The Konashen Amerindian District contains one community populated primarily by the Wai- Wai people. In addition, Masakenari meaning “mosquito place” in the Wai- wai language, was established in 2000 when flooding forced the community to move from its previous location at Akotopono 6 km north – east of the present community of Masakenari. The Wai- wai people have a rich culture and history and continue to maintain their cultural heritage and practices.

The Konashen Amerindian district is also known as the “Community Owned Conservation Area (COCA). The Wai- Wai people have absolute title to their land and have an elected Village Council.

COMMUNITY PROFILE
NameMasakenari (Konashen District)
Satellite/sNone
Region9
Area of Land650,000 hectares
Titled/UntitledTitled
Name of ToshaoPaul Chekema
Total Number of Councillors4
Number of CSO’s17
DEMOGRAPHICS
Total Population 224
Number of households43
1 st LanguageWai-wai
ReligionEnglish
Means of communicationRadio/ internet
Means of Electricity Solar power
Types of transportationWalking, small aircraft, canoe ,out board engine
Nearest Town or Village for marketing linkages Aishalton
ECONOMY
Major economic activitiesCraft production, village farm, guest house
SCHOOL
Name of Nursery schoolNursery Department
Number of nursery school students13
Name of Primary schoolKanoshen Primary School
Number of primary school students60
HEALTH FACILITY
Type of Health FacilityHealth Post
Health PersonnelCommunity Health Worker
Source of WaterWells
BUILDINGS
Other Main BuildingsPrimary School, COCA office/ Village Office, Church buildings, Teachers Quarters, Health post Community benab, rest house, Women’s training centre, Village kitchen
INFRASTRUCTURE
Other Infrastructure Airstrip
EQUIPMENT
Other Equipment Solar pump
GROUPS
List of Social Groups and ClubsMasakenari Women’s Group, Pheewu Youth Club