Reciprocity for Katô: Dreams of Dark Earth

Katô: Dreams of Dark Earth chronicles the Munduruku people’s struggle to defend their territory and the greater Amazon from industrial resource extraction. Through grassroots community organizing and self-demarcation, the village of Sawré Muybu asserts their sovereignty and protect the rainforest as a living archive of ancestral knowledge and memory.

As part of SAND’s reciprocity commitment, we are directing $10,000–$15,000 USD to support the immediate needs and community priorities shared with us by the Munduruku people of Sawré Muybu.

These are their priorities in need of support:

• Housing for Indigenous Students
  Many students travel from other villages to attend high school in Sawré Muybu and lack stable lodging. Funds will help build a simple student lodging space so young people can continue their education safely within their territory.
• Backup Generator for the Community
  The village primarily relies on solar power, but the rainy season causes frequent power shortages. A backup generator will provide essential electricity when solar panels are insufficient.
• Solar Inverter for Aldira Akai’s House
  The inverter powering Indigenous leader Aldira Akai’s home recently failed. Replacing it restores electricity to her household and maintains a reliable solar system.
• Daje Kapap Eypi Audiovisual Collective
  This women-led collective monitors and documents illegal logging and industrial extraction across Munduruku territory. Funds will support equipment, training, and resources so the collective can continue their vital work defending territory and culture through media.