Historic moment strengthens the struggle and leadership of indigenous youth, who resist in defense of life and sacred territory..
With the theme"In mourning and in struggle, we will resist! Saving lives and protecting the territory."”, the program of the XI State Assembly of Indigenous Youth of Roraima began on the morning of this Monday (21), in the Indigenous Community of Camará, Baixo Cotingo region, in the Indigenous Land Raposa Serra do Sol, with songs, traditional dances and presentations by the delegations.
Organized by the Gabriel Ferreira Indigenous Youth Department of the Indigenous Council of Roraima (CIR), the assembly is a space for training, dialogue, exchange of experiences and articulation between young people, leaders and indigenous organizations.
The meeting brings together young people from different peoples and representatives from the 11 ethno-regions of the State, who participate in debates about the reality of indigenous youth, with regional reports, presentations of projects developed at the grassroots level, and discussions about the progress of the Department of Indigenous Youth.
Throughout the five days of programming, participants will strengthen the spirit and leadership of indigenous youth, who remain resilient even in the face of recent challenges and losses of young leaders.
During the welcoming speeches, the CIR's vice-chief, Paulo Ricardo, delivered a message of reflection to those present, highlighting that, despite the difficulties, challenges, and losses, young people should continue to pursue their dreams.
“This assembly is a milestone in the history of indigenous youth in Roraima and has a very clear objective: it is a moment to strengthen our spirit and our leadership. It is a moment for dialogue, to share about the personal challenges that you, young people, are going through as young leaders. I came here to strengthen myself along with you. We cannot give up on our lives or our dreams. Even if, at times, we have challenges, giving up is not an option, because that is not what my leaders taught me. I bring this reflection: we must take advantage of every moment, every second, and never give up on life.”concluded the CIR's deputy general chief, Paulo Ricardo.
Alcebias Sapará, executive coordinator of the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB) for the Amazon region and one of the pioneers of the youth movement, highlighted that young people must remain firm, continuing the struggle of traditional leaders, without abandoning the joy of youth, despite facing grief.
“The essence of youth is joy. We are a reference for struggle and resistance, but I missed the songs and dances. Our assembly is joyful, alive, and that is in you. Although we are facing mourning, we need to be joyful and we will strengthen our assembly until the end, together.”reflected Sapará.
“I thank the traditional leaders who are present here supporting the youth, we need your support, you strengthen us as young people, thank you to our partners and supporters who are also here. This assembly means a lot to us and represents what we are going through, in mourning and in struggle, we will resist and we continue to resist, saving lives and protecting territories.”said Rachel.
The key to the Camará Community was symbolically handed over to Raquel Wapichana, coordinator of the Gabriel Ferreira Indigenous Youth Department, who conducted the official opening ceremony of the 11th State Assembly of Indigenous Youth of Roraima and welcomed all those present.
Those participating in the opening included the executive coordination of CIR, represented by the vice-chief Paulo Justino; the executive coordinator of the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB), Alcebias Sapará; representatives of the Federation of Indigenous Organizations of the Rio Negro (FOIRN) and the Association of Indigenous Peoples of the São Marcos Land (APITSM); guests Natália Mapuá and Victor Pataxó; and supporters Ícaro Lavoisier, UNICEF specialist on indigenous affairs, and Raoní Beltrão, national officer for Just Transition at the International Labour Organization (ILO), as well as students and community residents.
The assembly continues until September 25th, with debates, presentations, workshops, and activities aimed at strengthening the indigenous youth of Roraima. Among the topics are: strengthening the indigenous economy and sustainability; indigenous organizations and partners; an institutional plan for the defense and protection of indigenous youth within the territories; sharing experiences and tools for struggle in different spaces; social and political organization regarding climate; indigenous rights; early pregnancy in adolescence; violence against children, adolescents, young people, and women; and project management and construction, among other topics.