Entrevista: 'O melhor é acabar com a Funai', diz indigenista exilado na Itália

Summary

The speaker reflects on their deep involvement with the indigenous rights cause in Brazil, beginning at a young age and working within FUNAI. They detail the challenges faced, including government corruption, threats, and personal tragedies, such as the murders of colleagues Bruno Pereira and Dom Philips. The speaker criticizes the leadership of FUNAI under Marcelo Xavier, accusing him of serving agribusiness interests that harm indigenous communities. They express disillusionment with past administrations, particularly Dilma Rousseff's, and suggest that the organization may need radical reform or even abolition to better protect indigenous rights in Brazil.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on their long-standing involvement with indigenous rights, starting at the age of 13, and their career at FUNAI.
• 😀 The speaker shares their experiences working with indigenous groups in Mato Grosso do Sul and confronting deforestation and illegal logging activities.
• 😀 The speaker describes the corruption in FUNAI, particularly during the presidency of Michel Temer, leading to their removal after protesting against the mismanagement.
• 😀 Under Bolsonaro's government, indigenous land invasions and illegal occupation surged, alongside an increase in crimes against indigenous people.
• 😀 The speaker recounts threats made against their life, including a police officer pointing a gun at them and the assassination of close colleagues and indigenous leaders.
• 😀 The speaker filed a report detailing these crimes to the Brazilian Congress and sought diplomatic asylum in Norway due to increasing threats.
• 😀 The speaker describes the challenges faced by FUNAI and its declining effectiveness in the face of political pressures, especially under the Bolsonaro administration.
• 😀 The speaker acknowledges that under Lula's government, significant progress was made in indigenous rights, including the demarcation of Raposa Serra do Sol.
• 😀 However, the speaker criticizes Dilma Rousseff's presidency for aligning more closely with agribusiness, which is seen as an enemy to indigenous causes.
• 😀 The speaker condemns the brutal treatment of indigenous leaders, referencing an incident where a FUNAI leader was beaten by a military officer, highlighting the moral decline of the institution.
• 😀 The speaker questions whether reforming FUNAI is possible, suggesting the possibility that it may be beyond repair and that a new approach might be necessary for the future of indigenous rights in Brazil.

Q & A

What was the speaker's first involvement with Indigenous causes?

The speaker's first involvement with Indigenous causes began at the age of 13 or 14. This early connection eventually led to a career with FUNAI, where they started working in Indigenous affairs.

What was the significance of the demarcation of Raposa Serra do Sol during Lula's presidency?

The demarcation of Raposa Serra do Sol was a landmark achievement during Lula's presidency. It represented a major victory for Indigenous rights in Brazil, affirming the protection of Indigenous lands and sovereignty.

How did the administrations of Dilma Rousseff and Michel Temer affect Indigenous rights?

Under Dilma Rousseff, the focus shifted away from Indigenous rights as agribusinesses gained more influence, which negatively impacted Indigenous communities. Michel Temer's government continued this trend, deepening the erosion of Indigenous protections.

How did the leadership of Marcelo Xavier under Bolsonaro's government affect FUNAI?

Under Marcelo Xavier's leadership during Bolsonaro's presidency, FUNAI underwent a significant shift. The agency moved from protecting Indigenous rights to enabling land invasions and illegal logging, exacerbating violence against Indigenous communities.

What personal threats and tragedies did the speaker face during their time working with FUNAI?

The speaker faced increasing threats, including being exonerated from their position for protesting corruption. They were also personally targeted with violence after witnessing the murders of colleagues and Indigenous leaders like Maciel and Paulo Paulino Guajajara.

Why did the speaker seek asylum in Norway, and how long did they stay there?

The speaker sought asylum in Norway after fearing for their life due to the escalating violence and threats. They lived in Norway for over two years as they were unable to return to Brazil, where their life was at risk.

How did the Bolsonaro administration's policies impact the protection of Indigenous lands?

The Bolsonaro administration's policies, particularly under Marcelo Xavier, facilitated the destruction of Indigenous lands. The government promoted illegal land grabs, deforestation, and the exploitation of resources, undermining any efforts to protect Indigenous territories.

What was the speaker's view on the potential future of FUNAI under the current political climate?

The speaker expressed doubt about the future of FUNAI, suggesting that it may need to be dismantled due to its complicity in the destruction of Indigenous rights. They noted that reforming the agency would require a significant shift in political will, which seemed unlikely under the current political climate.

What is the speaker's opinion on the relationship between the agribusiness sector and Indigenous rights?

The speaker views the agribusiness sector as an enemy of Indigenous rights. Under presidents like Dilma Rousseff and Bolsonaro, the agribusiness sector gained significant influence, leading to policies that undermined the protection of Indigenous lands and facilitated exploitation.

What does the speaker believe is needed for real change in the fight for Indigenous rights in Brazil?

The speaker believes that real change requires a shift in political will, with a government that prioritizes the protection of Indigenous communities and their lands. They emphasize the importance of exposing the truth, demanding accountability, and continuing support for those who defend Indigenous rights despite the risks.