What We do, Why We Do It

Kokiri is a non-profit organisation that promotes the indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage of identity-threatened Indigenous communities around the world, while working to secure a safe and sustainable future for generations to come.

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.

Kokiri seeks not only to preserve indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage, but to contribute to a secure, sustainable, and peaceful future for generations to come. We believe that cultural preservation, education, community development, environmental sustainability, and peacebuilding are deeply interconnected. Through our projects and partnerships, we support initiatives that create opportunities for children, youth and communities, build bridges between cultures and generations, and foster understanding, cooperation, and peace.

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. Two projects are currently supported: one Tripura, India & one in Siwa Egypt. The spaces serve as a place for community bonding, knowledge transfer, a living example of how incredible sustainable architecture is.

Cultural Exchange Programs

Kokiri offers unique, grassroots Cultural Exchange Program, that encourage cultures to humanely learn from one another, as both student and teacher, as brothers and sisters.

In these programs, youth leaders get together to expand their passion and profession by engaging with diverse communities of this global village e live in.

Engagements represent the values of Kokiri, rooted in:

• The love and respect for Nature
• A sustainable planet for the children
• Holistic personal growth of the individual
• Peace

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.

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

Not all Kokiri projects work directly with Indigenous communities. Our work encompasses a broad range of educational, cultural, ecological, and peace-oriented initiatives that contribute to our broader mission: spreading tangible knowledge and fostering the conditions for peace on Earth. Income generated through our classes and programs helps sustain this work and, where applicable, supports Kokiri’s organizational needs and the development of future projects.

To read Kokiri’s Article of Association: