The Kuntanawa Nation: A Story of Resilience and Rebirth
A History of Near Extinction
In the early 20th century, the Kuntanawa people faced near extinction during the rubber boom. The arrival of rubber tappers led to what is considered a genocide, and for nearly a century, the tribe vanished from government records, believed to have been completely wiped out.
At the turn of the 21st century, Kuntanawa elders Milton and Mariana, along with their children and grandchildren, took a courageous stand. They sought recognition from the government as the rightful protectors of their ancestral lands. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Kuntanawa Nation—one focused on reclaiming their traditions, knowledge, and connection to the forest.
Rebuilding the Kuntanawa Nation
Today, the Kuntanawa Nation is in a phase of reconstruction. They are working to restore their culture, history, language, and spirit, while also healing from decades of discrimination against their ancestral heritage.
The Kuntanawa community remains small, with only about 100 members living across three villages and an estimated 400 others residing in cities and riverside communities. Despite these challenges, they are focused on:
- Reclaiming traditional survival techniques taught by their ancestors.
- Reuniting displaced community members and creating a safe, sacred, and prosperous homeland.
