A 30-day cultural immersion field trip will be undertaken in seven Indigenous communities (Aldeia Amparo Yawanawa; Clã Varinawa Vari Peo Noke Koi; Morada Nova Shanenawa; Ni Yuxibu Huni Kuin; São Joaquim Huni Kuin; Nova Empresa Huni Kuin; Arco Iris Huni Kuin) located at Acre state in Brazil.

We will co-develop innovative climate research methodologies with four ethnicities (Yawanawa, Noke Koi Katukina, Shanenawa, Huni Kuin) led by their insights and experiences related to environmental challenges in the Amazon Biome. The Co-I Miguel Martins has established strong connections with these ethnicities since 2018. He is one of the founders of Yakã Institute, responsible for co-creating sustainable projects with Amazon Indigenous groups in Brazil. This WP aims to propose sustainable future scenarios guided by Indigenous perspectives and to challenge conventional research methods rooted in Western-centric climate research. We seek to co-design methodologies that truly represent the interests, beliefs, perspectives, goals, and voices of Amazon Indigenous communities. The field trip will also identify key priorities for each community in the context of climate change (e.g. water contamination, health, older adults and children, Indigenous land tenure rights, gender and role of women, issues related to patriarchy, menstruation, sexuality, maternal health, reproductive rights, healthcare, etc). The focus is to co-develop ways to support these priorities through and beyond the research giving voice to the communities and bringing all their demands to the attention of national and international leaders. We will co-design gender-inclusive research activities that empower and uplift individuals, particularly women, in the face of patriarchy and gender prejudice. To avoid perpetuating existing gender disparities, this project will also ensure access to resources, decision-making, and benefits for all genders. An ethnographic approach based on Indigenous Centred Research (Ploder & Hamann, 2021; Matera & Biscaldi, 2021; Sylvester et al, 2020; Groh, 2018; Parsons, Fisher & Nalau, 2016; Simonds & Christopher, 2013) will support this WP. We will co-design informal workshops led by the Indigenous communities to discuss how new approaches, methodologies and tools could address climate change adaptation and mitigation measures in the Amazon. Storytelling, Yarning, personal reflection, sharing circles, participation in ceremonies (formal and informal), art creation, dance, and ordinary `informal` conversations can be co-designed and incorporated into the activities (Atkinson, Baird & Adams, 2021; Bessarab & Ng’andu, 2010; Nakashima, Krupnik, Rubis, 2018). The following topics will also be discussed together with any other issues raised by the communities: burning fossil fuels, cutting down forests, farming livestock, climate justice and colonialism. Issues of ethnicity and consent will be negotiated with the Indigenous leaders in WP2- Phase 1 to ensure that research representation and participation are carefully managed.

Renata Reluz | Arte, Turismo e Assessoria Indígena will be our guide.

Here you can find the Indigenous Communities that are part of our project. Click on the map.