Indigenous Resistence
Greetings global family,
Faced with so many challenges that we are experiencing, I decided to encourage a little more dialogue about important issues of our time and publish relevant and instructive articles more frequently. As the articles tend to be longer and more elaborate, I will publish part of them here and in full on the website. I'm starting in the month of April, which in Brazil is celebrated and articulated as the month of Indigenous Resistance, bringing some elements and data for reflection and inspiration.
Not everything is flowers, but not everything is thorns either. In these articles I will try to highlight challenges, but also bring good news. Cultivate hope and encourage concrete actions that can engage us in regenerative solutions
Speaking about indigenous resistance, the most official data we found indicates that in the 16th century, when the colonizers arrived in Brazil, we had approximately 2,500,000 individuals. The 1998 report, which resulted in a publication marking the 500th anniversary of the “discovery of Brazil”, indicated that there were around 302,000 individuals. Unfortunately, what we can observe is a reality of persecution, depopulation, a lot of pain and a great battle for survival. Unfortunately, even after all this massacre, the persecution continues to this day.
In Brazil, we can say that attacks remain active uninterruptedly:
Temporal Framework: Bolsonaro Government Bill that is still being processed in Brazil trying to revoke the right of indigenous people to the Lands where they have lived for millennia
Timber companies: We see constant invasions of people and companies murdering and killing indigenous people within their lands to exploit wood, among other resources
Dams: In Brazil, several hydroelectric projects were carried out, altering territories and forcing migrations
Loss of Culture: Since the arrival of indigenous colonizers, they have suffered from the introduction of religions, languages, customs and worldviews that aim to delegitimize their ancestral knowledge and practices. In addition to the loss of their territories, which are closely linked to the preservation of Culture.
Among many other challenges that threaten their existence, which I will not dwell on today.
For more information on indigenous resistance, I recommend the Text by Sônia Guajajara and Eloy Terena, where they discuss in detail the challenges faced by different peoples and how indigenous people have been acting to resist. We will explore more about this topic in future articles.
Follow the link:
https://apiboficial.org/2022/12/30/retrospectiva-2022-resistencia-do-brasil-indigena/
I also highly recommend the following publication, available in Portuguese, English and Spanish, which provides an international overview of resistance actions, as well as pointing out concrete forms of engagement.
https://apiboficial.org/publicacoes/
This year the twentieth edition of Acampamento Terra Livre (Free Earth Camp) will be held, one of the active milestones in the struggle for the right to life, to territories and a manifestation of the strength, colors, spirit and ability to articulate the indigenous peoples of Brazil. The event takes place every year in the country's capital, where thousands of indigenous people, from different ethnicities and regions of the country, gather in a camp in one of the main squares in Brasília. This year it will take place from the 22nd to the 26th of April. This is a great opportunity to learn more about traditions, struggles, leaders, participate in various activities and also support the cause. We will have the presence of thousands of individuals and hundreds of ethnicities. In Brazil, despite persecution and extermination, resistance continues and what still remains is immeasurable wealth and strength.
I will be present at the camp, and I will be very happy to meet you! I also leave here the link with complete information about the event. If you want to know more, you can get in touch and we will do our best to answer your questions and support you in any way possible!
https://apiboficial.org/atl2024/
I wish to share some more good news and express the following:
The indigenous contribution in Brazil and the world is of great value to our society, nature and humanity. These people helped us domesticate many plants that are important to our lives and have been caring for and cultivating nature for millennia. I personally have already received healings and knowledge that transformed my life.
The simplicity and connection with nature, the ability to observe, the nobility of heart, the development of tribalism and other efficient, creative and inclusive governance systems. The practice of cooperation, combined with its simple, direct and experimentable philosophy, has helped humanity understand the meaning of life. His medicines have won the world over and today are helping to cure countless diseases. And there are many more important contributions and foundations that we will gradually develop and share together.
If there is an important word for me, which I value and learn from indigenous traditions and example, it is called Respect. Respect for life, respect for existence, for the coexistence of diversity. Respect for all creation and the right to exist. Respect and care for nature. If we don't respect and value those who feed us and the natural environment we are part of, what we are doing in this existence? What future can have a humanity that sees the Earth as a source of resources that can be transformed into merchandise for the generation and appropriation of wealth achieve?
According to the UN, even though they represent only 5% of the world's population, indigenous peoples preserve around 80% of the world's biodiversity in their territories. This stems from his worldview, which is not limited to seeing only what is within our reach, but goes much further.
In the current context of climate change and an urgent need for regenerative actions, ancestral knowledge and way of life has an indisputable, urgent and necessary role and relevance. I recommend everyone seek out more information about ancestral wisdom and ways of life, I'm sure you will be surprised and have the possibility of expanding your perception of life in many ways.
“Tropical forests are the most efficient terrestrial barriers against the advance of climate change. Without us, there will be no Amazon; and, without it, the world as we know it will no longer exist. Because we are the Amazon: its land and biodiversity are our body; its rivers flow through our veins. Our ancestors not only preserved it for millennia, they helped cultivate it. We live in it and for it. And over the centuries, we have given our own lives to protect it.”
There are many things to talk about... and little by little we will have the opportunity to continue delving deeper... I will be attentive to continue producing small introductory articles on various topics related to ancestry, resistance, wisdom and indigenous worldview, among others. In addition, I will also be presenting several initiatives and concrete action proposals where you can get involved and be part of important solutions for humanity and the globe.
And, for those who don't know, at the end of 2023, Ailton Krenak was elected the first Indigenous member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters. His inauguration, however, took place last week, April 5, 2023. Krenak is an example of determination, overcoming, wisdom, creativity, insight, assertiveness, among others. Professor, writer, journalist, environmentalist, leader and activist for the indigenous cause, author of several books, he is a notable indigenous person who brings a very important contribution and message to our times.
I am very happy with the news and celebrate this victory of ancestral traditions. I leave below the Instagram link of the dear, great Ailton Krenak for those of you who want to delve deeper and get to know this old man full of wisdom.
https://www.instagram.com/_ailtonkrenak/
“Life goes through everything, through a stone, the ozone layer, glaciers. Life goes from the oceans to dry land, crossing from north to south, like a breeze, in all directions. Life is this crossing of the living organism on the planet into an immaterial dimension.” Ailton Krenak
Bye Bye Familly. With Joy and Hope.