We are all connected with nature: Nixiwaka Yawanawa at TEDxHackney

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[KingaGorski]

From the Amazonian rainforest! For him to leave his tribe, come here, learn English, begin public speaking... I think most people wildly underestimate the difficulty of taking on all these tasks, especially in just a few short years... Wow. He has such a strong and calm presence. I'm so proud of him and the impact he's making. Big heart.

[maryjanesmith]

I spent two years homeless. In that two years, I spent a quiet a bit of time with nature.First lesson I learned was balance. The rocks taught me to focus and take my time. The trees and vines taught me to walk on the earth with respect. The darkness taught me to use my ears, as sight. We are to the flower as the tree is to us. Imagine a world the trees could walk. Would we not want them to walk on the earth with caution awareness and respect? The flower wishes the same of us. Love all living life!

[ashleyduarte]

The fact that he wants to be home in his tribe but isn’t. Learning new languages, traveling to different countries because of how we have done natives terribly wrong. You can see he has accepted what has happened but is trying to protect his and many other tribes future. We need to do better.

[unclescar]

He learned two foreign languages just so he could speak for his people and forest. Bravo!!

[victoriayornet]

I’m amazed at HOW FAR outside his confort zone he has came for all of us. The fear to speak in public is massive for people who speak in the language they were brought up and educated. Stage fright. Fear of not belonging. So many real life dangers, facing people’s resistance and apathy, being away from home for years. Not giving up on humanity. Showing up authentically... for the world to witness. We owe him so much for the message in his presence.

[laveepinealgoddess]

This man is so beautiful, I see life and pure love in his eyes. He radiates masculinity yet gentle. Money could never come close to wealth in this man heart. ❤❤❤❤❤

[alejandrawalker]

His Innocence, his masculine beauty, his wisdom and kindness...a true Amazon Ambassador. To me he looks like an Amazon Prince!

[cantrembrt]

I felt his peaceful message is simply "please leave us alone". We just want to live the way we live". He had to learn a different language to do that and here he is. What a beautiful man and a beautiful soul. I hope his people get to keep their forest safe from the western world and all its poison.

[frankschest]

The pain, innocence and wisdom in his eyes. 😢 Some may think he is the voice for his tribe. But he is actually voice for each and everyone of us and for our future generations to come.

[SC-dbzu]

When all the trees have been cut down,
when all the animals have been hunted,
when all the waters are polluted,
when all the air is unsafe to breathe,
only then will you discover you cannot eat money.
—Cree Prophecy

[Laneline]

"What people need is more love and to understand each other." ~Nixawaka Yawanawa

[montelo]

Leaving the forest, his people, his life and coming into a world where power & money is dominant. We should appreciate his dedication towards his purpose and listen to his message.

[kelladelacruz]

This man is not only intelligent but such a high vibrating soul. He’s so handsome.

[ladyofire]

He has a very gentle presence. He speaks with a genuine reverence for all things. I love indigenous people. Nice talk.

[lcampise]

By some amazing stroke of luck, this American got to do a ceremony with some representatives of the Yawanawa tribe. It was one of the most joyful experiences of my life. I realized our western arrogance towards how indigenous people live, and how we've got it backwards: they know infinitely more than us about living a meaningful, peaceful, joyful life.

[freshdarby]

"What people need is more love and to understand each other." I truly believe that Indigenous people have a special connection to the Earth and to other people that is very deep a true nature. I think that Nixiwaka is a true warrior for his people back home in his tribe and also for all of us humans who need to stop consuming to fill that void within us, because by doing so we are destroying our home and ourselves. I hear you brother!

[lynnicecarter]

I love when he put in his headdress and he said now I feel comfortable 💗 he is beautiful his spirit is beautiful 🥰

[fridadefreitas]

Shamans say: "Western people live wrong dreams" I completely agree..I am learning to live the dream that connects all living and non-living things ❣️

[eddyblakethatsme]

We need people like this in our governments.

[meraltee]

Watching this 7 years later... I'm speechless, so much respect.