Mission Statement

The UKA INSTITUTE  - House of Ancestral Knowledge ( Instituto Uka - Casa dos Saberes Ancestrais):

To advance and protect indigenous identity and fostering resilience,  to amplify the convergent power of Indigenous Peoples, communities, and Nations worldwide, enabling the full realization of our inherent right to self-determination. To cultivate a global landscape that rests upon the bedrock of justice and equity, extending to all individuals and the planet itself.
  

At UK'A Institute, an international organization dedicated to upholding indigenous identity and fostering resilience, our mission is steadfast and all-encompassing. We are driven by the imperative to amplify the convergent power of Indigenous Peoples, communities, and Nations worldwide, enabling the full realization of our inherent right to self-determination. Within this pursuit, we are resolutely committed to cultivating a global landscape that rests upon the bedrock of justice and equity, extending to all individuals and the planet itself.

Our institute stands as a pivotal conduit, where the diverse voices of indigenous communities converge and thrive. Guided by profound respect for ancestral wisdom passed down through generations, we provide a dynamic platform that honors the depth of indigenous knowledge and values intrinsic to traditional ways of life.

Central to our ethos is the cultivation of resilience, championing the ability of indigenous communities to navigate modern challenges while preserving their unique identities and cultural heritage. Through collaborations that bridge the wisdom of the past with the complexities of the present, we empower Indigenous Peoples and individuals to engage with a rapidly evolving world on their own terms.

In the spirit of "Building the collective power of Indigenous Peoples, communities, and Nations to exercise our inherent right to self-determination, while fostering a world that is built on a foundation of justice and equity for all people and the planet," we forge ahead as UK'A Institute. With unwavering dedication, we illuminate the path toward a future where indigenous identities flourish, resilience prospers, and the values of justice and equity extend far and wide.

Our Vision

We are committed to fostering understanding, respect, and empowerment by harnessing the transformative power of arts, education, and knowledge of traditional Native cultures and values as the foundations of our work through:

• Education & Capacity Building: Fostering the indigenous sovereignty in education and culture. Education is a catalyst for change. We empower indigenous communities by providing access to quality education that respects and integrates their cultural heritage. Our programs ensure that traditional knowledge is passed down alongside contemporary learning, fostering pride, identity, and a sense of belonging.

• Arts as Cultural Expressions: Through art, we honor the rich tapestry of indigenous traditions. Indigenous artists are not only storytellers but also cultural ambassadors, weaving narratives that transcend borders and ancestral knowledge, and indigenous heritage.

• Knowledge as Cultural Currency: The ancestral knowledge held by Native cultures is a treasure trove of wisdom. We work to document, preserve, and promote this knowledge through collaborations with community members. By safeguarding indigenous languages, traditions, and ecological insights, and stories we contribute to the global understanding of sustainable practices and holistic well-being.

  Our Impact:

  • Cultural Resilience: Through arts, education, and knowledge-sharing, we bolster the resilience of indigenous cultures in the face of modern challenges.
  • International Cross-Cultural Connections: Our initiatives forge connections between indigenous communities and the global community, fostering mutual respect and appreciation.
  • Empowered Future: By integrating indigenous perspectives into education and knowledge systems, we empower the next generation of indigenous leaders, ensuring cultural continuity.

   

The UKA Institute was formed in 1997, in Lorena, Sao Paulo, Brazil by Native educators who were anxious to find solutions to improve the education system for Native children. The UKA Institute evolves to mark the beginning of an international platform for the exchange of native knowledge and development of concepts, and shaping international and federal policies.

UKA Institute adheres to the organization’s founding principles:

1. to bring indigenous educators together to foster ways to improve indigenous sovereignty in own education and culture and the schooling of indigenous children;
2. to promote native arts and knowledge, bringing together indigenous educators
3. to protect and enhance Native languages and cultures;
4. formulate and execute strategies aimed at impacting policy and decision-makers at federal and international levels.