically capture and share the region's traditions, knowledge, and languages, focusing on songs, dances, oral narratives, prayers, and artifacts from various local communities. By placing Indigenous youth at the helm, the project not only preserves their culture but also strengthens their leadership and self-determination in safeguarding their legacy for future generations.

What will be the main activities of the project and how will the resources be applied?

• Equipment Delivery and Training: Distribute audiovisual and recording equipment to the alumnis of the pilot project and provide necessary training to maximize their usage in cultural documentation.
• Documentation and Filming: Produce two short films during the visit:
  • Cultural Guardians Project Film: Document the implementation process, interviews with project participants, and the cultural activities being preserved.
  • Regional Promotional Film: Highlight São Gabriel da Cachoeira as a culture destination, focusing on its cultural and natural heritage to attract sustainable etnotourism and additional project support.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Meet with the Secretary of Culture of the State of Amazonas to discuss support and endorsement for the project.
  • Engage with Gilberto Gil’s team, who are recording the Indigenous leader, João Kennedy. This interaction aims to explore potential collaborations and media opportunities to amplify project visibility.