Most of the families who live and work at Dadanawa Ranch are Wapisiana. While here you will be living with them too. Your meals and accommodation will be looked after by the indomitable Auntie Mary, a ranch matriarch. Most of the guides who work in and around the ranch are trained here and are from the Wapisiana community.
The Wapisiana are the prevalent tribe in southern Rupununi though on your way to the ranch from Lethem you will pass through Shulinab, an Amerindian community which is Macusi. Wapisiana territory lies between the Takatu, Rupununi and Kwitaro rivers and is owned and managed by the respective communities. In the area of the ranch and the Kanuku Mountains there are 11 villages which you can visit. During your stay you can explore the villages and meet the people who have their own language related to the Arawak language family and who still live in a way in keeping with their traditions.
We can organize the necessary permits for your visit if you wish to visit; just let us know in advance. Fees raised from the permitting process go directly to the communities for there development. You can meet with a village captain or chief (touchou) and also go to a school to meet the local children and get involved.
The communities are Christian, though they also hold dear their traditional beliefs especially with regard to medicine and socialise around the village church, market place and the occasional party.
Cassava is a staple from which farine, cassava bread and Karri (alcoholic drink) are made. In many places you will find a large pan built over an oven used to process the root which is poisonous whilst raw. Women usually farm, process cassava and cook while the men hunt sometimes with a bow and arrow during the day or at night. The whole family benefits from the river system and goes fishing to supplement their diet. These and many other customs and traditions make up the culture of the tribe which we will be happy to share with you.