About Us
Motivated by climate justice and respect for ancestral knowledge, we work to build bridges between indigenous communities and the rest of the world.
Pina Varinawa
Pina Varinawa is an indigenous representative of the Noke Koi people. He is one of the spiritual leaders of the Noke Koi people and the chief of the Vari Teka village.
He was initiated at a young age, and his grandparents Txoki Waninawa and Peo Varinawa, two great shamans, taught him ancestral knowledge of his people such as medicine and sacred songs.
Pina is an artist and musician whose objective is to spread Noke Koi culture through art. He is a composer and assumes the role of indigenous leader in protecting the environment and climate justice by participating in national and international conferences, such as at the University of Stavanger in Norway and UNESCO in Paris.
Imika Tariru Bari Vera Kuari Baru
Imika Tariru Bary Vera Kuary Baru is a powerful and respected voice of the Tubú nation in the Vaupés region of the Colombian Amazon, along the Apaporis river.
Dedicated to preserving ancestral traditions and protecting biodiversity, Imika embodies the wisdom and resilience of his people. His deep understanding of traditional knowledge and the interdependence between humans and nature allows him to play a crucial role in the preservation of these teachings.
Imika carries a profound wisdom born from a beautiful tradition, and his voice is essential for sharing and maintaining these living teachings. Committed to various projects supporting indigenous communities, he tirelessly works to strengthen security and improve the quality of life for his people, while raising awareness of current ecological and cultural challenges.
His leadership and vision contribute to the work of Vari Vena towards a more harmonious and respectful future of natural and cultural balances.
Clara
PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION VARI VENA
Clara is deeply committed to the protection of cultures and biodiversity, with a particular focus on the indigenous peoples of the Amazon. Her work is driven by a desire to preserve ancestral knowledge in spirituality and medicine while helping these communities face contemporary challenges such as deforestation and cultural marginalization. With her experience in the field, she aims to build a bridge between indigenous cultures and the Western world, fostering respectful and mutually enriching exchanges. Clara seeks to raise awareness about the importance of these traditions while promoting sustainable solutions for environmental protection and indigenous rights. Her goal is to support local communities in passing on their knowledge for a more balanced future.
Aline
Aline, vice president of the association, was born and raised in Brazil, where she has been in contact with indigenous peoples since her childhood. Moved by their challenges, particularly in the Amazon, she decided to commit to their cause. She is dedicated to empowering indigenous women and preserving their ancestral knowledge, especially in the fields of medicine and spirituality. Aline plays a bridging role between indigenous communities and the Western world, facilitating intercultural exchanges. She works to transmit and preserve this knowledge in their ancestral territories. Her commitment aims to strengthen the recognition of indigenous cultures. Aline is convinced that preserving this wisdom is essential for the future of the planet. Her work is an act of respect and solidarity for a more balanced future.
Yohann
Yohann, secretary of Vari Vena, is passionate about cultures and ancestral knowledge. During his travels through parts of Africa, he developed a strong desire to support nations that possess valuable knowledge to share. Trained as an anthropologist and linguist, Yohann combines his skills to work towards the preservation and transmission of this knowledge. At the same time, he is actively involved in the development of autonomous gardens, promoting food sovereignty and the autonomy of communities. His goal is to strengthen the bonds between cultures and support projects that respect the beliefs and values of all. Yohann believes that these exchanges can build a more united and sustainable future.
Juliette
Juliette, secretary of Vari Vena, is an organizer and interpreter passionate about intercultural exchanges. Traveling for several years around the world, she is dedicated to meeting various cultures and supporting projects that disseminate ancestral knowledge. Her work also focuses on the study and creation of community spaces, essential for the transmission of this knowledge. In addition to her commitment to Vari Vena, Juliette has been involved for several years with the SUARY association in Colombia, where she supports local initiatives. She also works with Imika Tariru, a member of the TUBU nation, in the preservation and promotion of their culture and traditions. Her approach is guided by the belief that sharing this knowledge is crucial for the future of indigenous communities and the preservation of our planet.
Sophie
Sophie is the treasurer of the Vari Vena association. Moved by her encounters with representatives of indigenous peoples and the climate changes she observed, she decided to support this project by contributing the knowledge and experience she has gained throughout her life. Drawing on her professional and personal experiences, she now dedicates her skills to this cause. Sophie aims to contribute to the empowerment of communities, the preservation of their ancestral knowledge, and the fight against environmental challenges. Her commitment is driven by a deep belief that the protection of people and the planet are inseparable. She works to raise awareness of these issues and exchange practical solutions through the association’s projects.