In July 2024, Chief Dadá Borari, head of the Treesistance Forest Guardians program, led a vital training session with the Pajurá community of the Tupinambá people. Located along the Tapajós River in the municipality of Santarém. The Tupinambá are known for their strong resistance and leadership in protecting their lands and culture.
The training brought together over 20 participants, including men and women of all ages. They learned essential skills in territorial defense, map creation, and fieldwork using mobile phones and GPS cameras. This initiative, supported by members of the Maro Indigenous Territory, was designed to equip the community with tools to safeguard their territory from growing threats.
A History of Struggle and Resilience
The Tupinambá people of the Lower Tapajós inhabit the Tapajós-Arapiuns Extractive Reserve (Resex), established in 1998 to counter threats from logging companies. Approximately 20 of the 70 Indigenous villages in the area belong to the Tupinambá. Despite their resilience, they have faced historical challenges in asserting their identity and land rights. Missionary activities and the devastating Cabanagem conflict, which wiped out up to 40% of the population in Grão Pará, almost erased their presence. This led many to believe that Indigenous groups in the region had vanished.
The creation of the Resex allowed the Tupinambá to reclaim their identity and demand the demarcation of their ancestral lands as Indigenous territory. This recognition would transform the current classification of the area and grant them greater control over their land.
Ongoing Threats and the Fight for Recognition
However, progress in officially recognizing Indigenous territories within the Resex has been slow. Frustrated by the delays, the Tupinambá began self-demarcating their lands in 2017. Their goal is to protect 350,000 hectares of traditional territory. They face numerous challenges, including large infrastructure projects such as the paving of the BR-163 highway, the Teles Pires-Tapajós Waterway, and the Ferrogrão railway. These projects, designed to transport commodities, threaten to disrupt their lands and way of life.
Illegal mining poses another serious risk. In 2019, illegal deforestation in the Tapajós region reached record levels, with 10,500 hectares of forest destroyed. The Covid-19 pandemic worsened the situation, leaving Indigenous communities more vulnerable and reducing state oversight.
Building a Stronger Future
This training marks a significant step forward in strengthening the Tupinambá’s ability to defend their lands. With the support of Treesistance and with the a special thanks to Nordeq Management, a Danish advisory firm (who sponsored the formation), the community is building a network of Indigenous forest guardians dedicated to protecting the old growth forest in this region.
The determination and courage of the Tupinambá people are inspiring. Their efforts to safeguard their culture and territory against all odds serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and self-determination. Together, they are building a brighter future for their community and the generations to come.
