Indigenous peoples in Brazil demand resumption of trial on their native lands

The Brasil de Fato portal confirms that the actions will take place in regions and villages, as well as in urban areas, as well as in social networks.

Since last year, the analysis is expected to resume in the Supreme Court on the so-called interim framework, which has been defended by the agribusiness sector and the political and economic sectors interested in exploiting the original assets. The mobilization is regulated by the Expression of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB).

About 150 indigenous people associated with the APIB have been in Brasilia since the beginning of the week, participating in meetings with parliamentarians, STF members and other advocacy actions.

This Thursday they will be at work in front of the Supreme Headquarters. In addition to the capital, there will be face-to-face mobilizations in São Paulo.

The highest court is set to vote on a lawsuit brought by the southern state of Santa Catarina to reclaim land against the Xokleng people, who were evicted from their traditional fishing properties more than a century ago to make way for European settlers.

This petition refers to the indigenous lands of Ibirama-Laklãno, where the Guarani and Kaingang peoples live.

Since 2017, the state has invoked the premise of the temporary framework to claim the territory.

According to this political-legal interpretation, land tenure is guaranteed only to those who can prove that they were in the area on the date of publication of the Federal Constitution, October 5, 1988. In practice, this limits recognition.

In 2019, the STF gave the process a “public reversal” status, meaning that the decision in the case would serve as evidence for the federal leadership and all cases of justice regarding the demarcation procedure.

Failure in court would mean a setback for the rights of indigenous communities. Its design, which may require several hearings, would set legal precedent.

Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro defends this time frame, arguing that too few indigenous peoples live on so much land, hindering agricultural expansion.

For xukuru cacique Ricardo, from the northeast of the country, “The Bolsonaro government wants to eliminate us. If it were up to him, there would be no indigenous people left in Brazil.”

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