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| Karapiru Awá, Posto Tiracambu, Caru, April 2000
© 2000 Fiona Watson/Survival |
Xavante Indians blockaded a national highway in Mato Grosso state to
draw attention to the devastating impact of soya cultivation on the Rio das
Mortes river basin. On 25 May, they stopped all traffic in the town of
Novo Xavantina from crossing the bridge over the Rio das Mortes, a major river which flows by four Xavante territories.
The demonstration marks the beginning of a national and international
campaign by the Xavante Warã Association to conserve and restore
the Rio das Mortes river basin. The campaign
seeks to protect
lands and water sources that the Xavante depend on for their physical
and spiritual livelihood. According to the Warã Association,
despite some confrontations, much of the local population expressed
support for the Xavante's campaign to benefit the region's environment
and Xavante culture. Representatives from the Federal Highway
Police supported the effort and respected the Xavante's programme for
the day, which included ceremonies such as a log relay-race, singing
and dancing, and pre-determined openings for traffic to cross the
blockaded bridge.
Click here to download background information on the protest (pdf)
