The Indigenous Guardians of Brazil's Raposa Serra do Sol

Raposa Serra do Sol, home to the Macuxi, Wapichana, Taurepang, Patamona, Sapará, and Ingarikó peoples in Roraima, Brazil, spans almost two millions hectares. It is one of the most significant demarcations of Indigenous land in Brazil and is larger than some countries. Sixteen years after official recognition of Raposa Serra do Sol, the struggle is to keep the territory free from illegal invaders. Over 290 Indigenous leaders dedicate their lives to protecting this land and its people, equipped with wooden batons, radios, cell phones, and drones. 

In the Eren Mutan Ken community, a late afternoon in May paints a radiant landscape. The village is located at the border with Guyana. more than 300 km from Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima. A monitoring post organized by Indigenous people features a makeshift cabin covered with a blue tarp and a Brazilian national flag flying high above. Indigenous agents and leaders watch the comings and goings of passers-by, while children play soccer around the way. This scene encapsulates the struggle on one hand and an attempt to preserve a community's future on the other.

Inside the maloca, a traditional longhouse house covered with palm leaves, a banner reads: “For the future of our children and the defense of the environment. We will fight to the death!!” This phrase, according to Ronaldo Pereira André, the Macuxi people’s tuxaua, or traditional leader, is an answer they carry within themselves to face constant threats. Tuxaua Ronaldo is part of the Indigenous Territorial Protection and Surveillance Group (GPVITI), formally created six years ago in response to anti-Indigenous policies being promulgated by the government of right-wing former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. However, members of GPVITI, including young people, women, and traditional leaders, have been active in protecting their lands since 2011. Back then, they were known initially as inspectors, overseers, and community guardians. Their activities range from protecting assemblies and Indigenous meetings to combating environmental crimes, which contribute to the self-determination and well-being of future generations of Indigenous people in the region.

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This story was produced with support from the Earth Journalism Network. It was first published in Amazônia Real on July 24, 2024. It has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Banner image: From a hill, members of the Eren Mutan Ken community greet their home / Credit: Wey Tenente.