One Love Panama and Native Like Water (NLW) have co-hosted International Cultural Exchange and Wellness programs with tribes and communities in Panama since 2005.  Some of the great highlights include 2008, NLW hosting the Reunion of the Eagle and Condor during the Peace and Dignity Run and Ceremony , spanning all of Turtle Island, Abyala.

In 2014, NLW was honored to be included for the "Spotlight on Bio-cultural Leadership" initiative lead by EarthTrain.org , Dr. Jane Goodall,  and Chief Phil Lane Jr. of Four Worlds Institute International.

In 2016, NLW received the Hokulea World Wide Voyage as they crossed the Panama Canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans. A monumental voyage on a traditional voyaging canoe, guided by traditional celestial way-finding with a leading indigenous example of caring, malama, for mother earth.

Indigenous Prophecy states that we are in the springtime of fulfillment and re-connection of the Eagle, Quetzal, and Condor is evident. Panama has the geographical location for a historical re-unification of the peoples, feathers and staffs. We are proud to be included in this process, practice.

Panama's Tropical Rainforests belong to an important biological corridor and can be considered the lungs of the planet.  Our conversation practice leads to protecting native species (including human), improve food knowledge, sovereignty, and food security. Promoting unity among the greater nations of BIPOC and disenfranchised communities, helps nurture, heal, one human family.

Along the Atlantic Caribbean of Panama is the Congo Region. Not only is it the home of the oldest Cristo Negro “Black Christ”, but it is the home to the Congo Culture which affirms the legacy of pre-colombian and post colonial African presence in the Americas. One Love Panama and Native Like Water shares their botanical medicine trail, sea currents, and the cultural arts of a great region.

This program will feel like a fellowship of unity, as One Love Panama and Native Like Water host the Revolutionary Healing community. #coastaldistancing

Topics explored during program:

• Indigenous Rainforest Ecology and Botanical Medicine

• Afro-Caribbean Experience in Panama

• Black Christ, Pirates, and the Congo Coast

• Sustainable Leadership of Water Sheds and Sanctuaries (from ones own water temple to the waterways around you)

• Interchange with Tribal Sovereign Nation

• Panama Canal, global trade and the legacy of Marcus Garvey

• Water and Surf Therapy. The calm waters of the Caribbean provide the optimal location to float effortlessly or to catch new movement among the waves.

• Self Healing and presence/ presents to self.

• Daily Yoga and Breathing Exercises.

• Boat Tours along islands and river ways of Colon Province

• Cerro Azul Mountain Cloud Forest Visit and Waterfall trek.

Panama is the pre-colombian crossroads of the Americas and the Panama Canal connects the world's largest oceans. Panama hosts the largest number of bird, fauna in the Americas. Panama is also a source of botanical medicine which the Smithsonian Institute and pharmaceuticals science have extracted for many years.

Registration Cost $1300: Registration includes lodging, food, all in country transportation, tours, airport pick-up/drop, guest teachers, logistics and gratuities.  

International flight to Panama City, Panama (PTY) is not-included  and Flight price and can range from $400-$700 depending on when and where you book from. Space currently available. We will post when full.

If you do not already have a passport, begin by submitting your passport application to the local U.S. Post Office, with your certified birth certificate and two pictures.

This is a no pressure, leisurely, Inter-generational learning experience. The goal of the program is to introduce ourselves to the concept of Indigenous observation, joy, breath, and unification. The acknowledgement and recognition with other tribal nations and the great work of Revolutionary Healing has begun to the North.

CovidTesting is not Required: Is no longer needed and is not required for entry into Panama.

2024 Sample ITINERARY (Tentative and may subject to minor changes)

Arrival Date April 19, (airport pick up at Panama's (PTY) Tocumen Airport included in registration)

Arrival, Greetings: International Airport pick up will be provided. Directly from airport, participants will be taken to private bed and breakfast in Chagres National Park. 

Day 1 Cerro Azul/ Chagres National Park:  Relaxation and Serenity. We begin with a brief orientation and welcome before a great dinner and rest from travel. In a private retreat setting, nature cradles our being with hymns of birds and running waters. Chagres Rainforest is the water shed to the Panama Canal. From here, you can see both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The rainforest medicine trails of Panama are inclusive and provide a perfect balance. Waterfalls, natural swimming pools, monkeys, toucans, and eagles in lead harmonies. Chagres Rainforest also boasts the largest number of birds in the world and bountiful sightings. The knowledge of the rainforest has the full potential to ensure the survival of humanity.

Tentative: Accompanied by Embera Nation's (“the healing people”) botanical healer, participants will get a closer overstanding of botanical practice and collection. During our morning walk, the rainforest becomes a medicine cabinet to Embera healers as she will demonstrate the bounty to cure all earth’s children.

Day 2, 3: 
Therapeutic Waters, Paddling, Island Hopping and Yoga at Cacique, Caribbean Congo Coast
We will forward from the heights of the cloud forest and over the Continental Divide and dip into the Atlantic Coast.

Casa Bajo Congo on the beach is our main place of stay and Located in Panama’s National Park of Portobello. A true heritage site and that of the Congo Culture.

Ready for fresh tropical fruits and adventures? Snorkeling Incredible coral reef? Included will be a visit to near by islands, monkey visits, Portobello National Park, Mangrove Ocean Sanctuaries and so much blessed water.
Kayak? Paddle Board, Surf or just float in the natural pools.

During our time here, we will dive into cultural and spiritual subject matter with OLP, NLW, and Revolutionary Healing Round Circles. Both OLP and NLW have been in the region for years. The cultural observations and connectivity of this geography is a great cornerstone to unity and a shared story. Casa Bajo Congo is created in the spirit of Marcus Garvey’s Black Star Line with the practice of local Afro-Caribbean sustainability and reaching out to those near and abroad. Designer and owner of Casa Bajo Congo, Ras Joe, has a rich history and roots in the Panama and Caribbean experience. Speaking from generations upon generations, it is refreshing to know ourselves as living examples of our ancient future.

OLP’s Founder, Joe’s life-long passion is sharing spectacular mind-blowing locations. His passion has brought us to Cacique and many fascinating places throughout Panama. As our stories and ancient scrolls unfold, it is clear we are all here under the blessing of, as Honorable Marcus Garvey put it - ONE LOVE, One People, and One Destiny.

Together with local organization OneLovePanama.com, Native Like Water works together on three core ethics of permaculture and revival.

• Care of the Earth—Provision for all life systems to thrive and multiply.
• Care of People—Provision for people to access those resources necessary to their existence.
• Fair Share –  This ethic focuses on co-operation, networking, and contributing to community.

Black Christ is long overdue in coming out. This story has the power to unite us and provide a starting point to educational mindfulness and personal development. As the oldest found statue of Christ in the Americas, Cristo Negro de Nazareno holds a special place in the heart of Panama as in many places of the world. Not only is there a grand nation-wide pilgrimage every year, but it is one of the few examples of Christ having his original melanin and hair. A truth that has been deprived from the world. The story should not stop there, for the lineage of Christ, Moses, Black Mary and Rastafari is a special one and mostly left out of text books and learning institutions.

A celestial relationship between indigenous people of Turtle Island and Africa is our re-knewed embrace. It is where we have been and where we may find ourselves. With knowledge and practice, we -ones - become an example of unity, truth, and forward motion.

Day 4 Embera Village of Bayano or Embera Quera, waterways of the Panama Canal: We are hosted by Embera Village proudly demonstrating their vision on sustainable tourism project. Traditional Dance, Artwork, and Language taught by the original people is shared in an intimate setting. The Embera cultural land base (aka “Choco”) is one of the largest in the Americas, stretching across Panama, Colombia, and into Ecuador. Watch our video above for a glimpse of our last visit.

Day 5/6:  Panama Canal & Night City Tour & The City of Knowledge, Clayton A visit to the Panama Canal locks and Museum is one of the many high-lights of international travelers. 2016 announced the newest addition to the Panama Canal, with wider locks for the world’s largest cargo ships. The City of Knowledge (Ciudad del Saber) CDS is adjacent to the Panama Canal on the ex-U.S. Military Base of Fort Clayton. The campus is surrounded by a metropolitan National Park and rainforest. Global and Regional NGO’s, Non-Profits, have headquarters on the CDS Campus.

We will take time and listen to Afro-Antilliano and Indigenous leaders of Panama whom base their careers in promoting cultural and progression in Panamanian roots, culture and equity.

The Metropolitan City of Panama is a modern seaside treat. The charm of the streets of Casco Antiguo and Mi Pueblito is a huge draw for day and night time cultural seekers. A World Heritage Site, many fall in love with the diversity of Panama City.

(Tentative on pandemic protocal:) While at CDS, we will have cultural resource educational sessions and international panels,  planning for the future.  Our delegation will be joined by Panama National Indigenous and Afro-Antillano leaders. We will review local projects of ocean sanctuaries, re-forestation, and social investment initiatives. More on the City of Knowledge: www.CiudaddelSaber.org .

Departure and/or extend your stay.
We exchange our greetings and travel well. Transport to the Airport is provided.

Add On: Forward to Extended Stay Island visit option:

EXTENDED Stay option 4 Days: Cebaco Island, Montijo Bay, Veraguas, Panama Pacific Coast::
For those looking to extend their stay and experience the island jewels of the Pacific and InterTribal Learning Center, you have the option of adding 3 Nights/4 Days and go with us to Cebaco Island Rainforest and Ocean Retreat.

The add-on includes food, lodging, ground transport to port and boat ride to Cebaco Island and return to the International Airport for your flight.
3-Night/4 Day Leisure $475 per person. (3 or more people)
 
Brief Description:  Just off the Pacific Coast of Panama is Cebaco Island, the third largest island of Panama.  On the island, a small water-side lodge and learning center hosts small groups of international tourists provides volunteer options. This site is of pre-Colombian importance and where One Love Panama promotes tropical cultivation which allows sustainable food forests and food security. Together with local organization OneLovePanama.com, Native Like Water works together on three core ethics of permaculture.

• Care of the Earth—Provision for all life systems to thrive and multiply.
• Care of People—Provision for people to access those resources necessary to their existence.
• Fair Share –  This ethic focuses on co-operation, networking, and contributing to community.

MUST WATCH: VIDEO OF CEBACO ISLAND, BREATHTAKING

The  58 acre Farm is located on Cebaco Island just off the Pacific Coast of Panama. Dedicated to sustainable ways of living, an environmental education center, botanical collection, permaculture farm and eco-lodge. 

• Video Below, Ruff cut of Native Like Water/ InterTribal Youth Folks from California SYCUAN KUMEYAAY AND RINCON LUISENO profiling Indigenous projects in Panama and visits with tribal leaders and medicine family.

Also see the Hokulea WORLD WIDE VOYAGE Photo gallery here on FB.