The maracas won’t stop
Indigenous leaders feel Lula hasn’t said anything about the so-called timeframe thesis because he’s afraid of Congress. As a result, they are promising continuous mobilization
Can Lula keep his promises to Indigenous peoples?
At the Free Land Camp in Brasilia, Brazil’s president stated that he “would not leave any Indigenous land without demarcation,” but so far, he has ratified only six of the 251 Indigenous territories now in the process, while he has inherited an agency of Indigenous affairs 1,200 employees short and is governing under enormous pressure from a Congress where the majority are anti-Indigenous
Narco-miners challenge government in Yanomami territory
In a single week, at least 14 people were murdered inside the indigenous territory, including a member of Brazil’s largest criminal organization – First Capital Command (PCC). In retaliation, the faction has sent out a message telling its members to target police and federal agents.
Where is the navel of the world?
To launch Francy Baniwa’s book, celebrated as a “literary event,” flames were reignited at the National Museum, in Rio de Janeiro—this time, for the purpose of hosting memories as part of a twelve-hour vigil conducted by Ailton Krenak. Those who lived this experience will never forget it.
Indigenous youth exert influence during Free Land Camp
Groups have emerged among different communities to address issues ranging across education, health and LGBT+ rights. This year’s Terra Libre gathering was an arena for the young to show they are active and connected to their ancestors. SUMAÚMA photographers Matheus Alves and Fernando Martinho captures their vitality in images
Pastures reach uncontacted territories, and other stories
A two-minute round-up of the best Amazon news stories on the Internet.
Land Women, Seed Women
They have moved to the front line of the indigenous movement and now occupy central positions in the federal government. For indigenous women warriors, the defence of territory is the defence of life and their own bodies. At the 2023 edition of the Free Land Camp, they demanded a national policy to combat violence against indigenous women and began to organize a national rally in September. SUMAÚMA records this historic moment with pictures taken by our photographers Matheus Alves e Fernando Martinho
Undefended
defenders
Flooded homes, food insecurity, restricted access to health care, and no prospects for the future—this is the undignified situation for people who defend the Amazon from powerful enemies while enduring death threats and receiving insufficient protection from official programs
Bolsa Família must change if it is not to aggravate Yanomami hunger
The Lula government wants to expand registration of the social welfare program in indigenous lands, but this alone will not be enough. The system of cash transfers must be adapted to the realities of different indigenous peoples. Without this, it could cause more misery and violence.
For a solution to the world water crisis, look to the Amazon
Stronger indigenous rights, greater protection of headwaters and fewer dams should be part of any global deal on water.
