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| Makuxi wearing paishara costumes for meeting at Bismark, Raposa Serra
do Sol, Brazil. The meeting with the Minishter of Justice Nelson Jobim,
President of FUNAI Julio Gaiger and State Governor Neudo Campos was to
discuss their land claims. October 1996
© 1996 Fiona Watson/Survival |
In a shocking blow to thousands of Indians, on January 3rd a Supreme
Court judge suspended the official demarcation of the Raposa-Serra do
Sol Indian territory, just a few days before it was expected to be
complete. The ruling has been welcomed by the thousands of ranchers and
settlers who now occupy the area and who have been responsible for
numerous attacks on the Indians.
The decision came at the request of a state senator who is one of the
settlers' most vociferous supporters. Until the judge's ruling, the
territory only needed the signature of Brazil's president formally to
approve or ratify the demarcation. The Indigenous Council of Roraima
are very concerned that the judge's ruling will give the green light
for more settlers to invade the land and commit further acts of
violence against the Indians. All the Supreme Court judges are due to
meet in February to review the verdict.
To find out more about the Makuxi click here
