Yes to Life! Help Vulnerable Kids Stay Drug-Free

Hello donors!

Somehow, we are already through half of 2025. Wow. 

We have been busy and are excited to share with you what we’ve been up to. In these past few months, the Yes to Life project has been focused on supporting 90 kids and teens of the indigenous Pitaguary community located in the city of Maracanaú, which is in on the outskirts of Fortaleza.

In March, the youth participated in Telling Stories Encounters with the elders of their community, who are known as troncos velhos, or old trunks (of a tree). With their elders, they learned about their history and culture, their ancestral agricultural and nutritional practices that have survived until today, and the origins of their crafts and artwork and how they represent the indigenous people’s relationship with nature.

On the 15^th of April (April being recognized as Indigenous April to mark the ongoing struggle of indigenous peoples), the youth were treated to a performance by the singing and dancing troupe Ipua Taba Porang (which translates to Beautiful Water Village). Ipua performed the traditional Pitaguary ritual of the Toré as well as other traditional practices. It was a moment of great beauty and emotion. We closed out the month with indigenous body art, where the youth painted their bodies using the language of indigenous ancestral art to symbolize moments, emotions, and rites of passage.

In May, we celebrated Ecophilia, or love of the Earth. We did lots of educational activities outdoors, with the goal of strengthening the youth’s relationship with nature. By connecting with nature, the youth are also able to better connect to and value their indigenous culture. What we love, we take care of.

June’s theme was belonging. A sense of belonging is critical to healthy self-esteem and to understand the roots and ancestry of indigenous culture. To accomplish this, we hosted a variety of cultural activities in the indigenous land of Maracanaú. On June 12^th, the youth participated in the Pitaguary Sacred Mango Tree Festival, which included performance of the sacred Toré ritual and honoring of community leaders.

During these months, Yes to Life focused on affirming indigenous culture and thereby ensuring that this and future generations can recognize and appreciate the knowledge of their communities and contribute to changing the mentality and attitude towards indigenous people and towards the land. 

Thank you for making this possible.

Muito obrigada,

Natasha (Development Volunteer)

Mitakuye Oyasin
Îandé Memé Maranongara
Somos Todos Parentes
We Are All Related