From January 25 to 30, 207 members of 34 ethnic groups from Brazil and seven other countries (Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Indonesia, Egypt, and the U.S.) took part in the 5th Indigenous Ayahuasca Conference, held in the Rio Gregório Indigenous Land in Tarauacá (Acre).
There, indigenous leaders decided to create a Spiritual Leadership Council, tasked with regaining control over the use and narrative of ayahuasca.
5th Indigenous Ayahuasca Conference, January 25–30, 2025. - Reprodução
A cry emerged from the forest peoples against the arrogance with which their knowledge of the "medicine" (sacred drink) has been trampled by science, businesses, churches, and governments.
The letter addressed to the nawa (non-indigenous people) voiced unanimous support for ethical and responsible ayahuasca use, in contrast to the unregulated globalization of the tea, which is legal for religious use throughout Brazil and partially in the U.S.
"We reject all forms of ayahuasca commercialization that have created a global market beyond ethical boundaries," the manifesto states.
The drink induces an altered state of consciousness characterized by transformations in the perception of time, vivid memories, flashes, and visual manifestations known as "mirações."
[Read the article in the original language](https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/ilustrissima/2025/03/indigenas-buscam-retomar-protagonismo-no-uso-de-ayahuasca.shtml)