Sharing Stories at WML : an insider look at tribal life in the Amazon

On Thursday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m., Westfield residents are invited to hear from David Good, biologist and co-founder and executive director of The Good Project. David is a member of the Irokai-teri community, where his mother and family reside as part of the Yanomami tribe. The Yanomami are an Indigenous people of hunter-farmers-gatherers living in the Amazon rain forest across the southeastern Venezuelan and northwestern Brazilian border.

During this event, David will tell his story of reuniting with his long-lost mother in the Amazon

and rediscovering his indigenous roots. His unique ancestry and scientific training provide a rare

opportunity to explore and advance our understanding of the human microbiome while building

global awareness on the importance of protecting these few remaining remote and isolated

Indigenous societies. Through David’s personal journey and scientific endeavors, his riveting presentation will take you into the world of the Yanomami and a glimpse of life in the Amazon rainforest. Following his presentation, David will engage with the audience in an open question and answer session.

The Good Project collaborates with Indigenous communities to build projects that promote self-determination, advance scientific research, preserve their ancient knowledge, and protect their ancestral lands. Through trust and respect, their work fosters cross-cultural awareness and establishes a global consciousness between peoples of all cultures and walks of life.

The Westfield High School Social Studies Department is pleased to co-sponsor this event, which will take place the day before David is scheduled to engage WHS students in a similar discussion. Specifically, David will be meeting with ninth grade Global Perspectives and Humanities classes, as his presentation aligns with various course themes, including exploring diverse cultures and examining what it means to be a global citizen.

This event is part of Westfield Library Series: Sharing Our Stories, sponsored by the Town of Westfield’s Human Relations Advisory Commission (HRAC). The mission of HRAC is to provide an egalitarian, welcoming, inclusive, safe, and productive community for the residents, local businesses, and visitors of the Town of Westfield, New Jersey. HRAC serves as a resource and community partner to uproot, dismantle, and eradicate hate, prejudice, racism, and bias - to foster an inclusive and supportive environment, raise awareness, and build a community that appreciates our commonalities and celebrates our diversity.

Those who are interested to attend may register and reserve their seat at this link: https://events.wmlnj.org/event/9883625

To sign up for a library card, learn more about the library’s resources, or register for other programs, please visit https://wmlnj.org/, or follow the library on Facebook and Instagram. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street.

Currently library hours are Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m. The library will be closed December 24-26 for Christmas. It will be closing at 3:00 pm on New Year’s Eve Saturday, December 31 and closed on Sunday, January 1 for New Year’s Day.