1st Meeting of the Forest Peoples

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

25/03/1989

First meeting of the Alliance of The Forest Peoples, with music and speeches by indigenous peoples of the Amazon and sustainable sustainable rubber tappers. Themes: the communities' expectations regarding the creation of sustainable extractive reserves and health and education programs, the imposition of the white way of life, violence experienced and death threats, the slave system imposed on indigenous people and sustainable rubber tappers, the importance of uniting to defend rights.

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – Closing party and interview with Ailton Krenak

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

24/02/1989

In the first part of the recording, indigenous songs are heard at the closing party of the Altamira Meeting. This is followed by an interview with Ailton Krenak translated into English about the Jaburu project on the Pimental Barbosa indigenous land. Aspects of Xavante culture such as food, the importance of the shaman and dreams for the community. He says that the devastation of the cerrado is changing the indigenous way of life. He discusses the issue of dams and says that "stopping rivers is like stopping the veins that run through the human body". He also talks about the importance and function of dreams for the community.

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – Final Document

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

24/02/1989

Paulo Paiakã, Ailton Krenak and Jorge Terena read the Altamira Indigenous Declaration in Kayapó, Portuguese and English, respectively. The text, which was distributed to the press, contains the following ideas: "The indigenous nations of the Xingu and other regions of Brazil say that mother nature must be respected. They advise against destroying the forests and rivers that they consider to be their brothers and sisters. They don't want dams to be built on the rivers of the Amazon, because they are a threat to indigenous nations and riverside peoples....." Marcos Terena says Milton Nascimento will join the struggle. Congressman Tadeu França reads out the letter from the parliamentarians to the indigenous peoples from the Altamira meeting, with their full support for the indigenous struggle. It emphasizes that it will be up to the national congress to translate into law the conditions for the development of the Amazon and the sustainable use of its resources. They invite indigenous peoples and Brazilian society as a whole to debate hydroelectric dams in the Xingu and the Amazon in general in the National Congress.

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – Interview with Guarani and Kaingang tape 19

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

27/02/1989

Ailton Krenak interviews Adriano Guarani, from Okoy territory. Adriano describes the situation of his territory after the Itaipu hydroelectric dam was built without prior notice and consent. He speaks about the resistance, that they live on a small piece of land, with no fish in the rivers and no animals to hunt, that FUNAI has declared that there are no indigenous people present. He talks about the discussions with the World Bank, which is responsible for financing the Itaipu project. He talks about illnesses and the struggle of his people to be able to occupy the Iguaçu National Park as guardians of this forest reserve. Augusto Kaingang talks about the indigenous areas threatened by dams and the peoples who have already had their territory flooded. He claims that Eletrosul promised compensation, but that so far they had received nothing. Finally, he emphasizes the need to fight for indigenous rights and lands.

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – Interview with Guarani and Kaingang tape 19

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

27/02/1989

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – Meeting between leaders and representative of the Sarney government – milestone 20

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

20/02/1989

Meeting with Fernando César Mesquita, the government representative, who promised to report the conversation to the president of the republic. He talks about the demarcation of 32 million hectares of indigenous land, which still needs to get out of the paper and be implemented. He also discusses the Kararaô power plant project, the socio-environmental impact of the work and the influence of developed countries in bringing the project to fruition. He says that indigenous peoples should be consulted and that an environmental impact report should be drawn up. Fernando talks about the opponents of the indigenous movement and the withdrawal of gold miners from Roraima. An unidentified man talks about land regularization and that demarcated areas are being invaded. Ailton Krenak talks about Romero Jucá's role at FUNAI, highlighting the lie he told that 43 million hectares had been demarcated by José Sarney.

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – tape 11

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

22/02/1989

Altamira meeting with speeches from various indigenous leaders from Brazil and other countries, politicians, government representatives and environmentalists. Megaron Kayapó, director of the Xingu Indigenous Park, talks about the importance of the meeting in Altamira. He says he is against the construction of the Kararaô dam and highlights how the peoples of the Xingu will be affected by the works. Salomão Santos talks about FUNAI's work in the Arara, Asurini and Parakanã areas and reports on the construction of a road in this territory. He talks about the invasion of the Arara land by squatters and loggers. He comments on the struggle for the demarcation of Parakanã land and says he is opposed to the Xingu hydroelectric complex project. Arthur Virgílio Neto comments on the construction of the Balbina plant and points out that the people affected by the project were not consulted. From 00:38:58 onwards, it is the same content as tape 11.

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – tape 12

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

22/02/1989

Altamira Gathering. Haroldo Lima speaks about the Constituent Assembly and the need to consult indigenous peoples before carrying out projects such as the Kararaô dam. Congressman Aldemir Andrade emphasized the importance of the Altamira meeting. A representative of the Lakota ethnic group in the USA (name withheld) talks about US indigenous policy, the legal case brought against his community and the importance of listening to the indigenous movement and the role of the media in spreading the message of the indigenous peoples. Genaro Dominguez Maldonado, a Mexican indigenous leader, explains the situation of the communities in his country and expresses the commitment of the Mexican indigenous people to the struggle of the Brazilian indigenous peoples, comments on the issue of mining and the need for the peoples to control their patrimony.

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – tape 13

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

23/02/1989

Altamira Gathering. A representative of the European Parliament (name withheld) spoke about the activities of multinationals in the Amazon, the need for Brazilian statesmen to support the indigenous struggle and defend the forests, European colonialist practices and the murder of Chico Mendes. Lawyer Paraguassu Eleres talks about Brazil's foreign debt, international interference and foreign countries' support for the country's military dictatorship. American anthropologist Darrell Posey highlights the importance of the Altamira meeting and talks about the Brazilian and global environmental movement. Lucélia Santos criticizes Fernando César Mesquita's speech, the government and the dam projects. She says that the indigenous leaders are showing ecological alternatives for Brazil, which must find another energy policy for the country. Alberto Esmeraldi, a representative of Friends of the Earth, talks about his organization's work in Malaysia, reports on Paiakã's visit to European countries, the USA and Canada, and about the protest in London against the financing of dams by the World Bank. Mário Juruna and Payaré Gavião speak out.

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – tape 14

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

23/02/1989

Altamira Gathering. Paiakã speaks in his language, Kubei says he doesn't approve of the dam project. Pitu Kayapó talks about his school experience in Altamira, about the lack of knowledge of whites about the indigenous reality, about the impact of the dam on the Xingu River. Kayapó leader talks about the socio-environmental impacts of dams, contamination and the disappearance of fish and game. Kayapó chants. Pedro Tikuna talks about the situation of his territory, threats and violence. Adriano Guarani reports problems in his flooded area in Paraná. Gilberto Macuxi talks about dams, mining, invasion. English Senator talks about supporting the struggle of indigenous peoples. Paraguassu Eleres and Marcos Terena.

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – tape 15

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

24/02/1989

Altamira Gathering. José Lutzemberger talks about the Europeans' concern about the indigenous issue, the devastation of the Amazon and the climate change resulting from the destruction of the forest. Indigenous chants Payakã Kayapó explains why the indigenous people cry with emotion when they meet fellow indigenous people from their communities again. He announces the names of several leaders and politicians who will take part in the debate. Davi Yanomami talks about his territory, the invasion of gold miners and the socio-environmental impacts of mercury use. The Calha Norte project comments on FUNAI's inefficiency and demands that the miners be removed. Raoni's speech, translated by Payakã. He talks about the fight struggle against white people, the difficulty but the persistence. History of the struggle, defense of the people and the territory, if the whites don't stop the project we'll go to war with them. Eliane Potiguara asks for a minute's silence in honor of Marçal Tupã.

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – tape 16

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

24/02/1989

Altamira Gathering. Mário Juruna says he is against the construction of the Kararaô dam and comments on the situation of the region flooded by the Tucuruí plant. He says that dams are crimes against indigenous peoples. Socorro Gomes, a PCdoB council woman, highlights the importance of defending indigenous women and accuses the Brazilian government of handing over the country's wealth to foreign capital. Father Renato reads a telegram of support from Switzerland. He claims that the Kararaô plant will not provide energy for the population of the Xingu and that the project favors the interests of multinational companies. A CIMI representative highlights the influence of the indigenous movement in the drafting of the Brazilian constitution and denounces persecution and expulsions from indigenous areas. Fábio Feldmann and Octávio Elísio highlight the historic nature of the 1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of the Xingu and talk about the influence that indigenous peoples had on the drafting of the Brazilian constitution. Lutzenberg says that the indigenous people are fighting for humanity. He denounces the fact that external forces are plundering the Amazon and comments on the internationalization of the region. It warns that the destruction of the forest will have serious consequences for the planet's climate.

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – Tape 2 Press Conference

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

20/02/1989

Opening of the 1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of the Xingu with a press conference. Ailton Krenak talks about the objectives of the Altamira meeting and the fact that invited authorities were not present (such as President Sarney). He discusses the changes to indigenous ways of life if the dam is built and emphasizes that the Altamira meeting is a form of consultation with indigenous peoples. Marcos Terena reports on press access to the indigenous camp in Altamira and reads out the list of authorities invited to the meeting. Payakã says that the indigenous people are going to stop the dam from being built and about the manipulation that foreigners are doing to Brazilians. On his opinion of the demonstrations against the Altamira meeting, he talks about his expectations for the aftermath of the event. He also highlights the activities of international companies, mainly mining companies, in Amazonian territory.

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – Tape 3 Opening Ceremony

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

20/02/1989

Indigenous chants; Presentation of authorities and leaders

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – Tape 4 – Opening Ceremony

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

20/02/1989

Altamira Gathering. Eliane Potiguara, Prepori Kayabi, Kokonura Kayapó and Kokoreti Kayapó talk about their rejection of the construction of the dam and their concern about the socio-environmental impacts it will generate. Davi Yanomami talks about the fear of dams polluting the rivers, killing fish and scaring off game animals, and also highlights the invasion of gold miners into Yanomami territory. Camilo Viana emphasizes that the whites are committed to fighting with the indigenous peoples. Armindo Dendarin speaks about the importance of the Altamira meeting and says he hopes that the demands of the indigenous peoples will be heard. Fernando César Mesquita talks about the importance of respecting indigenous peoples and preserving forests. Presentation of chants José Antonio Muniz, a representative of Eletrobrás, explains how the research for the construction of the plants is carried out. His speech is interrupted by Utê, Tuíra and Kanhon Kayapó speaking out against the construction of the dams. In this audio you can see the tension caused by Tuíra Kayapó's protest when she accuses the Eletronorte representative of lying and puts a machete to his face.

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – tape 5

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

21/02/1989

The Altamira meeting attended by representatives of Eletrobras/Eletronorte trying to explain the reasons for the project and indigenous leaders opposed to the destruction of territories by the construction of dams putting forward their opinions and arguments.

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – tape 6

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

21/02/1989

Meeting to discuss the project to build the Kararaô power plant in the Volta Grande do Xingu region. Muniz, representing Eletronorte, spoke about the work proposals delivered to the communities that will be affected by the dam and the fact that the company had not entered areas that unauthorized by FUNAI. João de Castro, a resident of Altamira, talks about the lack of clarity in the company's work; Fábio Feldmann criticizes the dam project. A representative of the Pastoral Land Commission talks about the situation of the Parakanã indigenous people who were removed from their homes for the Tucuruí hydroelectric plant; Maria de Jesus, president of the Jacundá Rural Workers' Association, talks about the impacts of the Tucuruí plant and demands responsibility from Eletrobrás/Eletronorte; Lucélia Santos highlights the strength of the indigenous movement and talks about the need for the Brazilian government to change its energy policy.

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – tape 7

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

21/02/1989

Altamira Gathering. Raoni's speech, translated into Portuguese. Sting talks about the importance of indigenous peoples and the Amazon rainforest, says that he will meet President Sarney to discuss these issues and that he will start an international campaign to raise funds for the defense of the Amazon and indigenous peoples. He announces the creation of the Mata Virgem foundation and reports on his experience with the Kayapó. Series of short interviews with young leaders about Sting and his fight on behalf of Brazil's indigenous peoples. Xavante and Kayapó chants. Chief Celestino returns to the issue of the dams. Leaders are called to form a panel for debate. The first to speak is Idjarruri Karajá, who provides information about the construction of a dam in the Serra da Mesa region that will affect the Avá-Canoeiro population.

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – tape 8

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

22/02/1989

Altamira Gathering. Henrique Suruí talks about the dam construction projects in Rondônia and the socio-environmental impacts of the works. Enis Kaingang brings information about the construction of dams in the Uruguay basin by Eletrosul. Tuxaua Terêncio Macuxi from Roraima talks about the project to build a dam between Yanomami and Macuxi territory and the destruction of indigenous culture and ways of life. Manuel Xavante says that Brazil is indigenous land and for this reason he does not accept the construction of power plants. Davi Yanomami criticizes the Sarney government and reports on the situation of his territory, which has been invaded by gold miners. Father Renato reads a telegram of support sent by Pope John Paul II. Fernando Cesar Mesquista, representing the government, speaks and is booed by the indigenous people present at the meeting.

1st Meeting of the Indigenous Nations of Xingu – tape 9

Blazing trails, Topic: Alliances

22/02/1989

Altamira Gathering. Payakã talks about the trial he suffered and the possible reaction of the Brazilian government to the meeting of indigenous nations, reads a telegram of support from the metalworkers of Pará and talks about his discussions with international banks about the release of funds for projects on Brazilian indigenous lands; Daniel Paresí talks about Brazil's constitution and the government's obligation to respect communities; Waldemar Xerente talks about the construction of dams on his territory and respect for indigenous rights; Cipassé Xavante talks about the construction of the Tucuruí Hydroelectric Plant and affirms the importance of support like that of Sting; Martim Munduruku expresses his support for the Kayapó people and talks about the socio-environmental impacts related to the construction of power plants; Isaías Krixi talks about the projects in the Tapajós basin; Payaré Gavião criticizes Eletrobrás/Eletronorte, Anísio Kaiabi talks about the struggle against the dams in Mato Grosso do Sul and the need for the government to guarantee indigenous rights.

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Alliances

Here are audio recordings that reveal alliances between peoples and cultures for the affirmation of traditional ways of life and the protection of territories. It includes the Altamira Meeting, the Alliance of the Forest Peoples, the Embassy of the Forest Peoples, and cultural partnerships such as the one with Milton Nascimento.