Kwamalasamutu | Ambassadors Trip Forest93
film by : Kris Kromoreso | Forest93
𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗞𝘄𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗺𝘂𝘁𝘂
In March 2024, together with part of the 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝟵𝟯 team, we visited Kwamalasamutu.
Kwamalasamutu is the largest indigenous Tarëno village in Suriname and is located in the district of Sipaliwini, close to the Brazilian border. The name Kwamalasamutu includes the Tarëno words for 𝘣𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥, representing the Sipaliwini River with its sandy shores and bamboo.
Few elements of material culture tell as much about the spirit of society as architecture. Economic, ecological, social and cultural changes influence the construction materials and design and shapes of homes, buildings and the space between which we move.
With a unique team of specialists, we absorbed valuable knowledge on how to shift our thinking towards a '𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘁-𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁' approach. Indigenous and tribal communities, possess valuable knowledge and sustainable ways of living that prioritize respecting nature. One of the main purposes of our 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝟵𝟯 trip (made possible by Groene Groei Suriname) was to experience this firsthand and incorporate these lessons into our own daily practices.
By learning from the indigenous people, in this case in the Amazon, we can gain insights into sustainable living, community living and resilience. This can offer guidance as we navigate the complexities of our ‘modern’ world on how to create a more harmonious relationship with the planet and our direct surroundings. While formal education is of course crucial, there are more ways to expand our perspectives.
In the upcoming months, I will work on processing these lessons and share them with you. Still processing all the incredible impressions of this trip....
Thank you to Secretary Tawadi Pildas, Shaman Wenta, Ranger Nantawi Ariphio, and Guide Ramin. And of course, to the Forest93 team, thank you all for sharing this unique experience together: Lindsay Goossens, Gwendolyn Smith Ph.D. , Christio Wijnhard, Irene Meulenberg, Kris Kromoreso, Jeanpierre Veira, Sharda Johnn and Oliver Smith.