Indigenous groups throughout Costa Rica are anxious to gain access to better housing, education, nutrition, and health care. By helping them to acquire educational and health resources, build houses and schools, and to develop new markets for indigenous products, the CRHF is working actively to make this dream a reality.

Objectives

Our main objective is to support these indigenous groups as they improve the physical quality of their lives while ensuring that the uniqueness of their heritage and culture is protected. Through CRHF support, these indigenous populations have built schools, visitor centers, and are producing unique crafts that are sold in Costa Rica and internationally.

To date, the CRHF has worked with Cabecar, Huetar, and Bribri indigenous communities. Although these populations have survived for centuries without outside intervention, many of their community leaders have come to realize that their people could have a better quality of life if they could access the services offered by government agencies.

Health, Education, Development & Cultural Preservation

Being able to solve chronic health problems such as asthma, parasites, malnutrition and relatively high rates of infant mortality as well as being able to reduce the illiteracy rate, enhance educational opportunities and engage in community development are a high priority.

At the same time, the groups that the CRHF works with wish to preserve their traditional culture, their unique relationship with nature, their language, their gender equality, and their oral history, which could be overwhelmed once they increase contact with the outside world.

Indigenous Games

In 2024 we became involved in the Ancestral Indigenous Games. This was the fourth annual games which showcased some of the  traditional indigenous games and culture. This included bow and arrows, log chopping, running and other games. There was also traditional meals, arts n’ crafts and ceremonies.

The CRHF was able to secure funds thanks to the generous donations of businesses and individuals who support our efforts. We provided mattresses for the attendees and athletes, food and drinks, and financial support to the general games.

We look forward to continuing to support and grow this activity to a regional and international level.