Clean Water and Community Aid for the Madha People in the Amazon

The ‘pajés’- spiritual doctors of the village- Mana and Ratsuha Madha.

Supporting Indigenous Communities

In the heart of the vast Amazon rainforest, at the banks of the Amazon river and at the border between Peru and Brazil, lies an indigenous village of the Madha people, also known as the Kulina people. These resilient communities have long safeguarded the profound wisdom of their plant teachers and nurtured a deep connection with their ancestral lands. However, the echoes of external contact and modern influences have reverberated through their lives, presenting challenges that threaten their survival, their cultural heritage and traditional way of life. The Madha have only come into contact during the past 40 years, which means they are in an extremely vulnerable moment, different of other nations in the area.

Recognizing the urgent need to support and uplift these communities, Xinachtli non-profit foundation has committed itself to stand beside the Madha people in their journey towards attaining their basic needs, preserving their indigenous identity and fostering a sustainable future. Through collaborative partnerships and unwavering determination, we are weaving a tapestry of hope, mutual respect and empowerment.

Central to our mission was the construction of two malokas that took place during April-May 2023, essential communal structures that serve as focal points for ceremonies, gatherings, and the passing down of cultural wisdom from one generation to the next. These spaces are vessels of tradition, conduits for community bonding, and symbols of resilience. With these malokas in place, the Madha people now have a sanctuary where their rituals, stories, and practices can thrive, invigorating their sense of unity and shared purpose.

The Madha and nearby relatives took part in the building of the Maloka. Xinachtli was active with donations for the provision of materials.

Continuing our support to our Madha relatives, we are in the midst of building a healer’s house that will shelter the spiritual leaders Mana and Ratsuha Madha, and their dear family. Mana is a legendary “pajé” (medicine man) and plays a pivotal role in the tribe's well-being, acting as a healer and guardian of ancestral healing knowledge. By supporting his needs, we ensure that this vital repository of cultural and medicinal wisdom remains strong, enabling him to serve as a guiding light for his people's physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Yet, even the most profound wisdom can be diminished without access to basic necessities. Clean water, a fundamental human right, has been a challenge for the Madha community. In response, Xinachtli has embarked on a mission to provide a reliable well and water system, alleviating the burden of daily life and safeguarding the health of the villagers.

Currently, the Madha use these holes to store water, and they bathe, drink, and wash dishes with the same water, which is bringing many health issues.

As we embark on this journey of mutual learning and growth, our bond strengthens. The mining and logging threats underscore the urgency of our shared mission. Xinachtli walks beside the Madha people in respect and partnership, seeking to aid our dear teachers and spiritual allies. We invite others to join us on this transformative journey—one that celebrates heritage, empowers communities, and cultivates a shared sense of purpose for generations to come.

Our beautiful Grandmother Ratsuha is a midwife and profund medicine woman of the Madha peoples. We love her inmensly and always wish to be there for her and her family’s needs, a humble woman who loves the plant medicines and sings the songs of her people with the sweetest heart.