Building a New Maloca in the Amazon Rainforest
In the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, the women of Aîbaibu Kayawai — “Women Who Heal” in the Hãtxa Kuin language — are weaving a dream into reality.
This collective unites Indigenous women of the Huni Kuin people with Brazilian sisters from the cities, all working together to protect the forest, sustain community wellbeing, and preserve ancestral traditions. As the old prophecies remind us:
“This is the time when all peoples will unite to protect Mother Earth.”
The Vision
The Aîbaibu Kayawai collective is raising funds to build a new Maloca (Shubuã) — the sacred heart of the Segredo do Artesão Village in Acre, Brazil.
A Maloca is far more than a building. It is a spiritual centre, a place of ceremony and gathering, and a sanctuary of cultural continuity. Within its walls, prayers are sung, children dream under the protection of their elders, and generations share the teachings of the forest.
The existing Maloca has begun to deteriorate and no longer holds the growing community of more than 150 people. The new Shubuã will be built from sustainable, locally sourced materials and designed to welcome everyone — a safe space for rituals, healing, and connection.
Why It Matters
Indigenous peoples are among the planet’s most steadfast guardians of nature. Their ways of living in harmony with the Earth are not only ancient — they are essential for the survival of all beings. Supporting them is an act of global care, ensuring that their sacred knowledge, languages, and lifeways continue to thrive.
This project is a call to stand in solidarity with the women who protect the forest through prayer, art, and daily devotion.
Meet the Lineage
The story of this collective begins with Bimi Shu Ikaya, the grandmother, matriarch, and shaman who founded the Segredo do Artesão Village in 2004 with just 14 people. Her dream was to create a women’s movement that uplifted the feminine voices of her people.
Two decades later, that dream blossomed through her granddaughter, Siriani Txaná Huni Kuin, a young leader chosen to carry forward her grandmother’s lineage. Siriani has travelled the world — from the Amazon to Europe and Asia — sharing the ancestral wisdom of her people and the sacred teachings of the forest.
In January 2024, under her leadership, the women of Segredo do Artesão joined with non-Indigenous allies to form the Aîbaibu Kayawai Association.
How You Can Help
Your contribution will directly support the construction of the new Shubuã, a space that:
- Welcomes 150+ community members for ceremonies and gatherings
- Provides shelter for children and elders during rituals
- Strengthens cultural identity and collective wellbeing
- Embodies the sacred balance of feminine leadership and Earth connection
Support, share, and help us build this sacred home in the forest.
Together, we honour the Women Who Heal.