Second reFloresta journey
We were 21 people from all corners of Brazil — São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Maranhão, Bahia, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, and Pará. On January 9, 2024, we set out for Atodi, an indigenous village on the banks of the Arapiuns River.
For nine days, we immersed ourselves in Atodi, fully experiencing the strength of that place and its people. We arrived quietly, doing our best to respect this sacred land. We got our hands dirty during the puxirum and listened to stories that inspired us deeply.
The 2nd Journey became a space to dream and to fuel our motivation to fight for what we believe in. We felt the affection, care, and comfort of Atodi in every inch of our bodies. We carried forward the Barracão project, which had taken shape during the first journey, and continue to fight for the place that brought us together.
The journey
Our actions for the second journey began in September 2023, starting with the selection of those willing to join the movement. People who, beyond wanting to discover another side of the Amazon, were open to stepping into the fight.
We arrived in Alter do Chão at night, where we boarded the boat that would take us to the place we had dreamed of reaching. After sharing moments and taking in breathtaking views, we arrived in Atodi — greeted warmly by villagers waiting with open arms.
On the third day, we stepped directly into the forest, walking through the Amazon Rainforest and experiencing its full richness — the soil, the trees, the scents, and above all, the many stories shared by the locals.
One of the moments that left the deepest impression on us was the puxirum. We continued the work on the shed begun during the first journey — clearing debris, carrying sand, and installing benches. This moment was vital for the bond among us, but also for building a unified group with the village residents.
Our last day in Atodi was marked by the community’s anniversary celebration, where we joined the entire village in honoring this sacred place.
Throughout the journey, we shared stories, reflected deeply, laughed a lot, and most importantly, worked on developing future projects — keeping the flame of Atodi alive within each of us, no matter where we are.
