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THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN BRAZIL AND THE HISTORYOF THE ASHANINKA PEOPLE

(AMAZON BRAZIL)Benki Piyanko Ashaninka & rika Fernandes-Pinto

The Ashaninkas 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 with

the forest and in partnership with other people.

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 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 identities

and 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 the

negative impact of large-scale infrastructureconstruction.

Participatory planning and mapping Brazil and Peru border protection

The indigenous people known as the

Ashaninka of the Amnia River live in theUpper Juru 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 equally

intense battles against the actions of illegal loggers, hunters, and narcoticstraffickers.

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

Yorenka tame 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...

benkipiyanko@yahoo.com.brerikalencois@yahoo.com.br