Noke Koî People of Satanawa Village, Brazil
Satanawa means "people of the otter", and is one of the many villages from the Noke Koî people, in the Brazilian Amazon.
This village is located along the highway that crosses the state of Acre. Despite their proximity to the city, they have managed to keep their native language very much alive—only the leaders and a few adults speak Portuguese.
However, being so close to the urban environment and the road, they face constant challenges in preserving their way of life and ensuring the continuity of their cultural and spiritual traditions. As part of their resistance and resilience, they hold weekly Uni (ayahuasca) ceremonies, where the sacred brew is prepared by the men of the village.
They also use rapé, a traditional snuff made from finely ground tobacco mixed with ashes and other medicinal plants. Used by many Indigenous peoples of the Amazon, rapé is blown into the nostrils through a pipe, producing a powerful cleansing effect. It is considered a sacred medicine, often used in rituals to enhance concentration, clear the mind, and connect with the spiritual world.
The Samaúma tree holds great significance for the Noke Kuî people. Known as the "mother of the forest," it is believed to have a strong spiritual presence, connecting the earth and the sky. Its towering height and massive roots make it a symbol of strength, protection, and wisdom.
For the Noke Kuî, as for many Indigenous peoples, preserving the forest is essential—not only for its spiritual and cultural importance but also for survival. The forest provides them with food, medicine, and materials for their daily lives. Hunting, once abundant, has become increasingly scarce due to environmental changes and external pressures, making the fight for conservation even more urgent.
