Guyana, Suriname & Brazil join forces to advance Indigenous traditional healing

A group of traditional knowledge experts and healers from Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil have launched a first-of-its-kind Regional Traditional Knowledge and Healers Network to advance Indigenous traditional healing. From September 8-11, 2026, representatives from Indigenous communities within the aforementioned Amazon countries assembled at Iwokrama River Lodge to exchange knowledge on traditional medicines, healing and other cultural health practices.

Facilitated by the Amazon Conservation Team Guianas (ACT Guianas), the overall purpose was to build on two previous exchanges and establish regional organisation, credibility, advocacy and continuity.

The central goal of the meeting was to establish a regional networking platform of Indigenous traditional healers and knowledge holders, supported by clear principles, ethical protocols, communication mechanisms and an advocacy agenda for respectful recognition by Governments and health systems.