Friends of the Warao

08/09/2025

Today, on World Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the Warao: the “boat people” of the Orinoco Delta. A people whose lives are deeply tied to their rivers, traditions, and craft. Their resilience, creativity, and knowledge continue to show the strength and beauty of Indigenous cultures everywhere. 🧡🌿

04/16/2025

Moments from our March & April workshops!
In Belém, our amazing consultants continue working with Warao communities—sharing skills, materials, and creating spaces of learning and empowerment. Can’t wait to see what’s next! 🧵🪡✨

Shout out to our wonderful Brazilian consultant, Juliene Abreu! 💛

04/08/2025

Our first project! ✅
Like many Indigenous communities worldwide, the Warao have their own unique beadwork traditions. Crafting and selling their handmade items provide a valuable source of income. We aim to hold more workshops and create opportunities for these communities to showcase and promote their work.

04/02/2025

Empowering and Investing into the Warao Community ✨
Join us in making a difference!

Learn more about our mission:
https://www.friendsofthewarao.com/

02/16/2025

🌟 Join Us for Our First Event! 🌟
📅 When: February 22nd
📍 Where: IM Building, Michigan State University Campus
We’re excited to participate in the 39th annual MSU Powwow! Learn about the Warao people, one of the oldest Indigenous communities in South America, check out some of their artisanal pieces, and discover how Friends of the Warao is working with Warao community leaders to support economic development and sustainability efforts through meaningful partnerships.

This is a chance to connect, ask questions, and find out how you can get involved in making a difference.

Stay tuned for more details! We can’t wait to see you there.

02/09/2025

Friends of the Warao is now accepting volunteer applications for Officer of Social Media and Officer of Community Outreach! For more information please check out our website or send us an email. Thank you for your support 🫶🏽

Apply at: www.friendsofthewarao.com/get-involved (link in bio)

12/05/2024

🌍Friends of the Warao is thrilled to unveil our flagship project, OKO WARAO NONA ANONAMO - "Strengthening the Network of Warao Artisans." This transformative initiative, in partnership with the Warao Ojiduna Council and the International Institute of Brazilian Education (IEB), is set to work with and train members of 8 Warao communities in the metropolitan area of Belem through investments in their rich tradition of artisanal handicrafts.

✨ Project Highlights:

Empowering Women Artisans: This project will directly benefit 170 Warao artisans, predominantly women, by enhancing their skills and improving the management and commercialization of their beautiful handicrafts.

Cultural Preservation & Economic Independence: By supporting these artisans, we're not just creating economic opportunities but also preserving the vibrant Warao culture. This initiative will help shift individuals away from street begging and towards sustainable livelihoods.

Building Stronger Communities: With workshops, management training, and access to raw materials, the project fosters unity and strengthens the Warao's social fabric.

🤝 Expert Guidance & Local Impact:
We are donating a total of $9,100 to the IEB in order to contract three trained Warao artisanal consultants, chosen by the Warao Ojiduna Council, to work closely with their communities and in partnership with the International Institute of Brazilian Education. Additionally, a Brazilian consultant with over 20 years of experience will also work in conjunction with the Warao consultants to provide invaluable connections at local fairs, stores, and marketplaces. Over 12 months, these experts will work with the 8 Warao communities in the greater metropolitan areas of Belém and Ananindeua, guiding them toward sustainable growth and empowerment.

🤝 United for a Cause:
The following images capture a powerful moment of collaboration between the Warao Ojiduna Council, the IEB, and Friends of the Warao. Together, we are laying the foundation to make long-term investments in Warao-driven projects.

08/19/2024

🌍 Together, We Made a Difference!

In July 2024, Friends of the Warao, in partnership with the Brazilian nonprofit Conectar Association and Thyago Almeida, successfully conducted a food distribution campaign that touched the lives of 168 Warao families across Belém, Ananideua, and Outeiro.

🍚 What We Delivered:
Each family received a nourishing package containing:

6 packs of rice
1 bag of wheat
2 packs of noodles
3 bags of sugar
1 bottle of cooking oil
And, of course, one chicken!

These provisions were carefully selected based on input from Warao community members in order to meet the immediate nutritional needs of the families while considering cultural and dietary preferences.

🤝 The Impact:
This campaign did more than just provide food; it built trust and strengthened community ties.

🌟 Why This Matters:
For the Warao people, consistent access to food is a daily challenge. That’s why we’re committed to making this campaign an annual event—ensuring sustained support, building lasting relationships, and raising awareness about the ongoing struggles of the Warao Indigenous communities.

🚀 Join Us:
The success of this campaign, supported by a total contribution of $790.04, underscores the importance of making it an annual event. Help us continue this vital work. Your support can make a world of difference. Together, we can ensure the Warao people have the necessary resources to build a brighter, more secure future.

08/14/2024

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=W3D4R6ET5K3NC

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