THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN BRAZIL AND THE HISTORY

OF THE ASHANINKA PEOPLE

(AMAZON BRAZIL)
benkipiyanko@yahoo.com.br
Benki Piyanko Ashaninka & rika Fernandes-Pinto

Brazil, with its expansive territory and varied environments, is considered one
of the world's most biologically rich countries, and is also distinct in its
significant socio-cultural diversity, represented by more than 235 indigenous
ethnic groups and hundreds of other traditional non-indigenous groups.

The indigenous peoples of Brazil, gained acknowledgement of their identities

and the right to demarcate their traditional lands as a result of historical
struggles for territorial and cultural affirmation. These issues were promoted
by indigenous leaders and rubber tappers in the movement known as the
"Alliance of Peoples from the Forest," initiated in the 1980s. These legal rights
have been incorporated into national legislature since 1988, with the advent
of the new Constitution, and they represent a important, collective
achievement.
Today, Brazil holds over 600 demarcated
indigenous territories. However, despite
advances made in the last two decades, there
lacks many concrete operations necessary for
the effective implementation of these
territories. Currently, these areas face major
threats, not only from proposals to change
their legal demarcation, but also from the
negative impact of large-scale infrastructure
construction.

The indigenous people known as the

Ashaninka of the Amnia River live in the
Upper Juru River, in the state of Acre on
the border between Brazil and Peru, in the
heart of the world's largest tropical forest,
the Amazon Rainforest.
This group have been directly participating in this historical struggle, seeking
to not only guarantee the rights of their people but also those of all
indigenous people of Brazil. Similarly, they have built a distinct model for
economic and social development, founded on the value of traditional
knowledge and spirituality, aimed at recognizing the sacred dimension of
nature.
This work intends to illustrate a bit of this history, some current activities, as
well as a few prospects for the future, told from the perspective of one of its
leaders. Since 1992, when the Ashaninka territory was demarcated in Brazil,
there has been intensive environmental recovery actions taken; and equally
intense battles against the actions of illegal loggers, hunters, and narcotics
traffickers.

erikalencois@yahoo.com.br

One of these pivotal actions was the implementation, in 2007, of the

Yorenka tame Center (Forest Knowledge), founded on the experiences
and knowledge of traditional populations. Initiatives such as these have
served as examples for other indigenous people from various parts of
Brazil, as well as reaching significant international recognition. Through
the recovery and appreciation of indigenous cultures and their sacred
values, these and other people are transforming their history and the
history of the country; and together are building a better future for all
mankind.
KNOWLEDGE OF THE FOREST CENTER

Since 2007 doing exchanges between indigenous and local people

and training the new generation

Rescuing and adapting the traditional knowledge, managing and

recovering the forest and rivers, creating food sustainability

Participatory planning and mapping

Brazil and Peru border protection

Organized by the APIWTXA association, the Ashaninka people have built

environmental policies that are now being recognized as original ways of
managing and recovering the forest and rivers; creating food sustainability,
improving environmental quality, and recovering native species. This
organization has generated innovative designs, through their way of working,
turning dreams into reality, and demonstrating a way to live in harmony with
the forest and in partnership with other people.

The Ashaninkas Indigenous Territory culture and nature

How to know more...