Putanny Yawanawá is the first woman of her people to become a pajé (shaman) and one of the main female spiritual leaders of the Yawanawá nation. Daughter of the legendary leader Tuin Kuru, she and her sister Hushahu were pioneers in receiving the highest spiritual initiation from the elders, paving the way for other women to follow this sacred path. For this break from tradition, which strengthened Yawanawá culture, Putanny and her sister were recognized with an official commendation from the Brazilian Senate.

To earn her leadership position, she faced prejudice and a rigorous initiation process, becoming a spiritual fortress of noble presence who sings, prays, applies rapé, and receives spiritual guidance. She currently organizes spiritual retreats in the Sacred Village. In addition to her work in the village, Putanny was the host of the 5th Indigenous Ayahuasca Conference and participated in previous editions of the event.