Last June, we held the 3rd version of “La Mochila Cultural and Sports Encounter” in the community of Cumariana in the Indigenous Reservation of the Matavén Forest (Vichada, Colombia).
Children and adults participated in cultural activities, such as ancestral conversations with grandparents, competitions for the best typical costume, the best traditional dance, the best “mochila” (backpack) and the largest casabe cake. They also took part in sporting contests, including pot running, archery, apnea, athletics, cycling and indoor soccer.
Part of the cultural heritage of Mataven indigenous communities has been preserved thanks to these encounters. Matavén REDD+ works on strengthening indigenous cultural practices and preserving indigenous worldview, cultural integrity, and ancestral knowledge.