Bushmen Renaissance and Re-emergence

Mobile Addictions Treatment for the Khomani San Bushmen

Fall 2017 Project Update

Dear Donors,

Thank you so much for your ongoing support, which makes our work to bring a Mobile Addictions Treatment program to the Khomani San Bushmen of the Kalahari possible.

This quarter, we brought Bushman healer Lys Kruiper to Hawaii to attend a gathering of Indigenous Elders from around the world. Attending Elders included Aboriginal Indigenous Cultural Practitioners from Australia, Arahuaco Indians from the Sierra Nevada of Colombia, several Native Americans, an Aleut from Alaska, and a Kyrgyz Elder and Healer from Central Asia.

The purpose of this gathering was to learn from one another, to discuss the state of the world as well as what can be done, and to give one another strength and hope to face situations indigenous people around the globe are confronted with, including addictions.  This was accomplished by having daily council meetings, ceremonies, and more. There was also a break out session where Elders and other attendees discussed what steps could be taken to help solve the world’s current problems.

Many in Lys’ community are losing hope. At the end of each day of this gathering, she discussed specific ways and ideas that she planned to bring back to her community. She said she felt strengthened, empowered, and that she realized she is not alone in what she and her community are facing, which gave her hope and courage to move forward.

We are looking forward to seeing how Lys’ new knowledge and connections will help both her and her community, and we are ever grateful for your support—financial as well as sharing this story and project with friends, family members, and colleagues, and we wish you a wonderful holiday season ahead.