The Shipibo-Konibo are the indigenous people of the Ucayali River. They are a shamanic culture that is world renown for healing with plant medicines such as ayahuasca. Medicine songs and designs are incorporated into their textiles, ceramics, and tools. Shipibo-Konibo Elders continue to assume lead roles in protecting their land, culture, and spiritual traditions. They are mentoring the next generation to be cultural guardians by teaching the youth their values and skills.

The Tribal Trust Foundation supports indigenous Elders in sharing their ancestral wisdom and traditions. Cultural workshops are offered by the indigenous-led Bari Wesna organization and funded by the Tribal Trust Foundation. Shipibo-Konibo Elders share their indigenous worldview and ancestral knowledge with the youth. The library space, partially funded by TTF, provides a safe and nurturing place for the children to learn.

Nature conservation is critical to indigenous peoples for life and livelihood. Whether they reside in the jungle city of Pucallpa or a small village on the river, their shamanic culture depends on access to sacred medicinal plants and food found in the forest. Yet, alarmingly, acres of the rainforest on Shipibo-Konibo “protected land” are being deforested. The drug cartel, Mafia and corrupt government officials (who are illegally selling acres of land at a time to Mennonite farmers), are all complicit in this illegal activity. The TTF stands in solidarity with the Shipibo-Konibo protecting their ancestral land and waters.