Tiago Paes Vilas Boas was born in the ancestral lands of the Guarani people, now known as São Paulo State, Brazil. This region, once a thriving forest, takes its name from the Paubrasilia echinata tree, which was nearly driven to extinction within the first few decades of colonization. These lands were originally called Yby Marã E’ymam, or Land Without Sorrows, but over the past 500 years, sorrow has deeply entrenched itself, and peace has been elusive.

In his youth, Tiago realized he could not escape conflicts with the police, in his work, and with the state. The violence of colonial systems juxtaposed with the compassion of the many communities he belongs to, led him to facilitate reciprocal and organic relationships between individuals, communities, and nature for more than a decade. He has sought to weave wisdom and an intercultural worldview, learning from indigenous elders around the world to facilitate processes of change, design organic solutions, and foster reciprocal and learning relationships.

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