Early this summer, a back injury brought me to my knees — leaving me yearning for lessons that might bring me relief and insights. I had already penciled in attending Aniwa, an Indigenous Leaders’ gathering in Mendocino, CA, but with the pain I was in, traveling felt about as enticing as walking the Camino de Santiago with Legos in my boots.
Then a precious being named Melissa stepped in — offering rides and support. She felt like a sign from Great Mystery: Go. And so I went.
There, amidst Indigenous leaders from around the globe—all carrying the transgenerational scars of colonization, land theft, boarding schools, violence, and genocide—one message was crystal clear:
Even with (and because of) all the pain we experience at personal, collective, and global levels, we have to practice living in gratitude, joy, music, presence, community, and connection—with each other, our ancestors, the beings of the Earth, and the Sacred. Rooted in that empowered devotion, we draw the strength to join forces—transforming ourselves, uplifting our communities, and helping the world re-member its wholeness.
Being from Brazil, I felt especially drawn to connect with tribal leaders from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. Amidst their heart‑opening, exhilarating songs — in both their native and colonized language, I kept hearing the words in Portuguese: gratidão e alegria (gratitude and joy).
I also had the honor of partaking in Sacred Indigenous medicine ceremonies that were profoundly healing — for me and many others — touching body, heart, mind, and spirit, and strengthening our sense of deep belonging together. They even inspired me to pick up a guitar again after a 38-year hiatus (my fingers hate me for it).
Their knowledge, devotional music, prayers, and bonds of community not only helped heal me—they rekindled my spirit’s longing to stand in deeper allyship with Indigenous Peoples, help carry their wisdom forward, and share Earth‑based medicine, heart-centered practices, and Sacred connection with my beloved community — you included.
Honored to have been with Pajés (Shamans) Biruani and Bixku of the Huni Kuin Nation from the Amazonian Acre region.
Here with recently married Raine (Asháninka Peoples) and Txuku (Puyanaua Peoples) also from Acre. At the Aniwa Gathering, they shared their love, wisdom, and soul-stirring music.
May the light of these pajés and wisdom-keepers keep blessing our beautiful and wounded world – and may we be vessels for their knowledge, healing, and Sacred union with all of life.
With love,
💕🙏🏼🦋
Sylvie Rokab
Earth-based Mindfulness Guide and Filmmaker