Native Kamentsa Language
Rehabilitation Initiative: Restoring Cultural Heritage and Identity
The Kamentsa language, unique in the world, is at great risk of disappearing. Out of 7,200 Kamentsa people, only 500 speak the language, most of whom are elderly. The younger generations are losing interest in learning it, threatening the survival of this ancient culture. At the Shanayoy maloca, various workshops have been conducted with children to revitalize the language, and OIOC is deeply committed to supporting this initiative.
Support efforts to maintain and pass down the Kamëntsá language to future generations, emphasizing its importance as a cornerstone of their community’s heritage.
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We are delighted to announce the successful completion of our first 8-day Mother Kamentsa Language program with 12 students from Vereda El Ejido. This is a small step towards strengthening the Kamentsa language, but it has inspired us for the next phases of this vital work.
The Kamentsa language is unique in the world. It encompasses not only words but also the entire cosmology of ancestral ways, their relationship with the land, and their medicinal practices. If this language is lost, the entire culture will disappear with it.
Our next step is creating an official curriculum for Sibundoy schools where Indigenous students will learn Kamentsa as a required class. This ambitious effort involves establishing a governmental law, which we actively develop. We've received valuable support from Cha cruna and IRI organizations, who donated $3,086 toward this initiative.
Our mission is to safeguard an irreplaceable cultural heritage and ancestral wisdom for future generations.
Impacts:
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Cultural Preservation: Ensures the survival of Kamëntsá traditions and ancestral knowledge across generations.
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Community Empowerment: Strengthens identity and pride, especially among the younger generation.
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Environmental Stewardship: Deepens connection to the land, enhancing conservation and sustainability efforts.
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Economic Opportunities: Promotes cultural tourism and sustainable income by preserving and sharing Kamëntsá heritage.