Arukapé Suruí Aikewara leads a generation of young people determined to protect the Amazon and strengthen the Suruí Aikewara culture. In Tukapehy Village, they reconnect with their roots to reimagine the future of their territory and the Amazon.

In the heart of the Sororó Indigenous Territory, amidst the riches and challenges of the Amazon in Pará, a new generation of leaders is emerging, carrying the strength of ancestral roots and the vision of a sustainable future. At the forefront of this movement is Arukapé Suruí Aikewara, a visionary and inspiring leader who, at 38 years old, stands out as the President of the Indigenous Health District Council (CONDISE) in Pará and as a mentor to the youth of Tukapehy Village.

Tukapehy Village: A Community of Resilience and Innovation

Tukapehy Village, one of the eight communities that make up the Sororó Indigenous Territory, thrives with youthful energy and creativity. This 26,228-hectare territory faces constant challenges, such as deforestation, climate change, and external economic pressures. Yet, Tukapehy remains a vibrant place where Suruí Aikewara culture is celebrated through traditions, festivals, crafts, and a profound respect for the forest.

However, the prevailing educational system still bears colonial influences, often distancing young people from their cultural roots. Recognizing this challenge, Arukapé and his team are leading a campaign to integrate ancestral knowledge into the school curriculum, ensuring that future generations grow up connected to their identity and history.

Suruí Aikewara Youth: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

The driving force of Tukapehy Village is its youth, led by Arukapé and a committed team of young leaders such as Wkapé, Tiniá, Yrywassai, Joaquim, and Tihy. Together, they spearhead transformative initiatives that bridge traditional knowledge with social innovation. Among these initiatives, the following stand out:

• Agroforestry and Meliponiculture: By restoring degraded areas and promoting food security, these sustainable practices exemplify how to regenerate the territory while creating economic alternatives aligned with the community’s values.

• Communication and Entrepreneurship: Driven by his passion for storytelling, Joaquim connects Tukapehy Village to the world through authentic narratives and vibrant imagery that showcase life on the farm, the care for bees, and the cultural richness of local crafts. He leads the youth in building a compelling narrative capable of crossing borders and transforming perceptions of Indigenous peoples in the Amazon. Now, with agroforests thriving and meliponiculture flourishing, the next step is to create a unique brand of products that carry the Tukapehy name to the world, all while staying deeply rooted in their heritage.

• Handicrafts and Culture: Tiniá and Yrywassai, young mothers from Tukapehy Village, lead an initiative that blends tradition with bold creativity. With the support of their families, who believe in the transformative power of their work, they bring to life handcrafted pieces that not only celebrate Suruí Aikewara cultural identity but also embody the strength and history of their people. Balancing motherhood with their dreams of expanding their creations, they strive to take their talent beyond the village’s borders, proving that family unity and feminine determination can turn challenges into triumphs.

These activities go beyond the pursuit of income: they are acts of autonomy and resistance, a living testament that preserving the forest and building a prosperous future go hand in hand. They challenge conventional models, demonstrating that caring for the Amazon can form the foundation of a new development paradigm.

“We are not just protecting our territory; we are planting the roots of a future where our youth lead with strength, wisdom, and a deep connection to nature.”

Arukapé Suruí Aikewara

Visionary Leadership: Inspiring Generations

Arukapé is a unifying force, bridging the past and the future. Under his guidance, the youth of Tukapehy are writing a new chapter for the Amazon—one of resilience, innovation, and hope. Beyond protecting their territory, they are redefining what it means to be guardians of the forest, presenting the world with real examples of how tradition and vision can shape the future.

“Our greatest dream is to transform our territory into a model of sustainable living and inspire other communities.”

Wkapé Suruí Aikewara

The work of Tukapehy’s youth goes far beyond a local response to the challenges they face; it has become a living symbol of how Indigenous youth can lead environmental and cultural regeneration, redefining the future of the Amazon and inspiring communities around the world.

Arukapé’s journey and the efforts of his team amplify this call, inviting everyone who envisions the Amazon as a model of harmony between culture, nature, and innovation. Join this transformative movement and contribute to a change that begins in the heart of the forest but echoes across the entire planet.

Contribute to a future where the forest, culture, and youth of the Amazon thrive together—a future that begins today, with Tukapehy.