American Indian and Indigenous Studies

Indigenous Peoples and Partnerships in the Brazilian Amazon

UF American Indian and Indigenous Studies and the Department of Anthropology invite you to a public conversation with Chief Afukaka Kuikuro, Paramount Chief of the Kuikuro Nation in the Territorio Indigena do Xingu in central Brazil. Chief Afukaka and his heirs will discuss their views on collaborations with archaeologists, anthropologists, linguists, and other scientists over the past three decades, and the hope that continuing partnerships will inform solutions for the pressing problems of their community: deforestation, ecosystem degradation, catastrophic drought and wildfires, water pollution, and public health.

Chief Afukaka’s oration will be in Kuikuro and Portuguese, translated by Kalutata and Amuneri Kuikuro, his son and grandson, and Portuguese, translated by Helena Lima (Museu Goeldi).

The conversation with Chief Afukaka is preceded by a short introduction by UF Anthropology Professor Michael Heckenberger on collaborative projects over 30 years, partnered with Brazilian collaborators from the Museu Nacional (Rio), the Museu Goeldi (Belem) and the Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia (USão Paulo). This deeply engaged research collaboration brings to light many of the past cultural achievements of Indigenous Amazonian peoples, challenging the widely held view of pristine nature and primitive societies, and the resilience of descendant communities. Dr. Helena Lima will provide an overview of new directions in this collaborative project, particularly considering recent changes in Brazil under President Lula.

Refreshments to be provided.