• info@windhouseresources.com

• Date/Time

  Date(s) – 22/03/2018  in GHANA

  All Day

• Location

  Chief’s palace

Sankofa: Reclaiming relevant indigenous cultural and ancestral values to make a case for nature-based solutions

The chieftaincy, elders and people of Funko community-located in the Western Region of Ghana- honored World Water Day by creating awareness about the need for circumspection when adopting vices or policies which consequently cause public health problems and are detrimental to the environment. Illegal/unsustainable mining – popularly referred to as “Galamsey”in the country- and fringe activities which indirectly empower the practice are examples of such vices.

The Funko community is close to the Ankobra river and, symbolic of the strong inter-connectivity still existent between most societies and their natural environment. This river is an important source of drinking water for many communities in the Western Region of Ghana- and beyond- but continues to be polluted through illegal mining activities. It flows at least 120 km south to the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic) and is located very close to the western part of Axim, a commercial center of the river basin.

In celebrating this important day, we sought to highlight the important role some historic cultural practices (spoken word, dancing and drumming) and community dialogues can play in influencing the re-adaptation of relevant conservation values which were more commonly applied by the ancestors. Overall, the concept of Sankofa is espoused. Sankofa is a Ghanaian-originated cultural principle which literally means to take back what was lost in order to protect the future. This -arguably- manifests the tenets of sustainability. There are many of such doctrines in many communities across the world.

The principle teaches communities the importance of going back to their roots- and reclaiming worthy values- in order to move forward. For example, the indigenous and unadulterated local anthropological cognition reveres some key natural receptors – such as rivers, wetlands and forests- as deities. By tapping into the novelty of such values, the current mega trend of sustainability would be well anchored and in a way which significantly addresses most of the conservation, food security and sub regional stability challenges existent now. A cultural dance and community dialogue were among the activities undertaken to commemorate the day.

On World Water Day, the funding partner and collaborator for the performances –who is also the founder of Windhouse Resources Systems (WRS)- would reach out to stakeholders to solicit input on case studies concepts intended to be develop in order to make a stronger case for nature-based solutions. WRS is a boutique sustainability consultancy located in Ghana – West Africa.

Contact information
Email Address:

info@windhouseresources.com

Date/Time
Date(s) – 22/03/2018
All Day

Location
Chief’s palace

MARCH 2-MAY 8, volunteers invited to participate in workshops working with the community to create spectacular visual art, giant puppets, and costumes for the Ecological City procession celebrating climate solutions.

-Costume Workshops: WEDNESDAYS, 6-9:30pm with artist Yelaine Rodriguez
-Puppet Workshops: SATURDAYS, 12-4pm with artist Lucrecia Novoa

Workshops are free of cost and take place every week at Two Bridges Neighborhood Council (Community Room) 82 Rutgers Slip (between FDR and Cherry St. -LES)

Please register here: http://earthcelebrations.com/register-ecological-city-workshops-2/

ECOLOGICAL CITY PAGEANT, on Saturday May 11, 2019 (Rain date- May 12), is a climate action, ecological urban pilgrimage and performance art event featuring a spectacular 7 hour procession of visual art, giant puppets and costumes with 20 site performances of dance, music, theater and poetry celebrating sustainability solutions throughout the community gardens, neighborhood and East River Park waterfront on the Lower East Side of New York City.

ECOLOGICAL CITY PAGEANT, on Saturday May 11, 2019 (Rain date- May 12), is a climate action, ecological urban pilgrimage and performance art event featuring a spectacular 7 hour procession of visual art, giant puppets and costumes with 20 site performances of dance, music, theater and poetry celebrating sustainability solutions throughout the community gardens, neighborhood and East River Park waterfront on the Lower East Side of New York City.

For more information: http://earthcelebrations.com/ecological-city-project/

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – SIGN UP – PARTICIPATE IN THE ECOLOGICAL CITY PAGEANT

PAGEANT DAY: Volunteers are needed to participate for various roles. Sign up today!
-Wear a spectacular ecological costume, direct puppets, marshal parade, direct make-up/body painting, photograph/video document and more…

-Marshals/ Key Performers needed: 8am-6pm / Make-Up artists 8am-12pm

Sign up here: http://earthcelebrations.com/volunteer-ecological-city-sign/

Honoring the Past • Healing the Present • Celebrating the Future

A CELEBRATION OF NATIVE AMERICAN ART, MUSIC AND CULTURES

Thank you Joanne and Monte for this inspiring, hope-infused  interview.

Our mailing address is:
P.O. Box 285, 91 Main St., Greenfield, MA 01302

The mission of the Nolumbeka Project is to promote a deeper, broader and more accurate depiction of the history of the Native Americans/American Indians of New England before and during European contact and colonization;

To protect and preserve sites sacred to, and of historic value to, the Native Americans/American Indians of New England; to create and promote related educational opportunities, preservation projects and cultural events; and to work in partnership, as much as possible, with the tribes.

We will strive to exemplify the Native American/American Indian peoples’ respect for Mother Earth and all living beings; to be mindful of our role as caretakers for future generations; and to honor our connection to the Earth and Sky and to the Creator.

The Nolumbeka Project, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the history of Native Americans/American Indians of New England through educational programs, art, history, music, heritage seed preservation and cultural events. We are actively building, maintaining and expanding an historical archive research library for use by the Tribes and Educators of the Northeast and beyond.

Our Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers who have been active for more than 40 years in a number of other preservation, historical research, environmental and social justice organizations.

Earth Day Live will feature a three-day livestream where millions of people can join activists, celebrities, musicians, and more in an epic moment of community and hope for the future.