Kamëntsá Language Rehabilitation Initiative
Restoring Cultural Heritage and Identity
Efforts to maintain and pass down the Kamëntsá language to future generations, emphasizing its importance as a cornerstone of their community’s heritage.
This language rehabilitation effort is a crucial step toward restoring the cultural heritage and dignity of the Kamëntsá people, whose native language and traditional ways of life have been profoundly impacted by colonization. The erosion of their ancestral language parallels the degradation of their forests, both of which are integral to the Kamëntsá's cultural survival. Through this initiative, we are working to reverse these losses by engaging younger generations in revitalizing their endangered language and strengthening their connection to their roots.
​
Our mission extends beyond mere preservation; we aim to create an environment where the Kamëntsá language can thrive again. In doing so, we contribute to the community’s resilience and cultural continuity while recognizing that the rehabilitation of the Kamëntsá language is essential for the collective identity and spirit of the Kamëntsá nation.
​
Additionally, this program fosters meaningful dialogue between Indigenous knowledge holders and the scientific community, creating opportunities for cross-cultural learning. By integrating Indigenous wisdom with scientific insights, we can empower future generations of Indigenous people to continue their ancestral practices while engaging with modern tools and perspectives.
This collaboration supports the Kamëntsá's efforts to protect their environment and enriches their understanding of the complex relationships between biodiversity, cultural heritage, and contemporary challenges.
Vision
​
The vision of the Shanayoy organization is to support our Kamëntšá Biyá community in all aspects of the social, educational, and health chain, so we can flourish.
​
Under the leadership of the three-time governor of the Kamentsa people, Taita Juan, and his family, our organization seeks to support community projects to strengthen the culture, art, and ancestral medicines of our Kamëntšá Biyá indigenous territory.