What We Do, Why We Do It

Kokiri is a non-profit group that promotes the indigenous knowledge of identity-endangered tribes around the world.

Any culture is a living organism. A culture lives and breathes by the practice of its traditions, the melodies of its language, the power of its people. Its survival is dependent on the preservation of these pillars.

The communities Kokiri works with still follow their own indigenous traditions. These natural practices were developed through the inheritance of ecological knowledge over millennia. People who grew up in the villages before roads were built continue to work with and celebrate local materials and techniques.

But these communities are at a critical point in time; while they attempt to maintain their traditions, they can’t help but be exposed to the effects of globalization. The sudden availability of mass-produced commodities and media creates an economic dependence, which by its very nature rapidly wipes out traditions and self-sustainability. The generations of knowledge, at risk of fading into the shadows of modernity, carry profound insights that Kokiri helps to preserve.

Community Knowledge Spaces

Kokiri creates and oversees local research & education centers, called Community Knowledge Spaces, that document knowledge and make it adaptable to a modern sustainable lifestyle.

North-East India

Kokiri is co-developing their first Community Knowledge Space with a sustainable living tribal community in North-East India. This Space supports:

  • Community bonding
  • Knowledge transfer
  • Sustainable construction
  • Structural restoration

Current Projects:

  • Building a cob baking-oven
  • Restoring a pedestrian bridge

Exchange of Knowledge Classes

​Kokiri offers unique, grassroots Exchange of Knowledge Classes, that encourage cultures to humanely learn from one another, as both student and teacher.

In these classes, anyone can apply to expand their passion or profession by engaging with diverse communities.

Each engagement should represent the values of Kokiri, rooted in:

  • The love for Mother Nature
  • A sustainable planet for the children
  • Holistic personal growth for all

Applicants are encouraged to create their own personalized programs.

This Community Knowledge Space project was a financial contribution by, and is a tribute to The Alice Rowan Swanson Fellowship. The Fellowship was established as a living tribute to Alice’s life, her passion for bridging cultures and helping others and the role that SIT Study Abroad played in her life. Alice was killed while riding her bike to work in 2008. As Alice’s family believes Alice would have spent her life advancing human rights abroad, particularly in developing countries, Kokiri is fully committed to continue Alice’s legacy.

We hope that you will join and co-create with us in any way that serves your purpose and meaning.

If you have questions, feel free to contact us directly. 

*Not all projects work directly with indigenous communities. However, any funds generated through our classes/programs go directly to the cause of Kokiri: Spreading tangible knowledge and the necessity of Peace on Earth.

*Not all exact locations of our projects are revealed on the website to protect local communities from commercial tourism.