News

September 2006:  The villagers of Llano Bonito need your help

During the first AFC Flag Expedition, David and his then wife had the privilege to be the first ever "outsiders" to stay at the Embera village of Llano Bonito.  When he asked the natives about their needs, the only concern brought up related to the children.  He promised he would try to help.

In nature, everything is dependent on something else for survival. As humans, we also depend on each other and, moreover, nature's survival depends on all of us working together. When we help the natives, it gives them the means to continue protecting the forest.

Through the support of the Artists for Conservation Foundation (formerly WNAG), nature and wildlife artist David N. Kitler and his then wife spent a month in Panama doing research on the Harpy Eagle and its habitat, as part of the first AFC Flag Expedition. During the trip they had the privilege to be the first ever “outsiders” to stay at the Emberá village of Llano Bonito.

The Emberá are one of seven native tribes that still inhabit Panama, and this particular village was made up of about 18 extended-family units.  They live in the same manner as their ancestors did for hundreds of years, in thatched-roof open-sided huts, making a living from subsistence agriculture (plantains, corn, rice, etc.), as well as hunting and fishing.  Many of the men make carvings from the cocobolo wood and the women weave beautiful baskets, which they send to neighbouring villages when they hear that groups of tourists will be visiting.  They receive no government assistance and, because of their remote location, they also do not get the extra resources that regular visits by tourists might provide.

...we asked what we could do for them.

When asked about their needs, the only concern brought up related to the children, who they speak of as “their future”.  The Emberá understand the importance of a well-rounded education, and hope to improve their children's chances of future success by providing as many opportunities as possible for their mental and physical development.   They specifically mentioned the ongoing need for basic school supplies, an English language course and, if possible, equipment to help them start a baseball program (see letter above).  Besides being Panama's favourite sport, baseball would be a great way to teach the children the value of team work.

We told them we would try to help.

We cannot save the world but, with your help, we can make a difference to this one community!

If you would like to help the children of Llano Bonito by making a donation of school supplies or baseball equipment, or if you can help with the cost of shipping the donations to Panama, please call or email us.

info@davidkitler.com          (403) 254-5051

To read more about the AFC Flag Expedition Program and David's first AFC Flag Expedition to Panama (journal, photos, etc.)

visit www.artistsforconservation.org/programs/flag-expeditions