Mayu Mission

Mayu, translating into River, the cosmos, or purpose in the Quechua language, is the perfect metaphor to describe the philosophy of Mayu Mission, a U.S-based 501(c)(3) non-profit. In the Andes region, the locals believe that all of the knowledge of their ancestors can be found in the cosmos and they built their culture around a deep respect for nature; like the ever flowing cycle of a river. Our mission involves working together with artisans and the ancestors of indigenous artisans in Central and South America to preserve their cultural traditions, language, and art forms, while connecting them with global marketplaces through digitalization and entrepreneurship programs. As climate change, environmental conservation, sustainability, and agriculture become the forefront of global issues that affect all of us, the act of preserving Indigenous knowledge has become paramount. Native communities around the world have accumulated knowledge, beliefs, and cultural practices gained from centuries of living in communion with nature. Their diverse comprehension of medicinal plants, agricultural practices, spiritual beliefs and historical storytelling not only is valuable but can offer vital insights into modern-day global challenges. Much of the world's indigenous knowledge is at risk of being lost as many communities face poverty and corruption, so it is crucial to preserve and promote these ideas to ensure they are passed onto future generations and create positive changes in modern society. We strive to create programs that enable artisans to preserve indigenous cultures and connect them into our modern digital society using an approach that empowers their communities, protects their knowledge, but also shares this knowledge internationally with the respect and recognition it deserves.