Dear friends, a genocide is unfolding in our country, Brazil. Our government is destroying us indigenous peoples, our country’s first people. In the name of profit and power, our land is being stolen, our forests burned, our rivers polluted and our communities devastated. Our uncontacted relatives, who live deep in the forest, are being attacked and killed. Our government is axing the protection of our land, it is changing the law to allow agribusiness and mining to take over, and it is trying to silence our opposition. This is the most aggressive attack we have experienced in our lifetimes.
But we won’t be silenced. We do not want the riches of our land to be
stolen and sold. For as long as we can remember, we have looked after
our lands. We protect our forest, as it gives us life.
We indigenous brothers and sisters of more than 200 different tribes are
coming together in protest. From the heart of the Amazon rainforest, we
are crying out to you. At this time of emergency, we need you. Please
tell our government that our land is not for stealing.
Please help us! And help our planet.
Davi Kopenawa Yanomami, Yanomami leader and shaman
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Subject: Stop the attack on indigenous peoples
Your Excellency,
Your government is putting indigenous peoples’ lives and lands in extreme danger.
I am outraged by the proposed bills and constitutional amendments, including PEC 215, which could block the protection of indigenous territories, and escalate violent land conflicts which are already killing Indians nationwide.
And I am extremely concerned that you are holding back funding for the government teams protecting uncontacted tribes’ land from invasions. Their presence is often the only barrier to the genocide of indigenous people.
I urge you to ensure immediately that your government upholds Brazilian and international law and protects the lands of indigenous peoples nationwide.
Sincerely,