The main theme of the largest national indigenous mobilization, which took place in Brasília and various regions of Brazil,"The indigenous future is today; without demarcation, there is no democracy."He highlighted a central issue for the physical, cultural, and ancestral survival of indigenous peoples: the demarcation of indigenous territories.
In Roraima, the indigenous peoples gathered for five days (24th to 29th) in the central square of Boa Vista, at the Ovelário Tames Memorial, to reinforce to the Brazilian State the pending issues regarding the demarcation of indigenous lands in the State, which have accumulated since the last government, which did not demarcate a single millimeter of land in the country. On the contrary, it encouraged invasions and violence against the peoples in their territories.
In the current context of the resumption of indigenous and indigenist policy in Brazil, whose central agenda is the demarcation, recognition, and restudy of lands that were affected by an unjust demarcation process lacking the necessary technical and anthropological qualifications, it is also necessary to reinforce that demarcation is an obligation of the Brazilian State and a recognition of the original rights of indigenous peoples, and to protect and ensure respect for all their assets, as guaranteed in our 1988 Brazilian Federal Constitution.
Roraima has 46% of its lands covered by indigenous peoples, more than 80,000 indigenous people, and a diversity of indigenous groups with different cultural contexts and realities. Thanks to the struggle and resistance of indigenous peoples for over 50 years, these ancestral territories have returned to their rightful owners, but this does not mean that everything is resolved, as there are historical issues, such as indigenous lands that were left out of the demarcation process, others needing recognition and study, and even those that need further study during the homologation process.
There are 36 indigenous lands in Roraima, 32 demarcated and officially recognized, 23 pending re-evaluation, and 4 awaiting demarcation, such as the following indigenous territories: Arapuá (Alto Cauamé), Lago da Praia and Anzol (Murupu), Pirititi (southern part of the state).
The position of the current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, even reaffirmed during his visit to the 52nd General Assembly of Indigenous Peoples of Roraima, at Lago Caracaranã, that his commitment is to resolve territorial issues in the country, has bothered the political class, mainly in the state, and has further motivated the use of spaces of power, such as the Federal Chamber and Senate, to express their displeasure and affront to the original rights of indigenous peoples guaranteed in the Constitution, arguing that "Roraima does not need more demarcations".
Faced with a scenario of attacks, opposing positions, and even prejudiced demonstrations that attempt to discredit our struggles, we declare that the decision and position regarding what is best for us, indigenous peoples, is solely ours, and we will continue the fight and resistance for our original rights and the well-being of indigenous communities.
At the same time, we repudiate any and all hate speech, attacks, and falsehoods about the indigenous peoples of Roraima, which, instead of defending and upholding the Constitution, attempt to regress and fuel invasions and violence against indigenous peoples.
Democracy begins with respect and appreciation for the indigenous peoples of Brazil and respect for the Constitution. Because without land demarcation, there is no democracy!
"Brazil is indigenous land, Roraima is indigenous land."
Boa Vista, May 5, 2023.
Indigenous Council of Roraima.