Indigenous people in the Amazon

At 19, an indigenous representative defends his origins and the environment

In Brazil there are about 305 indigenous peoples. Among them, they account for approximately 900,000 people. This represents 0.4% of the Brazilian population. Among them, there are 690 territories of the indigenous population recognized by the government, covering around 13% of the national territory. Only in the Amazon are 98.5% of land margin.

In the Amazon, the most populous tribe are the Tikuna, totaling 40,000 people. In contrast, the minor is composed of only one man who lives in seclusion in a small piece of forest surrounded by farms and plantations. The Amazonian indigenous communities total less than 1,000. Akuntsu, for example, are only four people. As for the Awá, there are 450.

One of the tribes that stand out among many others are Xakriabá. Survivors of the turbulent contact with the pioneers and, more recently, with the ranchers and prospectors of the region. The Xakriabá live on the left bank of the São Franscisco River and in the municipality of São João das Missões, in Minas Gerais. Today, the tribe’s struggle is to expand the land demarcated and occupied by farmers. In addition, the indigenous community seeks to value its origins and culture, especially among the younger part who suffer from the identity and adaptation crisis through contact with society outside the village.

One of the symbols of this community is the young woman Artemisa Xakriabá. Raised within the village with more than 12,000 indigenous people in the municipality of Minas Gerais, Artemisa was leader of Brazilian indigenous youth and today is featured in UN events focused on climate issues. She represented Brazil before international leaders in relation to the recent burnings in the Amazon. Despite the comparison with  Greta Thunberg, another activist famous for the connection with environmental causes, Artemisa Xakriabá sees with bright eyes the possibilities of building a better future from young forces.

 Fruits of The Amazon, like Artemisa, also believes that it is possible to build a bright and sustainable future. Our mission with the reforestation of the Amazon from fruit trees can transform expectations into reality. Supporting local residents in all stages of the process of growing these trees and distributing them, Fruits of The Amazon aims to help young people like Artemisa to develop socioeconomically to build a better and sustainable world for everyone.

Written and edited by: Leonardo Sevilhano