Who We Are
Nani Kateyuve
Pai (“father”) Nani as he is often called, is the main Professor of the Yawanawá People.
He is 60 years old and was initiated into the Yawanawá spirituality by his ancestors. Pai Nani is an elder, a teacher and a healer of his people, who carries ancient knowledge passed along from generations.
He is actively working to keep the Yawanawá’s traditions alive, supported by his wife Fátima in the vision and the growth of a village which is an example of functional, autonomous and sustainable community: Yawarani. T
he village takes the name from Pajé Yawarani who lived until the age of 106, was Nani’s main teacher and his father-in-law.
At Yawarani Pai Nani dedicates his life to his family, to the forest and to traditional knowledge: planting different species of trees, harvesting, cultivating medicinal plants and teaching the Yawanawá children.
He shares stories from the Yawanawá culture to his people and the different people that come in the village from all around the world to receive his healings, teachings and blessings.
Pai Nani is a keeper of the authenticity of the Yawanawá culture, focusing especially on the language, the prayers, the songs and in transmitting a very deep understanding of the Yawanawá ancestrality.
Shekiteshke Katukina (Fátima)
Shekiteshke’s lineage is Katukina, which is a sister lineage to the Yawanawá, known as well for their deep connection to the Pano culture, the traditional medicines and vast knowledge about plants.
Fátima is the daughter of pajé Yawarani and the founder of Yawarani village.
From a young age, Fátima stood out for her determination and courage in fighting for the preservation of indigenous culture and lands.
She has been a powerful voice in defence of indigenous rights, emphasizing the importance of environmental preservation and the value of cultural traditions.
Fátima has also played a pivotal role in leading her community, working to strengthen the autonomy and sustainable development of the Yawarani village.
She has encouraged education, promoting the appreciation of indigenous language and culture.
Yawatume Yawanawá
Yawatume is one of Nani and Shekiteshke’s daughters, steeped in rich cultural heritage from her birth.
Her upbringing was enveloped in the wisdom and teachings of her parents and grandparents. Initiated into Yawanawá spirituality by her grandfather, pajé Yawarani, Yawatume’s voice carries a depth and resonance that touches the soul.
Residing predominantly at the Yawarani village with her family, she crafts exquisite traditional handworks and actively collaborates with Nani and her husband Utxi to keep the Yawanawá traditions alive.
Together, they impart teachings, conduct sacred ceremonies, offer healing, and share the invaluable Yawanawá traditional knowledge with both the younger generation and visitors to the village. A vital aspect of Yawatume’s work is her commitment to the preservation of the Yawanawá language.
She has 3 children and through her interactions and teachings, she safeguards that the language is passed down to the younger generation, ensuring its continuity. But beyond her many roles, painting emerges as Yawatume’s predominant talent.
She adeptly translates the Yawanawa kênes – the sacred visions and part of the Yawanawá identity – into intricate body and textile artworks, weaving a tapestry of tradition, belief, and history.
Utxi Yawanawá
Utxi, Yawatume’s husband, stands as a beacon for the preservation and continuation of the Yawanawá traditions.
From a tender age, he was taken under Nani’s tutelage, absorbing the depth and breadth of their ancestral knowledge.
As one of Nani’s most dedicated and promising students, Utxi has not only imbibed these traditions but has become a vanguard for them.
Many in the community foresee him stepping into the esteemed role of Professor for the upcoming generation, a demonstration of his unwavering commitment and deep understanding.
Beyond his dedication to tradition, Utxi is a maestro in his own right, displaying an exceptional prowess in Yawanawá music.
His role is pivotal; he bridges the past with the future, ensuring that the rich tapestry of the Yawanawá culture remains vibrant and enduring for generations to come.
Shaneihu Yawanawá
Blessed by receiving teachings from different Yawanawa spiritual leaders, Shaneihu was the last student of Pajé Yawarani, his grandfather, who shared with him the Yawanawa traditional knowledge.
He is now the chief of the Yawarani village. He followed the simplest and longest diets, including caiçuma (mama), Yuti (pepper), Nanê (jenipapo), Rarê Muka (sacred potato), Runua Kêmu (boa saliva).
A pioneer in the indigenous musical world with the use of the guitar, he released his third album “Waka” this year.
He has been playing different instruments for more than 15 years and many of the Yawanawa songs were composed by him.
He spends most of his time with Nani, at Yawarani village, where he receives small groups from Brazil and abroad for spiritual learning and healing.
Sheki Yawanawá
Granddaughter of the old Pajé Yawarani, youngest daughter of Peka Rasu and Dona Marizete, wife of Shaneihu.
She has already completed the caiçuma (mamã) diet, the genipap (Nanê) diet, and the boa constrictor saliva (Runua kêmu) diet.
Apprentice of the Yawanawá spiritual sacred path, she represents the Yawanawa female strength with her voice.
Even though she is very young, she has a great spiritual and leadership responsibility for being the Chief’s wife, she follows Shaneihu’s work, supporting him on his tours and in the village.
