The Yanomami is a tribe located in the Amazon (south of Venezuela and north of Brazil), they live together in harmony with nature, respecting, understanding and caring for her.

Iwariwe, Yanomami art and traditions relating to the Origin of Fire. September 12 -28. Healey Library 5th floor.

Opening events: Wednesday September 12th Roundtable discussion Center for Library Instruction Healey Library, 4-015, 4:00pm

Reception Healey Library 5th floor, 5:00pm UMASS Boston, 100 William T Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125

Whether in the lands of the Yanomami, or the indigenous peoples of what is now Boston, the arrival of fire is an epic and mythic event, linked to the origins of human innovation and creativity. Iwariwë: The Origin of Fire Amongst Men, recounts this seminal event through community art, producing a book designed to both preserve and educate others about customary Yanomami life ways. The Yanomami are a group of indigenous people who live in the Amazon rainforest along the border between Venezuela and Brazil.

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This exhibit represents far more than just a display of ethnographic items produced by indigenous peoples from another hemisphere. It is a combination of traditional knowledge and modern methodologies for education, as well as a collaboration between the first peoples of a place and contemporary scholars from Venezuela's IDEA Foundation who appreciate a deep connection to their shared home. As such, it is fitting that the Institute for New England Native American Studies and the Native American and Indigenous Studies program provide a warm welcome for Iwariwë to UMass Boston, where we also seek to connect indigenous peoples with university research, innovation, and education.

For more information, please contact Dr. Cedric Woods, Director for INENAS, or Dr. Josh Reid, Director for NAIS.

Sponsors:

CITGO Petroleum Corporation, a subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela S.A., Fundación Instituto de Estudios Avanzados (IDEA), Consulate General of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Boston, Venezuelan Sounds Foundation.

UMass Boston: Mauricio Gastón Institute for Latino Community Development and Public Policy, Institute for New England Native American Studies, Native American & Indigenous Studies Program, Latino Studies program, and Office of International and Transnational Affairs.

Source: MINCI and Venezuelan Consulate in Boston