Brazil's treatment of Indigenous Peoples

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• The contemporary political history in general of Brazil
• The history of the Indigenous Peoples of Amazonia

New President of Brazil Will Have to Face Anti-Indian Interests

CIMI—Indianist Missionary Council, Newsletter, 5 January 1995. Cardoso has not announced his Indianist policy so far, but several measures must be taken to solve the problems which Indians have been facing for centuries: the demarcation and guarantee of Indian lands, which economic, political, and military groups have been resisting.

Brazilian government threatens Indian rights

Indianist Missionary Council (CIMI), Newsletter, 11 May 1995. Whether demarcation of Indian lands to ensure private property rights is adjudicated or constitutionally based.

CAPOIB takes a stand against changes in Demarcation Decree

Cimi Newsletter No. 161, 2 June 1995. The Brazilian government should not promote any amendments to decree 22/91, which provides for the procedures to be adopted in the demarcation of Indian lands. The participation of private individuals and corporations in the administrative procedure for the demarcation of Indian lands will cause serious consequences to Indian peoples.

Brazilian government recognizes slave labor

Indianist Missionary Council—CIMI, Newsletter, 8 June 1995. Government finally admits the existence of Indian slave labor.

Supreme Court legitimates illegal municipalities: Decision violates indigenous rights

CIMI Newsletter no. 236, 14 November 1996. One of the worst judicial decisions against indigenous peoples. On 7 November, the Supreme Federal Court rejected the Unconstitutionality Suit filed against the creation of the municipalities of Uiramuta and Pacaraima, whose administrative headquarters are located inside the Raposa/Serra do Sol and Sao Marcos indigenous areas, in the state of Roraima.

Government tries to deny negotiation over Raposa/Serra do Sol area

Indianist Missionary Council—Cimi, Newsletter, 22 May 1997. Political corruption: in exchange for votes, mining lands excluded from demarcation as Indian land.

Karaja Indians are exploited by alcohol

Institute Centro de Vida, 16 July 1998. The Indians are being assaulted by counterband activists of the region who contract the Indians to capture fish, turtles etc., in exchange for drink. A large percentage of the Indians are addicted to alcohol (brief).