Support for Shane & Yube

Help Bring Them Home

We have created this fundraising campaign with the support of friends and community to ask for help for Shane and Yube, two young Huni Kuin men from the Amazon who have been in Armenia since July awaiting the conclusion of an unexpected legal process.

Upon arrival at Yerevan airport, a small amount of cannabis was found in their luggage. As cannabis is illegal in Armenia, they were detained and later released under conditional freedom (probation). They are now required to remain in Armenia until their trial is completed.

They are safe, accompanied, and supported — however, the legal process has been slow and there is currently no clear timeline for resolution.

Who Shane & Yube Are

Shane and Yube are not criminals. They are young Indigenous Huni Kuin men born and raised in the Amazon rainforest. They began travelling outside of Brazil only three years ago and are respected members and emerging leaders within their village.

Both are fathers.
Shane has a small baby.
Yube has a three-year-old daughter and his wife is currently pregnant.

They travelled with the intention of sharing culture, music, prayer, and healing — not to sell or distribute any substances. The quantity found was small and consistent with personal and medicinal use.

They now find themselves far from home, in a country whose language and legal system they do not know.

Why Support Is Needed

While they remain in Armenia, Shane and Yube are not permitted to work. They rely entirely on community support to cover basic living and legal expenses, including:

  • Rent and food
  • Local transportation
  • Essential items and winter clothing
  • Accompaniment and translation for weekly legal check-ins
  • Support for their wives and children back home in the village

In addition, we must now help cover:

  • Legal representation
  • Travel expenses for Brazilian lawyers to attend key hearings
  • Professional interpretation so Shane and Yube can fully understand and participate in their defence

Our Intention

Because we do not yet know how long they will be required to stay in Armenia, our intention is to raise enough funds to cover at least three months of living and legal expenses in advance. This provides stability and removes the constant pressure of emergency fundraising.

When the legal process is complete, we will also need to cover their flights and travel home to Brazil.

How You Can Help

This is a private community fundraising effort for those who feel called to support during this difficult time.

You can contribute with a one-time donation or ongoing monthly support.
Every amount helps and makes a real difference.

All funds go directly toward ensuring Shane and Yube can live with dignity while awaiting resolution and, ultimately, return safely home.

With Gratitude

We thank you from the heart for walking with us, holding Shane and Yube in your prayers, and offering support in whatever way you can. Your kindness reminds us that we are not alone.

To support them, click here GiveSendGo | Support for Shane & Yube