Sunday

The Pataxó Hã-Hã-Hãe Indians of Brazil are celebrating a Supreme Court decision to allow them to live undisturbed on their land.

The Pataxó, of Bahia state, have been subjected to violent conflict for decades as ranchers have been occupying their indigenous territory.

They have been pushing to be able to live undisturbed on their ancestral land, a right guaranteed to them by Brazil’s constitution and by international law.

After a long judicial battle, Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled this month that the ranchers must leave the area.

The Pataxó sang and danced at a ceremony to welcome the decision. One Indian said, ‘Today our damaged heart is crying with happiness’.

State Deputy Padre Ton emphasized that this land is for the Indians, ‘chased away and evicted by the violence they suffered’.

The Brazilian authorities are now responsible for resettling the ranchers.

*The Pataxó are a native tribe in Bahia, Brazil with a population of about 2,790 individuals. They once spoke the Pataxó Hã-Ha-Hãe language, but now speak Portuguese.

Source


Pataxó Hã Hã Hãe Indians lobby the Brazilian authorities to uphold their land rights

VIDEO

Responses to "Indians ‘cry with happiness’ at Brazilian Court ruling"

  1. Anonymous says:

    Felicitaos, espero que n'a practica todos respetan a sua luta y vitoria, Aqui festejamos con voces

  2. Anonymous says:

    Bravo Brazil! More of the same required NOW around the world.

  3. Anonymous says:

    Very Happy!!!!!!!!

  4. Anonymous says:

    cool

  5. Anonymous says:

    YES!!!

  6. Anonymous says:

    They are not Indian clearly. they are from Brazil.
    Indian: from India; the country west of china, south of russia.

  7. Anonymous says:

    Brazil is moving ahead of the US when it comes to the rights of Native Americans. It is most welcoming our brothers and sisters down south can now live in peace and harmony with Mother Earth.

  8. stephen conn says:

    Implementation of this decision by FUNAI must be monitored closely. Who will do this?

  9. Anonymous says:

    To Anonymous: The words "Indian" and "India" mean "indigenous" and were used by colonists of the early British empire to name both the people of "India" and the continent. The word "indigenous" may come from the hindu god "Indra." All "indigenous" people worldwide may use the word "Indian," meaning they are "of this land," and, in fact, many do. "Native American" means "born in America" and could refer to anyone with that status if taken literally.

  10. Anonymous says:

    Well said....

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