Campaign to Save the Guaporé Valley (03:20)

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Cristina Dos Santos Alves explains the indigenous region's ecological, biological and cultural importance as a transition zone between the Amazon Forest and Cerrado. Deforestation infringes on indigenous land. Indigenous supporters, ecologists, environmental organizations and researchers are meeting to form a proposal.

How much Land in the Amazon and Rondonia has Been Destroyed? (05:41)

As of 1988, 10% of the Amazon and 25% of Rondonia had been deforested. Expanding soy plantations infringe on Nambiquara land. Alves says monoculture destroys Cerrado biodiversity and degrades the soil without long-term economic benefit—a "predatory" form of progress.

Cultural Sensitivity (03:30)

Alves discusses cultural misunderstandings between indigenous and white Brazilians. For instance, one doctor working on the Nambiquara reserve failed to recognize the maternal-infant relationship. Alves questions FUNAI's training and staffing policies.

FUNAI Issues (04:16)

Alves discusses overcoming cultural and gender barriers to become Chief of Post. She believes the next generation of staff members lacks dedication to tribes. She explains how indigenous people develop an incomplete understanding of Brazilian culture and society.

Indigenous Education (03:12)

Alves argues that literacy is not always an appropriate starting point; the educational process should be continuous. Tribes would benefit from seeing more aspects of Brazilian culture and society, for instance, showing videos of industrial manufacturing.

Jacutinga's Story (04:45)

Alves talks about a Nambiquara man who ran away with a Waiquicu woman, wandered around the Cerrado for years, and had a son with a cleft palate. Alves assisted the family to get nutritional and medical help, including surgery.

Did They Use Orange Defoliant Here? (07:44)

Alves suspects that farmers and ranchers sprayed Tordon to clear the forest; cases of birth defects coincided among indigenous groups and Tordon containers were photographed in the Sarare River. Tribes hate Panicum grass but are gradually becoming used to cows.

Infringements on Indigenous Land (03:40)

Beginning in 1960, logging roads were built into Nambiquara territory, leading to confrontations between squatters and tribes. FUNAI is unable to protect indigenous livelihoods as deforestation increases.

Economic Productivity for Indigenous Groups (04:19)

Alves says some cultivation should be allowed on the Cerrado, but it should not change the ecosystem. A Rio Doze dam was approved for the Nambiquara reservation without community approval. The Brazilian government must accept the indigenous decision-making process.

Namiquara Unity (05:15)

Religion is the base of Nambiquara culture; tribes are spiritually developed. They use a barter economy to maintain peace and conflicts arise over territorial invasions for missed payments. Place of origin forms part of the individual identity.

Inter-tribal Relations (06:31)

Marriage is the foundation of Nambiquara kinship; men live with their wives’ families. Alves discusses a controversial arranged marriage between the Wasusu and Hahaitesu that ended in violence with a white man's weapon. The conflict remains unresolved.