Today, 19^th of April, National Day of the Indian in Brazil and the last day of the Encampment Terra Livre (Free Land), finally President Lula of Brazil installed the National Commission on Indigenous Politics (CNPI).

 

The creation of this commission is an old claim of the indigenous movement. 20 Indigenous leaders and four representatives of entities of the civil society will consider lines of direction for the indigenous politics of the federal government and will follow the law projects.

Lula declared that he hopes that the government as well as the indigenous peoples will take their responsibility from this moment.

 

Besides this success, the Ministry of Justice signed today also the declaration of seven indigenous lands[1], which can be seen as victory for the long struggle of the indigenous peoples. They finally can live at their traditional lands. Many times after years and years of waiting.

 

Since last Monday 1000 indigenous peoples are camping in front of the Congress in Brasilia. The Encampment Terra Livre is happening for the third time. There are discussions, debates, cultural presentations and manifestations, to consider solutions for the main problems of the indigenous communities, to put pressure on the federal government, and to denounce the violations of their rights. Tuesday there was a protest in memorization of the murder of Galdino Pataxo Hã Hã Hae in 1997 in Brasilia. Galdino was put on fire by five young people, when he was sleeping at a bus stop. Today there were also hearings at the Senate and at the Supreme Court.

 

The 1000 Indians are returning to their indigenous areas today.

 

 

CIMI, Missionary Council on Indigenous Issues

Brasilia, 19^th of April 2007