THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN BRAZIL AND THE HISTORY OF THE ASHANINKA PEOPLE
(AMAZON – BRAZIL)Benki Piyanko Ashaninka & Érika Fernandes-Pinto
The Ashaninka´s Indigenous Territory – culture and nature
Organized by the APIWTXA association, the Ashaninka people have builtenvironmental policies that are now being recognized as original ways ofmanaging and recovering the forest and rivers; creating food sustainability,improving environmental quality, and recovering native species. Thisorganization has generated innovative designs, through their way of working,turning dreams into reality, and demonstrating a way to live in harmony withthe forest and in partnership with other people.
“KNOWLEDGE OF THE FOREST CENTER”
Since 2007 doing exchanges between indigenous and local peopleand training the new generation
Rescuing and adapting the traditional knowledge, managing andrecovering the forest and rivers, creating food sustainability
Brazil, with its expansive territory and varied environments, is considered oneof the world's most biologically rich countries, and is also distinct in itssignificant socio-cultural diversity, represented by more than 235 indigenousethnic groups and hundreds of other traditional non-indigenous groups.
The indigenous peoples of Brazil, gained acknowledgement of their identitiesand the right to demarcate their traditional lands as a result of historicalstruggles for territorial and cultural affirmation. These issues were promotedby indigenous leaders and rubber tappers in the movement known as the"Alliance of Peoples from the Forest," initiated in the 1980s. These legal rightshave been incorporated into national legislature since 1988, with the adventof the new Constitution, and they represent a important, collectiveachievement.
Today, Brazil holds over 600 demarcatedindigenous territories. However, despiteadvances made in the last two decades, therelacks many concrete operations necessary forthe effective implementation of theseterritories. Currently, these areas face majorthreats, not only from proposals to changetheir legal demarcation, but also from thenegative impact of large-scale infrastructureconstruction.
Participatory planning and mapping Brazil and Peru border protection
The indigenous people known as theAshaninka of the Amônia River live in theUpper Juruá River, in the state of Acre onthe border between Brazil and Peru, in theheart of the world's largest tropical forest,the Amazon Rainforest.
This group have been directly participating in this historical struggle, seekingto not only guarantee the rights of their people but also those of allindigenous people of Brazil. Similarly, they have built a distinct model foreconomic and social development, founded on the value of traditionalknowledge and spirituality, aimed at recognizing the sacred dimension ofnature.
This work intends to illustrate a bit of this history, some current activities, aswell as a few prospects for the future, told from the perspective of one of itsleaders. Since 1992, when the Ashaninka territory was demarcated in Brazil,there has been intensive environmental recovery actions taken; and equallyintense battles against the actions of illegal loggers, hunters, and narcoticstraffickers.
One of these pivotal actions was the implementation, in 2007, of theYorenka Ãtame Center (Forest Knowledge), founded on the experiencesand knowledge of traditional populations. Initiatives such as these haveserved as examples for other indigenous people from various parts ofBrazil, as well as reaching significant international recognition. Throughthe recovery and appreciation of indigenous cultures and their sacredvalues, these and other people are transforming their history and thehistory of the country; and together are building a better future for allmankind.
How to know more...
[email protected]@yahoo.com.br
Recommended
