Mama Killa World (MKW)
Scope: spiritual/educational & wellness activities (non-medical)
Last updated: 17/10/2025

At MKW we honor the cultural roots and source peoples of the practices we facilitate. This policy sets standards to protect dignity, cultural property, traditional knowledge, and reciprocal relationships with communities, elders/guardians, musicians, and facilitators.

1) Guiding Principles

• Honor & humility: we are guests of living traditions with lineages and guardians.

• Permission & consent: nothing “sacred” is shared without the explicit permission of its custodians.

• No appropriation: we reject cultural appropriation and the commodification of symbols, songs, or medicines.

• Reciprocity: we give back to communities and lands through transparent agreements and ongoing support.

• Care for the environment: practices are carried out with respect for land, water, and biodiversity.

2) Acknowledging Origins

• For each event, we indicate—when applicable—the people/territory/lineage informing the practice (e.g., traditional songs, prayers, circle formats).

• If a practice is contemporary or non-lineage, we state that clearly (no false attributions).

3) Permissions, Custodians & Roles

• We invite tradition holders (teachers, musicians, elders) with permission and written agreements.

• MKW’s role is to facilitate, not to replace or “speak for” source peoples.

• If a custodian sets conditions (language, restricted songs, no-recording moments), those are respected.

4) Sacred Knowledge, Songs & Images

• Icaros/prayer songs/rhythms: performed only by those authorized. No recording, teaching, or redistribution without written permission.

• Texts, symbols, attire: used with context and authorization; never trivialized or used as “costume.”

• Photo & video: see Media & Privacy. Default no recording in sacred moments/spaces.

5) Plants, Animals & Materials

• Responsible sourcing: we prioritize ethical, traceable sources; we do not buy materials from illegal extraction or that harm ecosystems.

• Minimum sufficient use: practice sufficiency (no waste), reuse/compost where possible.

• Prohibited: trade of protected species or sacred animal parts.

6) Language, Translation & Meaning

• We respect original languages; where a song/prayer requires the original tongue, it is not translated without permission.

• When translation is offered, we state clearly that the translation is an approximation.

7) Pricing, Access & Economic Reciprocity

• We are transparent about what contributions include (venue, logistics, supports, community donations to custodians).

• We maintain solidarity-priced spots when viable and support for members of source communities or diasporas.

• Give-backs/donations: a portion may be directed to community initiatives (e.g., health, education, reforestation) where active agreements exist.

8) Relationships with Communities & Territory

• We avoid spiritual tourism and privilege structures that exploit cultures or lands.

• Before community visits, we secure formal invitations, responsible itineraries, and local protocols (attire, silence, offerings, no-recording, etc.).

• We do not open community “contacts” to third parties without the community’s consent.

9) Participant Conduct (What We Ask of You)

• Deep respect: attentive listening; do not interrupt prayers/rituals; follow staff and custodian guidance.

• No fetishization/exoticism: avoid stereotypes, mockery, or invasive questions.

• Ask before touching: do not handle sacred items, instruments, altars, or offerings without permission.

• Attire: dress respectfully and functionally; avoid symbols that are not yours to wear.

• Silence & focus: phones on silent; no recording unless permitted; move discreetly when necessary.

10) MKW Team Training & Care

• Staff receive training in cultural competence, consent, non-discrimination, and trauma-informed facilitation.

• We periodically review materials, language, and music to prevent appropriation or negligent use.

• We maintain internal reflection spaces and consult external advisors when appropriate.

11) Red Flags & Limits

• We do not replicate rites without understanding or permission.

• If we identify misuse (copied songs, misused symbols, invented “titles”), we pause and correct.

• Repeated disrespect or discriminatory conduct may result in being asked to leave without refund (see Conduct Guidelines).

12) Communications, Imagery & Marketing

• We avoid sensationalism (“miracles,” “instant shamanism”) and colonial clichés.

• Testimonials: we preserve context and consent; personal experiences are not presented as universal “guarantees.”

• Images: we prioritize dignified, consented photos—no intimate/sensitive scenes.

13) Concerns, Dialogue & Repair

• Any person or community may raise a concern via WhatsApp or email (see Complaints & Feedback).

• We investigate in good faith and implement repair where appropriate (e.g., removing content, public apology, revising agreements, supporting community causes).

14) Links to Other Policies

• Conduct Guidelines: boundaries, consent, consequences.

• Media & Privacy: recording, photos, testimonials.

• Sobriety Policy: focus and safety to honor ceremonial meaning.

• Accessibility & Inclusion: supported participation without diluting cultural protocol.

• Location & Safety: privacy of sacred places and safe logistics.

15) Updates & Validity

• This document may be updated as we learn, dialogue with custodians, and improve practice. The current version is published on our site.

• Material change dates will be indicated at the top.

16) Cultural Respect Contact

• Official WhatsApp (Curaçao): +599 9 523-5214

• Email: info@mamakillaworld.com

• Suggested subject: “Cultural Respect – [Event/Date]”

• If you are a custodian community member or tradition holder and wish to advise, correct, or propose agreements, please write to us.