OIOC Biannual Report
May-Oct. 2024
Introduction
Dear community and supporters, we know it is not the end of the year yet!, but we want to create a report of our activities until today October 21st. and we will send a final anual report for the end of the year 2024 with our projection for 2025.
We at the Organization for Indigenous Outreach and Conservation (OIOC) are proud to share the progress and milestones we've achieved over the past six months. This period has been marked by growth, gratitude, and a continued commitment to our mission of supporting the Kamentsa community and conserving the rich biodiversity of Alto Amazon of Colombia.
Below, we share a video by our director Taita Juan Bautista Agreda and outline some of the key initiatives and advancements that were made possible through the support of our partners, donors, and community allies.
Strengthening Initiatives in the Kamentsa Community
Thanks to support from the Chacruna Institute and the Indigenous Reciprocity Initiative (IRI) programs that started in July 2024 and will be a bioanual donation, OIOC has been able to cover essential operational expenses. These contributions have also allowed us to take the first steps toward establishing the Kamentsa Language Revitalization School, a vital project aimed at preserving and revitalizing the Kamentsa language and culture. We aim to officially launch this school by 2025, ensuring future generations are rooted in their ancestral knowledge and heritage.
Biodiversity Preservation and Botanical Garden Maintenance
In June 2024, we received a donation from Sahin, a dedicated philanthropist. This funding provided essential financial support to maintain our biodiversity field and pilot greenhouse for a period of three months. Through these efforts, we are currently able to sustain this effort of reproducing more than 60 species of native plants and trees including Yage Ayahuasca, and continue the care of our botanical garden, which conserves over 150 species of flora. This work is critical in ensuring the preservation of the Alto Putumayo's biodiversity, a region of global ecological significance, this donation also support the payment of a field worker (Jesus Chindoy), to get organic fertilizer for baby trees.
Households Mothers support Pilot Program
OIOC has continued its work to foster reciprocity between the psychedelic industry and the Kamentsa community. A highlight of this effort was a contribution towards a pilot program to support Mothers head of their households with the New Orleans Psychedelic Society, who purchased $2,400 worth of jewelry handcrafted by five Kamentsa women (effort facilitated by Diane Lea Johnson). These women, have directly benefited from this initiative, which not only provides them with economic stability but also reinforces the vital cultural exchange between Indigenous artisans and the broader community.
In addition, we are very thankful for a committed supporter who has pledged a monthly donation of $100. This ongoing contribution helps to sustain our organization and maintain the momentum of our efforts to strengthen the Kamentsa community.
CSN Reciprocity efforts
Our sister organization in the U.S., and a founding member of OIOC for the past 10 years, has been a key supporter of the reciprocity efforts within the medicine community in the USA. They continue to allocate 5% of their ceremony proceeds to support OIOC's work, particularly in sustaining the botanical garden. As part of our advisory board, they help guide our vision and mission, playing a crucial role in decision-making and shaping our work within the ancestral territory.
Looking Ahead
The past six months have been a testament to the power of collaboration and the profound impact that thoughtful contributions can make in our community. As we move forward, we remain committed to expanding our work in biodiversity conservation, supporting cultural revitalization, and building partnerships that align with our core values of reciprocity, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment.
While we have made significant progress, it’s important to recognize that OIOC has not yet reached financial sustainability. Many of our key initiatives are still in need of the critical funding and resources required to move forward. However, we remain hopeful that through ongoing efforts, collaboration, and the deep passion that drives our mission, we will achieve the financial stability necessary to sustain and grow our work for the long term.
Our commitment to serving the community and conserving the sacred lands of the Amazon is fueled by a deep reverence for the Earth, master plant medicines, and the ancestral stewards of this land. We remain dedicated to this mission, knowing that with perseverance, we will find the resources to continue our work in honor of these values.
Gratitude and Acknowledgment
We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have supported OIOC’s work through donations, purchases, and partnerships. Your continued belief in our mission allows us to forge ahead, empowering the Kamentsa people and conserving the sacred lands of the Alto Putumayo.
Together, we are making a tangible difference, and we look forward to sharing more successes in the coming months.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
With gratitude,
OIOC Team
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