Hundreds of Indigenous people in Brazil marched in the capital, covered in body paint and bearing images of animals, to protest a proposed constitutional amendment that could impact land allocations. The bill, supported by the agribusiness caucus, suggests that Indigenous peoples must have physically occupied claimed land or be legally fighting to reoccupy territory by the date of the Constitution's promulgation on Oct. 5, 1988.
Indigenous rights groups argue that this deadline is unfair as it does not consider historical expulsions and forced displacements of Indigenous populations during Brazil's agricultural expansion in the 20th century. They fear that the proposed amendment could lead to the suspension of Indigenous land demarcations, escalate socio-environmental conflicts, and increase deforestation.
Following a Supreme Court ruling rejecting the deadline concept in September 2023, pro-agribusiness lawmakers are pushing for congressional approval of the deadline. The Indigenous movement and political parties have appealed to the Supreme Court, which has yet to issue a ruling on the matter.
Indigenous leader Alessandra Korap expressed concerns about the interests of mining companies, ranchers, and oil companies in Indigenous lands, emphasizing the potential destruction of lives if the bill passes. The proposed constitutional amendment, authored by Sen. Hiran Gonçalves, aims to provide legal certainty and settle the issue definitively, according to the senator.
Dinamam Tuxá, head of the rights group Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil, warned that if the bill is approved, it could have severe consequences for Indigenous communities, leading to increased conflicts and deforestation.
The Indigenous march in Brasilia serves as a powerful demonstration of their resistance against the proposed constitutional amendment and their determination to protect their ancestral lands and rights.
