The VI Free Land Roraima Camp ended after five intense days of mobilization and debate, with the participation of more than 800 indigenous people from different regions and peoples.
The event, which was consolidated as a milestone in the struggle for the rights of indigenous peoples, reaffirmed unity and resistance as fundamental bases to guarantee the life and good living of communities. This year, the ATL in Roraima took place in the regions of Amajari, Serras, Itacutu and São Marcos, on different dates.
During the camp, plenary sessions were held that addressed important topics such as territorial protection, violence against women, autonomy, sustainability, management and public policies, as well as health and education.
The massive presence of the youth highlighted the commitment of the new generations to honor the legacy of traditional leaders, who dedicated their lives to the indigenous movement in the fight for fundamental rights.
"Youth are very important in the Free Land Camp. There are young people who are here for the first time, but there are also those who participate from the first camp. They are the ones who are on the front line, taking on the legacy of our traditional leaders. That's what ATL is, a true school," said Raquel Wapichana, coordinator of the Gabriel Ferreira Indigenous Youth Department of the CIR.
Among the discussions, one of the central points was dissatisfaction with the results of the forensic examination on the death of Gabriel Ferreira, an indigenous leader who became a symbol of the struggle for justice. During a political act, young people expressed repudiation of the reports presented by the State Civil Police and demanded justice for the case.
"We are here fighting for justice in Gabriel's case, asking the State to investigate his death further. The movement also brings other demands, such as invasions in our territories, illegal mining, pollution of streams, among other demands," said Paulo Ricardo, deputy tuxaua general of the CIR.
The Free Land Camp in Roraima took place in the indigenous community of Mangueira, in the Amajari region, in parallel with the Free Land Camp in Brasília. The collective mobilization reinforced that the union and determination of young people and indigenous leaders are a clear sign that resistance is the essence of the indigenous movement, which seeks a fairer future for all peoples.
"The ATL/RR is the essence of the struggle, resistance and the search for justice, always echoing our voices. And happening here in the territory is essential to strengthen us and tell everyone in the indigenous movement that we cannot forget our bundle of sticks, which represents unity and resistance," said Professor María Betânia.
At the end of the event, a letter with the collective demands of the indigenous movement in Roraima will be delivered to the competent bodies, with the expectation that the demands will be met. The main demands include: ensuring security for leaders and communities fighting for their rights; renovating and building schools that meet the needs of indigenous students; and access to adequate and quality health services.
The event was attended by the departments of the Indigenous Council of Roraima: Communication, Rutî Indigenous Fund, Youth, Department of Territorial and Environmental Management and Climate Change (DGTAMC), Department of Territorial Surveillance and Monitoring, in addition to part of the organization's executive coordination.
The VI Free Land Roraima Camp reaffirms the struggle of the indigenous movement, which remains resistant in the defense of the territory and in the guarantee of the rights of indigenous peoples.
Text: Helena Leocádio
Photos: Gisele Wapichana, Daniel Wapichana, Marciel Wai Wai and Wey Tenente/Communicators of the Wakywaa Network of the Regions of: Amajarí, Itacutú and Wai Wai.