Friday is Indigenous Peoples Day in Brazil, and tribal leaders and activists used the occasion to criticize the left-wing government of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for falling short on promises to safeguard native land rights.
On Thursday, the Brazilian government announced the demarcation of Aldeia Velha, land of the Pataxó people, in the northeastern state of Bahia, as well as the territory of the Karajá people in Cacique Fontoura, Mato Grosso.
“Since the beginning of the current government, 10 areas have been regularized out of a total of 14 routed for approval,” the government said in a statement. “The act reaffirms the focus of the federal government on the protection and respect of Indigenous peoples.”
However, Indigenous peoples were anticipating the demarcation of six new territories. Lula acknowledged their disappointment.
“I know you are apprehensive and expected the demarcation of six Indigenous lands. But now we only announce two. And I’m being real with you,” he said.
Os povos indígenas possuem direito sobre seus territórios ancestrais que é originário, aí o nosso presidente vem dizer que tem que ouvir governador para demarcar? A quem compete a demarcação de terras indígenas presidente? Estamos cansados de promessas. https://t.co/XNBHjjWd8q
— Ariene susui (@ArieneSusui) April 19, 2024
“Some of this missing land is occupied either by farmers or peasants,” the president explained. “We cannot arrive without giving these people an alternative. Some governors asked for time to resolve, in a........