Brazilian Independence Day

September 7 represents Brazilian Independence Day and also the date (in 1969) when the Surui Indians left the forest for the first time and made contact with the outside world. Surui
Chief Almir says that on the date that
marks Brazilian Independence, the Surui lost theirs.

In 2009, to mark 40 years of contact, the Surui were invited for the first time to participate in the traditional Independence Day Parade in Cacoal. Considered a success by all, they were invited back to the 2010 festivities.  The mayor had t-shirts printed marking 41 years of contact, and more than 250 Surui – outfitted in traditional dress – participated in the parade. Both elderly and Surui children participated in force demonstrating different aspects of their culture and history. The last visions of Surui in traditional dress walking the streets of Cacoal are from 40 years ago.

I’ve included a few pictures of the Surui surrounding the mayor of Cacoal and handing him tree saplings from their reforestation project as well as the Surui map of their territory. The mayor raised both items high and praised the Surui for their strength and contributions. This is truly remarkable considering Cacoal has an economy dependent, in many ways, on illegal logging; and that only five years ago, Almir had to flee the region because of his work to stop the illegal logging of the Surui territory.

Like the first Diahui traditional festival, this is a very visual and concrete example of indigenous peoples taking control of their own destiny, changing their fate, and demonstrating that they can thrive.

ACT and its partners are at the heart of many of these results.

Vasco van Roosmalen
ACT Brazil Program Director