Mamo Seukukwi, 90 year old Arhuaco Leader and Spiritual Geographer
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia
The Elders Project (TEP) was born out of a series of meetings between the Mamos (traditional authorities) of the Kogui, Arhuaco and Wiwa peoples, Barbara Threecrow and Rick Harlow, which took place during the gathering of indigenous leaders in Pasto, Colombia in August of 2009.
TEP’s mission is to work with and provide assistance and support to the traditional authorities (Mamos) of the SNSM in Colombia for projects aimed at strengthening their traditional practices. TEP will provide this assistance primarily through funding those projects the Mamos deem necessary for the protection and preservation of their culture and their ancestral lands in accordance with the “Law of Origin” of their ancestors.
TEP is now accepting tax-deductible donations through EarthAction, an educational and charitable organization with 501(c)(3) tax status. Donations to “The Elders Project” from US citizens are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Or make checks payable to “The Elders Project”
Mail to: EarthAction /The Elders Project
PO Box 63, Amherst, MA 01004
Mamos at the sacred site of Cañaveral, Black Line Journey Jan.2010
Black Line Journey: The Black Line forms a virtual triangle around the base of the SNSM, approximately 100 miles on each side, connecting 54 sacred sites. The Line is a spiritual boundary that demarcates the ancestral territory of the four indigenous groups of the Sierra Nevada, the Koguis, Arhuacos, Wiwas and Kankuamos. The purpose of the Mamos’ journey is to make offerings at these sites in compliance with their “Law of Origin”. The Mamos have been making these offerings for millennia. This is how they care for the Sierra Nevada, which they call “The Heart of the World”.
The Mamos would like to make at least two of these journeys every year. Another journey will take place before the end of this year. We are grateful to our TEP supporters who have generously donated the necessary funds for both Black Line Journeys in 2010. We are now seeking funds for Journeys to take place in 2011.
Click here to read the report about the Black Line Journey of January 2010.
A film about the Black Line Journey of January 2010 produced by TEP (from footage filmed at the request of the Mamos) may be viewed here.
A music video titled “La Linea Negra” (The Black Line in Spanish) by the musical group Ganyarikies) produced by TEP may be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MxzczRms6Q
Click here to learn more about other activities TEP supports.
