Once upon a time (not in a fairytale, but in a real forest by the sea) there was a little boy named João. It was 1950, and João’s world was full of trees, birds, and a lot of ocean. Then one day, the ground began to tremble. Giant machines appeared! loud, heavy, and completely out of place. They start tearing through the forest like it’s not even alive!!

Once upon a time (not in a fairytale, but in a real forest by the sea) there was a little boy named João. It was 1950, and João’s world was full of trees, birds, and a lot of ocean. Then one day, the ground began to tremble. Giant machines appeared! loud, heavy, and completely out of place. They start tearing through the forest like it’s not even alive!!

Once upon a time (not in a fairytale, but in a real forest by the sea) there was a little boy named João. It was 1950, and João’s world was full of trees, birds, and a lot of ocean. Then one day, the ground began to tremble. Giant machines appeared! loud, heavy, and completely out of place. They start tearing through the forest like it’s not even alive!!

At only five years old, João and his family (and the whole village) have to leave the only home they’ve ever known. João grew up to be a talented craftsman, a proper forest whisperer type! and met Catarina, who shared his strength and kindness. Together they built a family, but João never forgot the land of his childhood and as time passed, that little voice from the trees never really shut up and it kept whispering, “Hey, come back dude”

At only five years old, João and his family (and the whole village) have to leave the only home they’ve ever known. João grew up to be a talented craftsman, a proper forest whisperer type! and met Catarina, who shared his strength and kindness. Together they built a family, but João never forgot the land of his childhood and as time passed, that little voice from the trees never really shut up and it kept whispering, “Hey, come back dude”

So, in the year 2000, he listens. He takes Catarina and the kids and says, “Let’s go home.” And they do! They return to where the forest used to be, determined to heal it. Other families join them, and they start this amazing journey to bring Tapirema Village back to life. It’s not easy, though. For sixteen years, they’ve been fighting against laws, against companies, against people with actual guns! just to prove that their ancestors were there long before any colonisers ever showed up. But they don’t give up, and finally, they win. Their land is recognised again as theirs.

So, in the year 2000, he listens. He takes Catarina and the kids and says, “Let’s go home.” And they do! They return to where the forest used to be, determined to heal it. Other families join them, and they start this amazing journey to bring Tapirema Village back to life. It’s not easy, though. For sixteen years, they’ve been fighting against laws, against companies, against people with actual guns! just to prove that their ancestors were there long before any colonisers ever showed up. But they don’t give up, and finally, they win. Their land is recognised again as theirs.

In 2018, they rebuilt Tapirema Village in the same place it had always belonged , facing the sea and surrounded by forest. With the support of Cultive Resistência, they started from the ground up: building homes, a community kitchen, a classroom, bathrooms, a cultural centre, and a prayer house. Little by little, families returned. The trees began to breathe again, the rivers cleared, and the animals came home.

In 2018, they rebuilt Tapirema Village in the same place it had always belonged , facing the sea and surrounded by forest. With the support of Cultive Resistência, they started from the ground up: building homes, a community kitchen, a classroom, bathrooms, a cultural centre, and a prayer house. Little by little, families returned. The trees began to breathe again, the rivers cleared, and the animals came home.

Today, around 50 people live in Tapirema Village: 15 children, 10 adolescents, and 25 adults and they are all dedicated to protecting and celebrating the Tupi-Guarani culture. They are reclaiming their language, traditions, and teaching their children through song, story, and care for the earth.

Today, around 50 people live in Tapirema Village: 15 children, 10 adolescents, and 25 adults and they are all dedicated to protecting and celebrating the Tupi-Guarani culture. They are reclaiming their language, traditions, and teaching their children through song, story, and care for the earth.

And now, Erfling (that’s us!) and our lovely friends at Akin have joined in the adventure. We’re helping them finish building their school!! We went to visit the village, met the families, shared stories, and it was so magical. The children made these amazing drawings inspired by their dreams and their land, and we’re turning those drawings into designs for a clothing collaboration, something they’re helping to create that will also raise funds for their school.

And now, Erfling (that’s us!) and our lovely friends at Akin have joined in the adventure. We’re helping them finish building their school!! We went to visit the village, met the families, shared stories, and it was so magical. The children made these amazing drawings inspired by their dreams and their land, and we’re turning those drawings into designs for a clothing collaboration, something they’re helping to create that will also raise funds for their school.

João isn’t here anymore, but his spirit totally is. You can feel it in the trees! Tapirema Village isn’t just rebuilding the land. It’s rebuilding hope. <3

João isn’t here anymore, but his spirit totally is. You can feel it in the trees! Tapirema Village isn’t just rebuilding the land. It’s rebuilding hope. <3