Children of the Rainforest

We invite you to know

Our Mission

OUR MISSION

IS SIMPLE

COTR empowers Indigenous communities on the frontline of rainforest preservation.

Because strong communities means strong guardians.

COTR is on a mission to help the Yawanawa save their language and protect 500,000 acres of pristine Amazon rainforest. Join us!

Andrew Soluna McReynolds

Executive Director

Ywmalay Pataxó

Director of Indigenous Communities

Lucai Giraldeli

Director of Global Communities

Isku Kua Yawanawa

Chief of New Hope Village

Tsãtsãrua Yawanawa

Village Content Creator

Nainawa Yawanawa

Isku Vakehuhu Teacher

Paka Yuva Yawanawa

Isku Vakehuhu Teacher

Panã Yawanawa

Isku Vakehuhu Teacher

Tepuma Yawanawa

Isku Vakehuhu Teacher

Joaquim Yawanawa

School Caretaker

Doug DeLuca

Board Member

Edward West

Board Member

Kristin Prouty

Board Member

Jo Little

Board Member

Mickey Curbishley

Board Member

Prem Kumta

Board Member

Alejandra Armas

Board Member

Devon Massyn

Board Member

Jhon Lee

Board Member

Nixiwaka Yawanawa

Advisory Board Member

Rebecca Thieneman

Advisory Board Member

Teisbe

Advisory Board Member

Wesley Sol Parker

Advisory Board Member

Jackson Peixer

Advisory Board Member

Mariana Maia

Advisory Board Member

WHO WE ARE

Children of the Rainforest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit in the United States operating in the Brazilian Amazon. COTR is led by an executive team committed to Indigenous-led projects.

We believe by protecting the Amazon Rainforest we are nurturing all life on earth.

Andrew Soluna McReynolds

Executive Director

Ywmalay Pataxó

Director of Indigenous Communities

Isku Kua Yawanawa

Chief of New Hope Village

Raquel Nawashahu Yawanawa

Nuke Tsãi Community Coordinator

Nixiwaka Yawanawa

Advisory Board Member

Tsãtsãrua Yawanawa

Village Content Creator

Nainawa Yawanawa

Isku Vakehuhu Teacher

Paka Yuva Yawanawa

Isku Vakehuhu Teacher

Panã Yawanawa

Isku Vakehuhu Teacher

Tepuma Yawanawa

Isku Vakehuhu Teacher

Alejandra DeLuca

Chair of Nuke Tsãi Committee

Doug DeLuca

Board Member

Edward West

Board Member

Kristin Prouty

Board Member

Jo Little

Board Member

Mickey Curbishley

Board Member

Prem Kumta

Board Member

Devon Massyn

Board Member

John Le

Board Member

Rebecca Thieneman

Advisory Board Member

Teisbe

Advisory Board Member

Wesley Sol Parker

Advisory Board Member

Jackson Peixer

Advisory Board Member

Mariana Maia

Advisory Board Member

Ben Meeus

Advisory Board Member

Betsy Schrader

Advisory Board Member

OUR VISION

We envision a world of thriving rainforests, clean water, and abundant biodiversity.

Where ancestral ways of nurturing the Earth are honored.

And, children learn from elders how to care for the planet for future generations.

OUR VISION

We envision a world of thriving rainforests, clean water, and abundant biodiversity.

Where ancestral ways of nurturing the Earth are honored.

And, children learn from elders how to care for the planet for future generations.

We believe rainforest preservation is done best by Indigenous people who have stewarded the land, water, and biodiversity for millennia.

We believe Indigenous communities must be supported as they are on the frontline of rainforest preservation.
We believe rainforest preservation is done best by Indigenous people who have stewarded the land, water, and biodiversity for millennia.

We believe Indigenous communities must be supported as they are on the frontline of rainforest preservation.

WHY LANGUAGE?

An Indigenous language goes extinct every two weeks. United Nations Indigenous languages hold true knowledge of rainforest biodiversity. Indigenous knowledge cannot simply be translated into Portuguese or English and maintain its relational essence.
As Indigenous languages go extinct, human relationships with biodiversity and the environment suffer. When an Indigenous culture loses its language, the culture is in danger of extinction.

WHY LANGUAGE?

WHY
LANGUAGE?

An Indigenous language goes extinct every two weeks. United Nations Indigenous languages hold true knowledge of rainforest biodiversity. Indigenous knowledge cannot simply be translated into Portuguese or English and maintain its relational essence.
As Indigenous languages go extinct, human relationships with biodiversity and the environment suffer. When an Indigenous culture loses its language, the culture is in danger of extinction.

Without Indigenous communities thriving on their reserves, what will happen to the land, rivers, and biodiversity?

Who will protect
the Amazon rainforest?

Our Commitment

COTR is committed to helping rainforest communities strengthen their Indigenous language and culture. COTR supports their efforts to remain on their reserves and protect their land, water, and biodiversity.

Indigenous-led Solutions

Teachings and cultural curriculum are 100% led by the community. COTR supports the needs of villages and promotes autonomy.

Rainforest Stewardship

Isku Vakehuhu is a living library of the rainforest. Experiential curriculum involves medicinal plants and stewardship of biodiversity.

International Decade of Indigenous Languages

Our pilot program addresses seven outputs of the ‘Global Action Plan’ according to the United Nations.

EMPOWER INDIGENOUS YOUTH STRENGTHEN INDIGENOUS RESERVES

Become a Guardian of New Hope

More than a school, ISKU VAKEHUHU is a symbol of hope in the heart of the Amazon.

Join the Mission!

Join our community of change-makers.

Become a Guardian of New Hope

More than a school, ISKU VAKEHUHU is a symbol of hope in the heart of the Amazon.

Join the Mission!

Guardians of New Hope are monthly donors who sustain teachers and operations of Isku Vakehuhu at New Hope Village. Join us!